Addis Ababa, April 7, 2026 (FMC) — President Taye Atske-Selassie has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Ethiopian diplomat Konjit Sinegiorgis, describing her as a distinguished figure in Ethiopia’s foreign service.
In a message shared on his social media account, the President said he was profoundly saddened by her death and emphasized that she would be remembered for her significant contributions to both Ethiopia and the African continent in the field of diplomacy.
“I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Ambassador Konjit Sene Giorgis, a doyenne of Ethiopia’s modern diplomacy. We remain forever grateful for her role in the founding of the OAU and the subsequent transition to the AU,” he noted in a post to social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
He highlighted Ambassador Konjit’s long and dedicated career, noting her reputation as a diligent and steadfast diplomat who combined wisdom, professionalism, and leadership throughout her decades of service.
“More than her vast achievements, it was her unyielding love for Ethiopia and the African cause that defined her,” the President said.
The President further underlined that Ambassador Konjit’s guidance and mentorship had left a lasting mark on Ethiopia’s diplomatic community, inspiring generations of diplomats and shaping the country’s international engagement.
He added, “Konjit was the companion we leaned on for wisdom, and she will be remembered for her impeccable service and held in the highest reverence.”
Other senior government officials, multilateral organizations, and Ethiopians across the country have also expressed their sorrow over her passing, acknowledging her pioneering role and the enduring impact of her work on Ethiopia’s diplomacy.
Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis, who passed away today while receiving medical treatment, joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 1950s and served in senior diplomatic posts in Ethiopia’s missions in Ottawa, Cairo, Tel Aviv, and Vienna.
She also represented Ethiopia in multilateral institutions, including as Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and contributed to regional peace efforts through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-led South Sudan peace process.