East African Connection: Ethiopia Trains 50 Rwandan Air-Force Technicians

The unity and corporation within East Africa is one that needs to be emulated across the African continent. It is a common occurrence in Africa for countries to send their military professionals to Asia and Europe for training even when such training and certifications can be obtained in other Africa countries.

This is largely as a result of that these countries do not want the feeling and conception that they were trained by a fellow African country. They see it as a thing of pride to boast that their troops received training from outside the continent.

Well, it appears East African nations have decided to change the narrative and indulge in exchange programs that will benefit the various countries and undoubtedly save them a lot of cash.

The Ethiopian state media yesterday reported that 50 Rwandan technicians have successfully graduated from Ethiopia’s Airforce Aviation Academy after the foreign students were trained for two years.

According to the report, the Rwandan technicians have graduated with diplomas from Ethiopia’s Bishoftu Airforce Base, which is located on the South-East of Addis Ababa.

Quoting the Ethiopian Air force commander, Brig. Gen Yilma Medassa, the media agency said the academy had been building its capacity over the years to train both locals and foreigner students and that the graduation of the fifty technicians from Rwanda has proved that they are capable of delivering on their mission.

“This academy has been continuously working hard to train qualified, committed and disciplined military pilots and technicians by building its capacity. We are also working to modernize our airforce and are delighted to train you.

"I hope that when you go back home, you will be our ambassadors by promoting the goodwill of our Academy and Ethiopia in Rwanda,” he said.

On his part, Rwanda’s Airforce Commander, Maj Gen Charles Karamba, speaking after the graduation of the technicians said he had witnessed first-hand the growing capacity of the Ethiopian Airforce Academy and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ethiopian government and the management of Bishoftu Airforce Base.

“You came here to acquire knowledge and skills; we believe that this has been achieved. We are happy that you have got the necessary knowledge and skills from your Ethiopian brothers and sisters. And this will strengthen the cooperation between Rwanda and Ethiopia,” he said.

It is on record that the Ethiopia Airforce Aviation Academy currently trains over 500 local and foreign professionals at different levels.

This is a welcome development, don’t you agree?