DJIBOUTI (IGAD) – The new Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, took over duty from Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim on 7 November 2019 following the signing of a Certificate of Handing Over at the secretariat of the regional organization in Djibouti.
The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Djibouti and Chair of IGAD Committee of ambassadors, H.E. Abdulaziz Mohammed, attended the handing over session.
H.E. Dr. Workneh* arrived in Djibouti on 3rd November and has embarked on a very busy schedule since.
The new Executive Secretary went on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti, H.E. Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, on 5th November after outgoing Executive Secretary Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim had introduced him to IGAD Secretariat management staff and had taken him on a tour of the premises the day before.
During the week, H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu also attended the IGAD Committee of Directors and the IGAD Experts Meeting on Budget 2020 of the regional organization. He participated in the Committee of Ambassadors of today during which the IGAD budget 2020 was endorsed.
H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeheyu enjoyed a warm welcome during his first week in Djibouti and he expressed his readiness and eagerness to work for the betterment of the IGAD region.
Dr. Workneh served in higher government positions including as a Foreign Minister (November 2016 – March 2019) and Transport Minister (September 2012 – November 2016) and Federal Police Commission Commissioner (2001 – September 2012) of Ethiopia over the last twelve years.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in political science and international relations from Addis Ababa University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in police science from the Criminal Justice and Police Science Department of the University of South Africa.
Source: IGAD