Nov. 7, 2019 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): The new Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr Workeneh Gebeyehu, today took over duty from Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim following the signing of a Certificate of Handing Over at the secretariat of the regional organisation 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 Gebeyehu arrived in Djibouti on Nov. 3 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 Nov. 5 after outgoing Executive Secretary Amb (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 Gebeyehu also attended the IGAD Committee of Directors and the IGAD Experts Meeting on Budget 2020 of the regional organisation. He participated in the Committee of Ambassadors of today during which the IGAD budget 2020 was endorsed.
H.E. Dr Gebeyehu 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 and Transport Minister of Ethiopia over the last ten years.
