By: Fistum Getachew
Any one who follows the history of Ethiopian diplomatic ventures one name stands very high not only in terms of efficiency and longevity but also in terms of the span of variety that was carried out through half a century, un unprecented achievenment-Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis. When this veteran diplomat passed away a few days ago, among the first to pay their respect and condolences to the family, relatives and all those who are affected by the passing away of Ambassador Konjit was Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) expressing deep sorrow over the tragic news.
Ambassador Konjit has been an untiring and perseverant diplomat who has shown to Ethiopian ladies that women can also represent their country at the international level breaking the ceiling that was supposed to block them from reaching certain heights in public service. There was the prejudice that women would not be able to fulfill the requirements to be ambassador. In fact only Ambassdor Yodit Imiru was the woman who preceded Ambassador Konjit and we know that Yodit was the daughter of Ras Imiro who was a prince in the Emperor Haile Selassie’s royal family. Hence it may not have been very extraordinary for her to have such a high profile public post given that she could take advantage of the conditions of her social environment surrounded by whatever she might have needed to succeed in any endeavor. The case of Konjit is different and she should be admired for the success she had in reaching such heights with enduring resistance in public service deserving the appreciation and admiration of all those who happened to work with her or had an occasion to know her or talk to her at any incidence.
She was a true nationalist who loved her profession has represented her country in multiple assignments and missioin for more than half a century. Ambassador Konjit was among the pioneers of Ethiopian diplomacy and made history as the country’s second female ambassador, following Yodit Emru.
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.
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.
From the biographical note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued, Ambassador Konjit was first employed as a desk officer to be rising to senior positions in the leadership class. She began her diplomatic career at a young age in the 1950s. Over the ensuing years, she became one of Ethiopia’s longest-serving diplomats, known for her professionalism and dedication.
During her long diplomatic service Konjit occupied the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in important countries with whom Ethiopia had strong ties or wanted to form one. Missions such as the one in Ottawa, Canada, Cairo, Egypt, Tel Aviv, Isreal and Vienna,Austria, 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.
Konjit’s contributions were not limited to bilateral diplomatic ventures. 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.
Ambassador Konjit was born and grew in Addis Ababa. She pursued her higher education at the University College London, where she earned a degree in International Relations in 1954 a qualification that opened wide the path to her success in the diplomatic arena at a time when there were few well educated and capable diplomats.
She continued to enrich her qualifications with a fellowship she received from the Columbia University. Among the honors Konjit received, we can cite the Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa from the Addis Ababa University in recognition of her exemplary and long extraordinary service for Ethiopia.
She was one of the diplomats who took part in the formative years of the OAU- the Organisation of African Unity now African Union with the seat in Addis Ababa. She took active part in the declonization ventures of colonized African nations with her service. Konjit successefully served in missions in the US, New York, Vienna and Geneva where she was working grappling with international issues such as the fight to free Africa from the colonial yoke at Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis will always be remembered as a perseverant pioneering diplomatic personality that has become a good example for Ethiopian women. Later on we have also seen Ambassador Sahlework Zewde who later served as Head of State as well going even further than the trailbrazer Konjit. Women felt that they can do whatever men can and another example that could be cited is also Ambassador Taddelech Haile Giorgis, Ambassador Hiruth Zemene among the many one now representing Ethiopia at key international missions. Today there are may be as many women ambassadors as men and the issue of gender is practically thrown out of the window. Only competence and professionalism and dedication as Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorghis has shown is needed as a prerequite to deserver the post. Konjit has remained thoughout her long professional life as an exemplary public servant, and a symbol of excellence who has passed leaving an inspring legacy to the generation and the future.
In a statement that the African Union released after the passing away of Ambassador Konjit it said
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis, a distinguished diplomat, a pioneering figure in Ethiopia’s foreign service, and a steadfast Pan-Africanist who dedicated her life to the service of her country and the continent.
Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis built an exemplary career that spanned several decades. As one of Ethiopia’s earliest female ambassadors, she helped pave the way for generations of African women in diplomacy. Her service reflected her unwavering commitment to advancing Africa's interests and strengthening international cooperation, where she played a vital role in promoting the continent’s collective priorities. The Chairperson noted, “Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis embodied the highest ideals of African diplomacy, marked by integrity, excellence, and an unyielding commitment to our shared future.” He further emphasised that “her legacy will continue to inspire generations of African diplomats, particularly women, to serve with courage, distinction, and purpose.”
On behalf of the African Union Commission, the Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the family of Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis, to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and to all Africans who mourn this great loss.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
