FEATURING COUNTRIES
REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
H.E. ROBIE KAKONGE
Ambassador
H.E. Robie Kakonge is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uganda to the United States, bringing a distinguished career in diplomacy, international engagement, and development.
With deep personal and academic ties to the United States, Ambassador Kakonge studied in Arizona and later earned a Master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Her U.S. experience has shaped her global outlook and strengthened her ability to foster meaningful partnerships between Uganda and the United States.
Prior to her current role, she served as Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada and held positions in communications and international affairs, contributing to Uganda’s global engagement and policy initiatives.
Ambassador Kakonge is recognized for her leadership in advancing Uganda–U.S. relations, with a focus on trade, investment, innovation, and diaspora engagement. She continues to champion collaboration that drives sustainable development and shared economic growth.
REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI
H.E. JEAN BOSCO BAREGE
Ambassador
H.E. Jean Bosco Barege is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Burundi to the United States, a seasoned diplomat with over a decade of experience representing Burundi across key international postings.
Ambassador Barege has led Burundian diplomatic missions since 2012, serving as Ambassador to Uganda and later to Kenya, where he strengthened bilateral relations and coordinated engagement with regional and international institutions, including the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
He has also held senior roles within the Government of Burundi, including Deputy Chief of State Protocol at the Presidency and Political Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, contributing to high-level diplomatic coordination and foreign policy development.
Earlier in his career, he served in various advisory and administrative roles within the Ministry of Public Service, building a strong foundation in governance and public administration.
Ambassador Barege holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and is recognized for his multilingual capabilities and commitment to advancing Burundi’s diplomatic, economic, and international partnerships.
Equatorial Guinea
H.E. DR. CRISANTOS OBAMA ONDO
Ambassador
Dr. Crisantos OBAMA ONDO, the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to the United States, is a distinguished diplomat with a rich background in environmental conservation. Since his arrival in Washington DC in October 2023, he has also served as the Non-Resident Ambassador to Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
His career highlights include directing the Conservation and Rational Use of Ecosystems project from 1997 to 2004, and being the National Director of the Institute of Forestry Development and Protected Areas Management in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. In 2004, he was appointed the National Coordinator of the Central Africa Forests Commission (COMIFAC).
From 2009 to 2015, Dr. Ondo represented Equatorial Guinea at the FAO, IFAD, and WFP in Rome, Italy. He then served as Ambassador to Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia from 2016 to 2018.
In 2018 he was appointed Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Ethiopia and, simultaneously, he was the Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Non-Resident Ambassador to Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Seychelles.
Dr. Ondo, a PhD holder in International Relations and Diplomacy, is a family man, passionate about nature and enjoys various sports including soccer, volleyball, and running. His dedication and commitment to his excellent work during his Missions have been recognized with decorations from the King of Morocco Mohammed VI (2018) and the President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat (2023).
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Central African Republic
H.E. MARTIAL NDOUBOU
Ambassador
Martial Ndoubou is a distinguished diplomat from the Central African Republic, serving as his country’s Ambassador to North America. He previously served as Ambassador to the United States, presenting his credentials in 2018, and currently serves as Ambassador to Canada, where he began his mission in Ottawa in December 2025 following the presentation of his letters of credence to Mary Simon.
Throughout his diplomatic tenure, Ambassador Ndoubou has been actively engaged in cultural and educational diplomacy, promoting Francophone heritage and strengthening international partnerships. He has also supported Pan-African cultural initiatives and participated in global commemorative efforts, reflecting his commitment to unity, dialogue, and international cooperation.
REPUBLIC OF Burkina Faso
BRIGADIER GÉNÉRAL KASSOUM COULIBALY
Ambassador
H.E. Kassoum Coulibaly is a senior diplomat and General Officer of the Burkinabè Armed Forces, bringing over three decades of distinguished service in defense, logistics, and international security. A seasoned military expert, he has held numerous strategic leadership roles, including Head of Logistics at both the Army General Staff and the Armed Forces General Staff, as well as Chief of Staff to the Chief of the General Staff.
General Coulibaly also served as Minister of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs beginning in 2022, where he played a key role in shaping national security and defense strategy. His international experience includes leadership roles in peacekeeping operations in Darfur under UNAMID and as Head of Mission Support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.
A highly decorated officer, he is a Commander of the Order of the Stallion of Burkina Faso and recipient of multiple national and international honors. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Management and International Relations and has completed advanced military and leadership training across Africa and Europe.
Fluent in French and English, and several national languages, Ambassador Coulibaly brings deep expertise in defense, diplomacy, and regional security cooperation.
Gabonese Republic (Gabon)
H.E. NOËL NELSON MESSONE
Ambassador
Dr. Messone is a distinguished diplomat and statesman with decades of experience in both multilateral and bilateral diplomacy. He has held several senior cabinet positions in Gabon, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Forests and Environment, and Minister of Relations with Constitutional Institutions. His leadership extends to the global stage, where he has chaired prominent international bodies such as the United Nations Fourth Committee, the 11th United Nations Forum on Forests, and the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment.
Dr. Messone has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Gabon to the BENELUX countries and the ACP/EU in Brussels, as well as Permanent Representative of Gabon to the United Nations in New York. During his tenure at the UN, he played a key role as Chief Negotiator in climate change discussions and served as President of the United Nations Security Council in June 2011.
Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with the U.S. Peace Corps in Gabon and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), where he contributed to programs spanning education, sustainable development, governance, and human rights. He also served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, focusing on regional integration in Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
In addition to his executive roles, Dr. Messone has been an elected Senator and Member of the National Assembly, including serving as Vice-President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Messone holds a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Kentucky, along with advanced degrees from the University of Paris Sorbonne-Nouvelle and the University of Gabon. He is also a Fulbright Scholar and an alumnus of the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.
With a career spanning diplomacy, governance, and international cooperation, Dr. Messone brings deep expertise in global policy, sustainable development, and strategic international engagement.
REPUBLIC OF MALI
S.E.M. SÉKOU BERTHE
Ambassador
H.E. Sékou Berthe is a distinguished diplomat and senior public servant with extensive experience in international relations, governance, and multilateral engagement. Throughout his career, he has represented his country at the highest levels, advancing strategic partnerships and fostering cooperation across bilateral and global platforms.
Ambassador Berthe has held key diplomatic postings and leadership roles, where he has contributed to policy development, regional collaboration, and international negotiations. His work has focused on strengthening economic ties, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing his country’s presence on the global stage.
Known for his diplomatic acumen and commitment to public service, H.E. Sékou Berthe brings a strong track record in advancing dialogue, building alliances, and supporting initiatives that drive national and regional progress.
Republic of Niger
S.E. AÏSSATOU CLÉMENCE BARÉ
Ambassador
