Prime Minister Abiy Extends Condolences over Death of Veteran Diplomat Ambassador Konjit

Addis Ababa, April 7, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Ethiopian diplomat Konjit Sinegiorgis, who died while receiving medical treatment after more than five decades of distinguished public service.

In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Ambassador Konjit’s lifelong dedication to Ethiopia, describing her as a trailblazer who served her country with unwavering commitment.

“I would like to express my deep sorrow over the passing of Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis, who served Ethiopia in the field of diplomacy for more than half a century,” he said.

Ambassador Konjit was among the pioneers of Ethiopian diplomacy and made history as the country’s second female ambassador, following Yodit Emru.

 Prime Minister Abiy noted that her legacy extends beyond her diplomatic achievements, highlighting her role in opening doors for generations of women diplomats.

“We will remember her for her steadfast commitment to the law, professional procedures, protocol, and Ethiopia’s national interests. She paved the way for many women diplomats to follow in her footsteps,” he added, extending condolences to her family, colleagues, and the nation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Konjit began her diplomatic career at a young age in the 1950s, rising through the ranks from a desk officer to senior leadership positions.

Over the decades, she became one of Ethiopia’s longest-serving diplomats, known for her professionalism and dedication.

She served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in key Ethiopian missions, including Ottawa, Cairo, Tel Aviv, and Vienna, with additional accreditation to Mexico.

She also represented Ethiopia as Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, playing a vital role in advancing the country’s diplomatic interests.

Her contributions extended beyond bilateral diplomacy.

She served as a Special Advisor during the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-led South Sudan peace process between 2009 and 2011, further cementing her legacy as a respected regional figure.

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Konjit pursued higher education at University College London, where she earned a degree in International Relations in 1954.

She later received a fellowship at Columbia University and was awarded an honorary degree by Addis Ababa University in recognition of her extraordinary service.

Her diplomatic journey began in the early 1960s, during the formative years of the Organization of African Unity, and included assignments in New York, Vienna, and Geneva, where she worked on key international issues such as decolonization at Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis is remembered as a pioneering diplomat, a dedicated public servant, and a symbol of excellence whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.