WASHINGTON DC, EVN (August 29)— U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, embarks on a diplomatic mission, spanning Nairobi and Addis Ababa from August 28 to September 8. Hammer’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with Kenyan and Ethiopian officials, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other international partners. The visit aims to address the pressing crisis in Sudan and Ethiopia while discussing regional and global endeavors to quell violence, institute democratic governance, and ensure justice and accountability.
Hammer’s recent international engagements underscore the United States’ commitment to the region’s stability and prosperity. From August 19 to 26, the Special Envoy embarked on a journey to Stockholm, Sweden, and Brussels, Belgium.
In Stockholm, Hammer participated in the prestigious World Water Week hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute. Beyond water management, he also engaged in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Stockholm International Peace and Research Institute (SIPIRI). Given his primary role as the U.S. interlocutor on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue, Hammer’s engagements sought to explore how water-related agreements could contribute to security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The envoy’s diplomatic mission extended to Brussels, where he engaged with European Union (EU) officials on matters concerning Ethiopia and Sudan. The discussions focused on collaborative approaches to address the ongoing violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia Regions through dialogue, emphasizing the protection of civilians. The conversations also delved into shared initiatives aimed at the full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement for Northern Ethiopia, signed in Pretoria. The U.S. and EU’s common goal to advance peace, justice, and accountability for the Ethiopian people featured prominently in these discussions.
Addressing the situation in Sudan also remained a priority for Hammer during his Brussels visit. The envoy engaged with EU officials to align regional and international efforts in silencing the guns, establishing accountability, and charting a course toward restoring democratic civilian governance. Discussions on mobilizing support for regional humanitarian needs formed a pivotal aspect of these deliberations.
Mike Hammer’s appointment as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, under President Joe Biden’s administration, underscores the United States’ commitment to promoting stability and progress in the region. As a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, Hammer brings extensive diplomatic experience to the forefront. His tenure as the U.S. ambassador to Chile from 2014 to 2016 serves as a testament to his capacity to engage in complex diplomatic negotiations and his commitment to advancing international cooperation.
