The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa hosted on March 28, 2024, an experience-sharing and networking workshop entitled, “Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Political Processes.”  In honor of Women’s History Month and the 120th anniversary of U.S. – Ethiopia relations, the event engaged more than 100 women leaders from Ethiopia’s government agencies, political parties, civil society, private sector, and academia to empower women to become more active and effective players in the political and policymaking landscape.

The workshop was part of a series of U.S. State Department-organized women’s political engagement seminars among women from the Horn of Africa.  It featured National Election Board of Ethiopia Chairperson the Honorable Melatwork Hailu, and Ethiopia’s State Minister for Social Affairs Her Excellency Mrs. Huria Ali Mahdi as keynote guests who shared their vast leadership experiences with current and future generation of leaders.  Chairperson Melatwork said, “As women engage in the political sphere, we must remember something:  never give away your character key.  Be true to yourself and engage in the public sphere boldly.  Ethiopia will benefit from it.”  State Minister Huria said,  “Women must be empowered to engage in Ethiopia’s formal political processes, not just informal ones.  Their involvement improves outcomes and is critical to success.”

Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Gwendolyn “Wendy” Green, who served as the keynote interviewer, praised the lively engagement from a diverse group of women participants saying that “Women’s participation in political processes is a key component of a healthy democracy.  I was inspired by what I heard today.  It bodes well for the future to know women are determined to engage.”

In addition, three women leaders including Mekelle University President Dr. Fana Hagos, National Dialogue Commissioner Ms. Belain Gebremedhin, and Ethiopian Women with Disabilities National Association Executive Director Ms. Dibabe Bacha shared their leadership experience in a moderated panel discussion.  The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa also recognized Dibabe as its 2024 International Women of Courage nominee.

U.S. Ambassador Ervin Jose Massinga provided opening remarks to show the U.S. Government’s support for and solidarity with Ethiopian women and women around the world.

To learn more about the #Ethiopia_US120Years of partnership visit: U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and follow U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa | Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia.

The Portfolio Committee on Transport is saddened by the bus crash which reportedly took the lives of 45 passengers. The deceased were on a church visit from Gaborone to Moria.

The chairperson of the committee, Ms Mina Lesoma, said the committee sends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and fellow congregants.

The bus was reportedly en route to Moira Church in Limpopo when it crashed, killing 45 people. One child survived. The pilgrims travelled from Botswana’s capital Gaborone to attend an Easter service in Limpopo.

“This is a bleak Easter not only for religious South Africans but the entire region. People transporting travelling groups, church people, private family campings, and sporting clubs should be vigilant all the time.”

“Road works that are ongoing should be clearly marked and communicated. It is not an ideal situation to be communicating about road fatalities when we should be happy and in a celebratory mood,” said Ms Lesoma.

Easter is a special time in the Christian calendar and serves as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christianity is largely the dominant religion in South Africa and is celebrated by many black families – many of whom also use Easter to celebrate and perform their traditions and sports.

Ms Lesoma wished all Christians a peaceful and blessed Easter. She also urged authorities to expedite the necessary inter-governmental processes to repatriate the deceased and return their remains to their families. “The urgent task now is that families should be assisted, particularly on issues of state protocol,” Ms Lesoma stressed.

“We will never tire as the Portfolio Committee in calling for caution and responsible driving on South Africa’s roads.”

Ms Lesoma also noted the announcement of the scrapping of etolling in Gauteng. “The Gauteng government must soon come and make a concrete announcement on how they hope to fund the debt that was incurred as a result of the introduction of the Gauteng Freeways Improvement Project. This is particularly important because the National Treasury announcement was clear earlier in the year.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

The President of the Republic, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Friday, March 22, 2024, said he did not come to the presidency for the colorful trappings, the prestige, or the mere title. He stressed that he is here with the commitment and conviction to build a good country that will serve the Liberian people.

He made the bold declaration during the commissioning ceremony of newly appointed and confirmed officials representing various ministries and agencies of the government. He emphasized that donors and partners should respect Liberians and understand that handouts are not their destiny. 

