It was a show of power and status at the recently held United Nations General Assembly when over 90 heads of state and government met in New York to address global issues under the theme, “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies.”
Africa was largely represented by almost all of its male leaders including four of whom were there for the first time as presidents: George Weah of Liberia, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
One prominent newcomer head of government who was missed at the summit was Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who decided to stay behind to focus on security issues that were affecting his country.
The 42-year-old leader has since his election improved the country’s democratic space with the successful campaign for unity and reconciliation which has reduced the decades-old tensions within the country and with other neighbouring states while ensuring the release of political prisoners.
He was represented in New York by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.
Here are two other African leaders who skipped the Summit, not for security reasons, but to cut costs and save money for the struggling economies.
