Treaty between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Socialist EthiopiaThey shall steadfastly promote the development of relations
between countries having different social systems on the basis
of the principle of peaceful co-existence, the broadening and
intensification of the process of détente in international rela-
tions and the final elimination of aggression and expansionist
wars from the life of peoples, in the name of peace, national
independence, democracy and socialism.
Article 6. The High Contracting Parties shall consult each
other on all important international questions affecting the
interests of the two countries. In the event of an attack or the
threat of an attack against one of the Parties, the High Con-
tracting Parties shall immediately hold mutual consultations
with a view to eliminating that threat and taking appropriate
effective measures for the maintenance of peace and the secu-
rity of their countries.
Article 7. This Treaty shall not affect the rights and obliga-
tions of the Parties in accordance with existing bilateral and
multilateral agreements concluded with their participation and
is not directed against any third country.
Article 8. This Treaty is subject to ratification and shall enter
into force on the date of the exchange of the instruments of rat-
ification, which shall take place at Hanoi as soon as possible.
Article 9. This Treaty is concluded for a term of 25 years and
shall be automatically extended for successive 10-year terms if
neither of the High Contracting Parties states its desire to ter-
minate it by giving notice to that effect 12 months before the
expiry of the current term.
Done at Moscow on 3 November 1978 in duplicate in the
Russian and the Vietnamese languages, both texts being equally
authentic.
For the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:
[L. I. BREZHNEV]
[A. N. KOSYGIN]
For the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam:
[LE DUAN]
[PHAM VAN DONG]
4.1406 Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation
between the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics and Socialist Ethiopia
Alliance Members:Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Ethiopia
Signed On:November 20, 1978, in the city of Moscow. In force until
December 25, 1991.
Alliance Type:Entente (Type III)
Source:United Nations Treaty,no. 17975.
SUMMARY
In 1974, Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie was overthrown, and Lt. Col.
Mengistu Haile Mariam who replaced him installed what he called
“Ethiopian Socialism.” With Ethiopia struggling domestically, the
Soviets moved to provide aid and establish ties as a way of increasing
their influence within Africa. Although the USSR had strong relations
with Ethiopia’s enemy, Somalia, the Soviets tried to court both nations
with promises of aid and support, and by 1977, Ethiopia signed a
treaty with the Soviets outlining the “foundation for relationships and
cooperation.”
The Soviets immediately began sending small amounts of arms to
Ethiopia and providing limited military training. This added to the
uncertainty in Somalia, which launched an attack on Ethiopia in the
hopes of capturing territory before the Soviet Union had effectively
armed Ethiopia. Ethiopian forces beat back the Somali attack, how-
ever, and Somalia’s leader, Siad Barre, expelled all Soviet advisers and
diplomats. Barre’s reaction prompted the Soviets to send Ethiopia an
additional $1 billion in weapons.
On November 20, 1978, Ethiopian leader Mengistu Haile Mariam
signed a twenty-year treaty of friendship with President Leonid
Brezhnev of the Soviet Union. The treaty outlined military coopera-
tion between the two nations and mirrored the USSR’s other friend-
ship treaties with African nations. With this treaty, the Soviets had
effectively switched their alliance with Somalia for a stronger part-
nership with Ethiopia, and following ratification, the Soviets
increased again their level of military aid to Ethiopia, which contin-
ued to fight Somali guerrillas in the Ogaden desert and secessionist
forces in Eritrea.
By 1990, Ethiopia and President Mariam were still struggling with
famine as well as war with both the Tigray People’s Liberation Front
(TPLF) and the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF). The Soviet
Union was still willing to continue the alliance but also wanted a
diplomatic solution instead of simply continuing aid. In 1991, political
instability forced Mariam to resign. The Soviet Union collapsed later
that year, effectively ending the treaty.Alliance Text
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Socialist Ethiopia,
Believing that the further development and strengthening of
the relations of friendship and all-round co-operation which
have come into being between them meet the basic national
interests of the peoples of the two countries and serve the cause
of strengthening peace and security throughout the world;
Desirous of making their corresponding contribution to the
development of peaceful relations between States and fruitful
international co-operation;
Determined to advance social and economic achievements
of the Soviet and Ethiopian peoples;
Inspired by the ideals of consistent struggle against imperial-
ism and expansionism as well as against colonialism, racism,
apartheid in all their forms and manifestations and being
guided by the desire to render support to the peoples fighting
for their freedom, independence and social progress;
Reaffirming their adherence to the principles and purposes
of the United Nations Charter, including the principles of
respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interfer-
ence in the internal affairs of each other;
Bearing in mind the Declaration on Basic Principles of
Friendly Relations and Co-operation between the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics and Socialist Ethiopia of May 6, 1977,
and motivated by the desire to consolidate still further these