Addis Ababa (TDI): The African Union Commission received Ethiopia’s new Permanent Representative on Wednesday, as Ambassador Lemlem Fiseha Minale presented her letters of credentials to AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The ceremony took place at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa. The Chairperson congratulated Ambassador Minale on her appointment, expressing confidence that her experience and leadership will deepen cooperation between Ethiopia and the African Union.
He also took the occasion to commend Ethiopia’s ongoing support of the Union and extended a welcome to the peaceful and orderly conduct of Ethiopia’s recent electoral process.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received the Letters of Credentials of the new Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of #Ethiopia to the African Union, H.E. Amb. Lemlem Fiseha Minale.
The Chairperson… pic.twitter.com/VFgUshxrUl
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) June 3, 2026
The two dignitaries exchanged views on regional and global developments as well as key priorities facing the Union, with Chairperson Youssouf reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to work closely with Ethiopia in advancing AU objectives and responding to emerging continental challenges.
For her part, Ambassador Minale praised the Chairperson’s leadership and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to supporting the African Union and its continental agenda.
She underscored her government’s readiness to continue close collaboration with the Commission and conveyed greetings and best wishes from the Ethiopian leadership.
Read More: African Leaders Gather in Ethiopia for Annual African Union Summit
The Commission is currently hosting the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee, a key preparatory body for the Union’s upcoming mid-year summit, set for late June.
As the host nation of AU headquarters, Ethiopia holds a uniquely central role in the bloc’s day-to-day functioning, and the appointment of a new permanent representative signals Addis Ababa’s continued investment in that partnership.
Ambassador Minale steps into her role as the AU deepens its focus on the 2026 theme of sustainable water and sanitation systems — an area of pressing relevance to Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region.
