Mr. Kibreab Habteselassie, Political Officer at Eritrea’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has resigned his post and is seeking political asylum in the United States.

A graduate of Addis Abeba University who majored in political science, Mr. Kibreab Habteselassie joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994.  He has held a variety of positions including European Desk Officer and staffer to the Office of The Minister.    He was assigned to the Permanent Mission in 1999, where he was given the task of representing Eritrea’s interest during the Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict. 

Despite his credentials, Mr. Kibreab Habteselassie was not considered for First Secretary position.   Sources inform Gedab News that this had to do with his refusal to be a member of the ruling party, People’s Front for Democracy and Justice.  Civil servants do not have to enlist for membership; however, membership is obligatory for consideration to senior positions. Consequently, according to the source, Mr. Kibreab Habteselassie was considered a suspect and had recently been called back to Asmara.