Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 October 2016: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has learned with deep sadness the passing of Ambassador Girma Asmerom Tesfay, who served as Eritrea’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), from January 2011 to February 2014. The death of Ambassador Girma Asmerom Tesfay occurred on 4 October, 2016 

On behalf of the African Union, the Chairperson wishes to convey her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late Ambassador Girma Asmerom and the government and people of Eritrea.

During his posting as Permanent Representative of the State of Eritrea to the African Union, Ambassador Girma was an active member of the Permanent Representatives Committee. He actively engaged and participated in the issues on the agenda of the PRC’s and represented the State of Eritrea with honour and competence.

Ambassador Girma will be sorely missed by his loved ones. But he will also be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working and interacting with him.

Until his death, he was Permanent Representative of the State of Eritrea to the United Nations.

May his soul rest in peace.