Sources close to the situation have revealed that Sileshi Bekele (PhD), who served as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the US, has stepped down from his position. The Ambassador decided to retire from public service to pursue a career in the private sector as an expert in hydraulics and hydro engineering.
Sileshi assumed the role after serving as the minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy, as well as the chief negotiator and advisor to the Prime Minister on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and transboundary rivers. He commenced his ambassadorial duties in Washington in 2022.
Sileshi is widely recognized for his unwavering position on disputes related to the GERD during negotiations with the governments of Sudan and Egypt. The last round of talks concluded in December 2023 without reaching an agreement.
The announcement of his departure arises amidst a dispute between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US embassy in Addis Ababa, triggered by a contentious speech delivered by Ambassador Ervin Massinga earlier this month.
ByKidus Dawit’ | AS