On 14^th June, the Embassy was shocked to see the horrific scenes of the fire at Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, London.

Eight British nationals of Ethiopian origin were tragically impacted by the fire including: mother and son Berikti and Biruk Habtom; five-year old Isaac Paulos; and Hashim Kidir, his wife and their three children.

According to the latest update from the Metropolitan Police, a total of around 80 people are either dead or missing presumed dead. They expect this figure to change. As of 14^th June, 34 victims have been formally identified including Isaac Paulos, Berikti Habtom and 13- year old Yahya Hashim.

The Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Hailemichael Aberra Afework PhD and other diplomats visited the families on Friday, 16^th June to offer their support.

Following the visit, Ambassador Hailemichael said:

“I cannot imagine what these families must be going through right now. This has hit home, especially because we know these families. The Embassy and the Ethiopian community stands united at this difficult time and is providing ongoing support to them. I would also like to express my deepest sympathy to all those who have been affected and convey our thanks to the public for their messages of support and donations, and to all emergency services, volunteers and support workers who are working tirelessly to support the victims.”

In a letter to his counterpart The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu said: “It is with deep shock and utter disbelief that we learnt of the tragic fire accident at Grenfell Tower…On behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, I would like to extend to you, to the people of the United Kingdom, and in particular, to the residents of London and the families and friends of the bereaved, our heartfelt condolences.”

 The Embassy continues to offer support to the affected families.

…Isaac’s funeral held

Isaac Paulos, one of the youngest victims of the fire, was laid to rest on 14^th July in the presence of hundreds of mourners at Kensal Green Cemetery. Earlier, a service was held at the St Mary of Debretsion Orthodox Church in Battersea.

Embassy staff led by H.E. Ambassador Hailemichael Aberra Afework, joined Genet Shawo, her husband Paulos Petakle, family, friends and well-wishers, in bidding farewell to Isaac.

Isaac, a regular visitor at the Embassy with his mother Genet, who described him as a “beautiful boy”, will be sorely missed by all staff.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Isaac’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time.

May He Rest In Eternal Peace.