STORY
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a new cooperation agreement with Ethiopia aimed at curbing illegal migration from the Horn of Africa during a diplomatic visit to Addis Ababa. During her visit on 2 February 2026, Cooper met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos to establish partnerships intended to disrupt criminal gangs and provide economic alternatives to irregular migration.
The new partnership involves direct support from the UK’s Border Security Command, which will provide funding and expertise to help Ethiopian law enforcement tackle the smuggling networks operating in the region. Cooper emphasised that the UK must increase international cooperation with both source and transit countries to address the rising number of migrants attempting to reach Britain.
As part of a broader effort to address the root causes of migration, the Foreign Secretary also signed agreements to support job creation and infrastructure. These include two energy-transmission projects led by the UK investment group Gridworks, which are expected to boost regional economic stability. Additionally, the UK pledged £17 million in funding to address local humanitarian issues, including malnutrition assistance for 68,000 children, support for displaced persons and initiatives to combat violence against women and girls.