In a bid to expedite efforts to reduce crime, Ethiopia launched the country's first totally unmanned smart police service.
According to Abiy Ahmed Ali, the prime minister of the East African country, the facility, which was unveiled on Monday, would allow individuals to swiftly access police services with the help of technology, including digital channels.
After an official agreement to develop the station employing AI technology was signed back in July 2025, the facility was developed in collaboration with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Following in the footsteps of nations like China and the United Arab Emirates, the government has asserted that the milestone is the first of its type in Africa.
Prime minister Ali underlined that the move supports broader reform efforts under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which aims to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of law enforcement institutions through technology.
By digitising essential services, the institution hopes to increase the overall efficacy of law enforcement, according to Federal police commissioner general Demelash Gebremichael.
He noted that the unmanned nature of the service allows citizens to report crimes, traffic accidents, and other incidents seamlessly, as it removes direct human contact and administrative barriers.
Gebremichael went on to assert that these automated systems are expected to enhance transparency and reduce "uncomfortable interactions" between the public and the police.
He explained: "Today, we launched Ethiopia’s first unmanned police service, or smart police service. This service will enable citizens to access police services more quickly and with the support of technology.
"In addition, the service will help the police take rapid action and streamline crime prevention efforts. The launch of this service will enhance the effectiveness of the reform initiatives started to make law enforcement institutions competent and competitive under Digital Ethiopia 2030.”
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