The Senegalese Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted recent rumors regarding the closure of its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
An official statement from the Ministry ensures that the Senegalese diplomatic mission is fully operational and continues its active engagement.
As evidence of ongoing diplomatic activities, Ambassador Mohamed Lamine Thiaw, who serves as Senegal’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, held a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Addis Ababa on Monday, July 7. Furthermore, Ambassador Thiaw was scheduled to represent Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, at the African Union Ministerial Committee meeting on Agenda 2063 later that same afternoon.
The Embassy, strategically located on Africa Avenue near the international airport, is considered by Senegalese authorities to be one of their most dynamic diplomatic posts. Ambassador Thiaw, who has been in office since September 2021, also holds accreditations to Djibouti and Eritrea.
Highlighting his significant contributions, Ambassador Thiaw, as the dean of the West Africa Region, chaired the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union from 2022 to 2023. During this period, he notably played a key role in advocating for a permanent seat for the African Union at the G20.
Senegal maintained an active role as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council from 2021 to 2024, holding the monthly presidency in July 2023. As part of this commitment, Ambassador Thiaw led a mission to Burkina Faso aimed at conflict resolution.
The Ministry also underscored the Embassy’s vital function in providing support to Senegalese delegations on mission and offering consular assistance to Senegalese nationals in the region. Moreover, with Ambassador Thiaw’s backing, Professor Babacar Kante is anticipated to be re-elected as a member of the African Union Committee of Wise Men during the Executive Council meeting scheduled for July 10-11, 2025, in Malabo.
Through this comprehensive statement, the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs unequivocally confirms the strategic importance of the Senegalese mission in Addis Ababa to both African diplomacy and broader cooperation efforts.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA