Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday announced that the government is planning to reduce the country’s foreign missions from the current 60.
In a briefing to Ethiopian lawmakers, Mr. Abiy Ahem stressed the need for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to undergo serious reforms to manage costs. He added that the country plans to shut down several embassies, including one in Kenya, with most diplomats to start working as non-resident ambassadors.
“Ethiopia shouldn’t have 60 or so embassies and consulates in the present moment. Instead of throwing US dollars everywhere … at least 30 of the embassies should be closed. The ambassadors should instead be here,” he said.
Abiy said that the Ethiopian ambassador to Kenya, for instance, could be based in the capital Addis Ababa and only make field trips when on official duty, while following events in Nairobi through the media.
“The Ethiopian ambassador to Kenya, for example, probably meets with the foreign minister once a year or in two years. He could be based in Addis Ababa and only make field trips to meet with officials while following events in Nairobi through the media,”
While the P.M is expected to announce the closures of foreign diplomatic missions soon, he also addressed government ministers saying that “with the current situation Ethiopia is in, government ministers will be required to drive themselves instead of hiring drivers, he said,
“What we want is a person who gets wet in the mud and runs while reforming the country,” he added.
