It has been revealed that Ato Binalf Andualem is set to be appointed as Ethiopia’s ambassador to the United States. Until recently, Ato Binalf served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Peace. According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he is expected to begin his duties soon at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
This appointment comes after the position had remained vacant for months following the resignation of Ambassador Seleshi Bekele. Ambassador Lencho Bati was initially considered as a replacement, but the U.S. reportedly declined to accept his diplomatic credentials, resulting in his withdrawal before traveling to Washington.
Ambassador Lencho, who previously served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was reportedly asked by the U.S. to be replaced with another nominee.
The rejection may be linked to past allegations against Lencho during his time in the United States years ago, though further details remain undisclosed.
The United States has a history of vetting foreign ambassadors against its own standards, often declining credentials for nominees who do not meet its criteria. The U.S. Constitution grants the President the right to accept or reject foreign diplomats based on various reasons.
