In his first official trip outside of the capital, United States Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga visited Semera, Afar to discuss with regional leadership and elders the longstanding partnership between the United States and the people in the Afar region and across Ethiopia.  He also visited U.S. government-supported health and development projects supporting the Afar people and refugees in the region. 

Ambassador Massinga was welcomed by Afar Regional President Awol Arba and other regional officials.  During their meeting, they discussed opportunities to strengthen the United States’ engagements in Afar and efforts to advance peace.  Ambassador Massinga stressed the need for close collaboration to ensure that the recently restarted food assistance for refugees and the broader population reached those most in need.  The Ambassador emphasized his concern for the protection of civilians, the restoration of services, and the importance of addressing the underlying political, economic, and security challenges. 

Ambassador Massinga met with local leaders to hear their ideas on how to advance peace in the region and build stronger cooperation between the United States and the region.