Diplomacy: Meet Africa’s newest Ambassadors to the United States
Photo (L-R): Kenya’s David Kerich, Somalia’s Dahir Hassan Abdi, Guinea-Bissau’s Maria da Conceição Nobre Cabral, Botswana’s Mpho Churchill O. Mophuting, and South Sudan’s Santino Fardol W. Dicken.
Five African diplomats have been selected as new ambassadors of their countries to the United States. These diplomats were among the 17 new ambassadors to the U.S. who presented their credentials to President Joe Biden.
The Ambassadors in their new roles are expected to promote bilateral relations, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, education, and tourism between their respective countries and the U.S.
Botswana’s Mpho Churchill O. Mophuting
Mpho Churchill O. Mophuting has served as Botswana’s Ambassador to the U.S. since 2020, and has been reselected to continue in his role. With a career of over two decades, Mophuting has demonstrated a dedication to strengthen bilateral relations between Botswana and the U.S.
His diplomatic journey commenced in Botswana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, then he became an Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2016. Mophuting played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties between Botswana and Japan, cementing Japan’s position as one of Botswana’s key trading partners.
In 2016, Mophuting assumed the role of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation. He provided strategic guidance on foreign policy, oversaw diplomatic missions, and coordinated international cooperation. His expertise in regional and international diplomacy enabled Botswana to navigate complex global issues effectively.
From 2018 to 2020, Mophuting served as High Commissioner to Canada, further solidifying Botswana’s relations with North American nations. He has been given The Presidential Order of Honour (Botswana), The Order of the Rising Sun (Japan), and a recognition as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential People (2019).
Guinea-Bissau’s Maria da Conceição Nobre Cabral
Maria da Conceição Nobre Cabral is a newly appointed Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau to the United States, with a diplomatic career of over two decades. Cabral’s diplomatic journey started in the Guinea-Bissau’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities, where she served in various roles.
Since then she has served in Guinea-Bissau as the Director-General for International Cooperation from 2015 to 2018, Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg from 2018 to 2022, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Cabral’s contributions to diplomacy have earned her The National Order of Merit (Guinea-Bissau), The Order of Prince Henry (Portugal), and a recognition as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women in 2020.
Kenya’s David Kerich
David Kerich is a newly appointed Ambassador of Kenya to the U.S. He has a diplomatic career of over three decades that cuts across multiple areas of international relations.
He started diplomatic journey in Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, slowly paving the way for his ascent to more prominent roles. His key positions included his role in Kenya as Director-General for Americas and Europe from 2018 to 2022, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2015 to 2018, Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia from 2012 to 2015, and Consul General in Los Angeles, USA from 2008 to 2012.
Kerich’s contributions have earned him The Order of the Golden Heart (Kenya), The Order of the Burning Spear (Kenya), and a recognition as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
South Sudan’s Santino Fardol W. Dicken
Santino Fardol W. Dicken is the newly appointed Ambassador of South Sudan to the U.S. best known for advocating for South Sudan’s independence through self-determination (referendum). With a career of over two decades, Dicken has promoted cooperation and development in one of the world’s youngest countries.
He joined the diplomatic service in 2007 in South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Then became the first South Sudanese diplomat to establish the South Sudan Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany in 2012, after South Sudan gained independence. He served there as Charge d’Affaires, a.i., and Deputy Head of Mission.
His key position advancing from there included South Sudan’s Undersecretary for International Cooperation from 2018 to 2022, Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya from 2015 to 2018, Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union from 2012 to 2015, and Consul General in Kampala, Uganda from 2008 to 2012.
He was recognised as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020. He also received the The Order of the National Unity (South Sudan), and The Order of the Golden Heart (South Sudan).
Somalia’s Dahir Hassan Abdi
Dahir Hassan Abdi, is the newly appointed Ambassador of Somalia to the United States, with an over two-decade diplomatic experience, starting from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
His key roles as a diplomat includes Somalia’s Director-General for International Cooperation from 2018 to 2022, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2015 to 2018, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2012 to 2015, and Consul General in Dubai, UAE from 2008 to 2012.
In 2020 Abdi was listed as one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential People. His contributions to diplomacy have also earned him The Order of the Somali Republic, and The Order of the Golden Heart (Somalia).
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
