June 1, 2022 - The United States has named Ambassador Mike Hammer as the new Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, a region plagued by multiple crises, including conflict in Ethiopia and economic turmoil in Sudan.
Hammer will succeed Ambassador David Satterfield, who had been in the position for a brief period, having taken over from Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman in January 2022.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Hammer's appointment underscores the US's commitment to diplomatic efforts in the region, particularly in support of an inclusive political process towards peace, common security, and prosperity for all people in Ethiopia.
"I am grateful to Ambassador Satterfield and look forward to working with Ambassador Hammer in continuation of our diplomatic efforts in the region," Blinken said in a statement.
Hammer will have to navigate the complex web of crises in the region, including the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, which has sparked accusations of atrocities on both sides, and the economic and political turmoil in Sudan following an October 2021 coup.
