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The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday the sudden passing of its ambassador to Cuba, Ayele Lire Jijamo, without providing details about the causes of death or the location where it occurred.
The secrecy surrounding the communication of this case has drawn attention due to the diplomatic status of the deceased and the historic relations between the two countries.
The official note published by Cubadebate states that the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Ambassador. The time and place of the funeral will be communicated "in due time." The Cuban side has also not provided any further information on the matter, maintaining a stance of complete discretion.
The African diplomat took office in Havana in September 2024. He had described Cuba as his “second home” during the credential presentation ceremony before Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa.
His work focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in health, human rights, and multilateral relations, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In her diplomatic career, Ayele Lire Jijamo previously represented her country in Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Bahamas.
The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, expressed his condolences through his account on X. “We mourn the passing of the beloved ambassador Ayele Lire Jijamo, who represented the sister Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia with dignity in #Cuba and contributed to strengthening the historic bilateral ties. Our heartfelt condolences, especially to his family and friends.”
Miguel Díaz-Canel, the ruler, also expressed his condolences to the Ethiopian government, highlighting the ambassador's contribution to bilateral relations, although he did not refer to the circumstances of the passing.
The Cuban Embassy in Ethiopia published a note on social media where it described Jijamo as a promoter of strengthening the historical ties between both peoples.
However, the lack of information regarding the location and causes of the death has raised questions on social media, where users find it unusual that there is no information on whether the passing occurred in Cuban territory and the reasons behind it, as one might expect given the individual's position.
The official silence surrounding this matter adds to a well-known pattern of the opaque handling of sensitive news that could have political, health, or other implications.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of the Ethiopian Ambassador in Cuba
Who was Ayele Lire Jijamo, the ambassador of Ethiopia in Cuba?
Ayele Lire Jijamo was the ambassador of Ethiopia in Cuba since September 2024. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as health, human rights, and multilateral relations. Previously, he represented his country in several Caribbean countries.
What details are known about the death of the Ethiopian ambassador in Cuba?
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sudden passing of Ambassador Ayele Lire Jijamo, without providing details about the cause of death or the location where it occurred. The lack of information has led to questions and speculations on social media.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the death of the Ethiopian ambassador?
The Cuban government has maintained a stance of complete discretion regarding the death of the Ethiopian ambassador. Both the Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, and President Miguel Díaz-Canel have expressed their condolences but have not provided further details about the circumstances of the death.
What is the importance of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Ethiopia?
The relations between Cuba and Ethiopia are historical and have been characterized by cooperation in various areas. Ayele Lire Jijamo, the ambassador, was working on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with a focus on cooperation in health and human rights.
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