President Boakai is confident that the government, which is two months old, is working according to plans and that the country will move forward. For him, the essence of leadership is to scout people who have an unshakable commitment to their country, who believe in their country, and want to see it move forward. He believes that the officials he has commissioned will be worthy and competent enough to help him realize his vision for a better Liberia. 

He however made it clear that he won’t hesitate to change officials who are not trustworthy or aligned with his agenda of prosperity. President Boakai reminded the newly commissioned government officials of their obligations to the people of Liberia, who elected the government based on the commitment to provide livelihood opportunities for them and to ensure that their children go to good schools, that they have access to good drinking water, good roads, a growing agriculture sector, a functioning economy, and a strong country. 

The President expressed pride in the progress his government has made in just two months in office. He referred to series of meetings the government has held with stakeholders and partners including the energy sector engagement in the interest of providing affordable electricity to the country. 

President Boakai reaffirmed his determination to ensure that the right things are done for the country. 

The officials of government commissioned by President Boakai were the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., Minister of Information Cultural Affairs&Tourism, Mr. Jerolinmek Piah, Minister of Mines and Energy, Mr. Wilmot Paye, Minister of Transport, Mr. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, Minister of Post&Telecommunication, Mr. Sekou M. Kromah, Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mrs. Mamaka Bility, and Minister of State Without Portfolio, Special Services, Mr. Samuel Stevquoah. 

Others commissioned were Director General of the General Services Agency, Mr. Galakpai W. Kortimai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency, Mr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., Director General of the Cabinet, Mr. Nathaniel Kwabo, Brigadier General. Davidson F. Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Director of the Executive Protection Service, Mr. Sam Gaye, Commissioner General of Liberia Immigration Service, Mr. Stephen J.H. Zargo, Director of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Mr. Abraham Kromah, Monrovia City Mayor, Mr. John-Charuk S. Siafa, and Paynesville City Mayor, Mr. Robert Bestman. Commissioner General of Liberia Revenue Authority, Mr. Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner of Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Director General of Liberia Broadcasting System, Mr. Eugene L. Fahngon, Director of Liberia Fire Service, Mr. Warsuwah G. Barvoal, Director of LISGIS, Mr. Richard F. Ngafuan, Director of Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Julius D. Dennis, Jr., Managing Director of Liberia Water&Sewer Corporation, Mr. Mohammed Ali, Director of Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ms. Marilyn T. Logan, Executive Director of National Disaster Management Agency, Mr. Ansu V.S. Dulleh, Chairman of the National Investment Commission, Mr. Jeff Blibo, were commissioned. Deputy Minister for Administration of the Ministry of State Atty. Cornelia Kruah Togba and the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al-Bakri Nyei were the only deputy ministers commissioned. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

The President of the Republic, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today, attended the funeral of the late former Representative of District #9, Nimba County, Honorable Johnson Naagon Gwaikolo, held at the Tubman Memorial United Methodist Church in Paynesville. 

The Liberian Chief Executive eulogized the fallen former lawmaker as a great statesman, lamenting that Gwaikolo’s death is a huge loss, not only to his family and the people of Nimba County, but also to the nation. 

In delivering his tribute at the funeral, President Boakai said that he and Gwaikolo had a long-standing relationship dating as far back as 1992 when they both returned to Monrovia after the cessation of hostilities. 

He recalled that they were part of the Civil Society Organization known as the Movement for the Protection of Liberian Interests, in which the late Gwaikolo distinguished himself as a good man. 

President Boakai spoke highly of Gwaikolo’s achievements and contributions to the nation and people of Liberia. 

He also highlighted the circumstances leading up to the former lawmaker’s death, urging Liberians to join hands with the Government to reposition the country.

The President consoled the bereaved family and the people of Nimba County and prayed for the peaceful repose of Gwaikolo’s soul. 

The late former Representative passed away on February 19, 2024, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital at the age 68. His demise followed a brief period of illness. 

It is worth noting that President Boakai a few days earlier visited the home of the late former Representative following his death to sympathize with his family and signed the Book of Condolence at the National Legislature.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.