US Reaffirms Enhanced Security Cooperation with Ethiopia to Advance Regional Peace

Addis Ababa, July 10, 2026 (ENA) —US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga reaffirmed the United States' commitment to working closely with Ethiopia to promote regional peace and stability.

Speaking at the International Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF) in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Massinga underscored the importance of stronger security cooperation in addressing evolving threats across East Africa.

The increasingly interconnected nature of global security challenges, including terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats, and human trafficking—requires robust institutional collaboration and sustained information sharing, the ambassador noted.

Massinga ambassador stressed that strengthening security institutions is a fundamental pillar for ensuring sustainable peace and stability in Ethiopia and across the wider region.

He also reaffirmed his country’s  interest in deepening its long-standing partnership with Ethiopia, particularly in the areas of technology and security, while emphasizing transparency and accountability as guiding principles of the bilateral relationship.

 

Lawmakers, intelligence officials, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations from across the world gathered in Addis Ababa for the two-day Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum.

Hosted by Ethiopia's House of People’s Representatives, the forum brings together parliamentarians from several countries, heads of intelligence and security institutions, senior cybersecurity specialists, representatives of international financial institutions, and technology companies to deliberate on emerging global security challenges.

Ethiopia was selected to host the gathering in recognition of its strategic diplomatic role in Africa's peace and security architecture, as well as its growing leadership in digital transformation and technology governance.

The country is the second African nation, after Kenya, to host the international forum.

 

Addressing participants, Ambassador Massinga noted that today's security threats are increasingly global, interconnected, and rapidly evolving, making international cooperation more essential than ever.

He observed that parliamentarians have a vital role to play in strengthening national and regional security by enacting effective legislation, allocating adequate resources, and fostering cross-border cooperation.

The ambassador added that timely information sharing remains indispensable in combating transnational cybercrime, terrorism, and human trafficking.

Massinga further cautioned that opaque agreements and surveillance-related arrangements can pose risks to governance and national sovereignty, calling for harmonized legal frameworks, stronger law enforcement cooperation, and enhanced cross-border data sharing.

Reiterating Washington's commitment to its partnership with Ethiopia, the ambassador said the United States stands ready to deepen cooperation in addressing shared regional and global security challenges.

For his part, U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger told ENA today that the forum provides Ethiopia with an important platform to present its leadership's vision and priorities to the international community.

 

He pledged continued support through technological cooperation and legislative engagement, emphasizing that democratic governance, innovation, and institutional resilience are essential drivers of economic opportunity, job creation, and long-term peace and stability.