Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
09/10/2024
Ambassador in Audience with Archbishop of Kigali
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM and SMOM Embassy Nairobi First Secretary Sam Mattock payed a courtesy call on His Eminence +Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, Rwanda. The discussion centered around the activities of the Order of Malta in Africa and the desire to establish bilateral diplomatic relations with the Republic of Rwanda. His Eminence was supportive and gave his blessing to move forward.
06/10/2024
Ambassador Attends Lesotho Bicentennial Celebration
In a vibrant display of national pride, thousands of Basotho gathered at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Friday to celebrate the dual milestones of Lesotho’s 58th independence anniversary and the 200th anniversary of its founding by King Moshoeshoe I. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with citizens donning traditional attire, including the iconic Basotho blanket, as they commemorated their rich heritage. The festivities were graced by several high-profile international dignitaries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Dlamini, Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM attended on behalf of the Order of Malta. Lesotho gained independence from British rule on 4 October 1966, a pivotal moment that marked the end of colonial governance and the beginning of self-determination for the Basotho people. The nation’s founding, however, dates back to 1824, when King Moshoeshoe I unified various clans to establish a cohesive entity in the face of external pressures and internal conflicts. His leadership laid the foundation for the modern nation of Lesotho, which has since navigated various challenges while maintaining its cultural identity.
03/10/2024
Ambassador Visits the Archbishop of Maseru
In a momentous occasion for both the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho, Ambassador Michael Murphy paid an official visit to His Grace, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Maseru, +Gerard Tlali Lerotholi, OMI. This meeting was not only a celebration of Lesotho's bicentennial but also a reaffirmation of the Order's commitment to serving the poor and the sick in Lesotho. The atmosphere during the meeting was marked by warmth and mutual respect. Ambassador Murphy, representing the Sovereign Order of Malta, engaged in a dialogue with Archbishop Gerard that reflected their shared values and goals. The cordiality of their interaction was evident, as both leaders expressed a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of the vulnerable in Lesotho.
25/09/2024
Grand Chancellor Holds Bilateral Talks with the Kingdom of Lesotho
The Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, HE Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, accompanied by Ambassador Paul Berresford-Hill, the Order's Permanent Representative at the United Nations and Ambassador Michael Murphy the Order's Permanent Representative to the African Union, held a bilateral session with His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho at the Lesotho Mission to the United Nations on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly opening. Several important government officials from both sides attended. The meeting was cordial and reflected the positive momentum on the signing of bilateral diplomatic relations. Ambassador Murphy will very soon travel to Maseru to present his credentials to His Majesty and open the mission.
24/09/2024
Ambassador Meets with the President of Guinea-Bissau
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, the Permanent Representative of the Order of Malta to the African Union held a constructive meeting with His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló the President of Guinea-Bissau on the margins of the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly.
23/09/2024
Ambassador meets with the King and Queen of Lesotho
Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, the Permanent Representative of the Order of Malta to the African Union held a series of meetings with their majesties the King and Queen of Lesotho on the margins of the United Nations 79th General Assembly in New York. Constructive talks were held about capacity building and the recent establishment of bilateral relations. He responded to His Majesty's gracious introduction of the Order of Malta to the Basotho people and various dignitaries of the government of Lesotho with prepared remarks.
13/09/2024
Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission Attend 2nd Annual Conference Dedicated to the African Diplomatic Corps
The Ambassador, Michael P. Murphy, KM, and Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Merha Agonafer attended the Second Conference of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Dedicated to the African Diplomatic Corps in Rome. The two-day conference took place at the Magistral Villa in Rome from 10-11 September. It was a significant opportunity for the Order to explain its role in the international community as well as it's dedication to helping the people of Africa. Many bilateral meetings and engagements were undertaken.
25/08/2024
Embassy Participates in Ethiopia’s Record Breaking Tree Planting
The Order of Malta Embassy staff in Addis Ababa, representing both the Ethiopian and African Union mission and led by the Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Merha Agonafer, participated in planting 1,000 trees in support of a historic record-breaking tree planting in Addis Ababa. Millions nationwide have turned out this morning to plant 600 million seedlings today.
12/08/2024
Ambassador Visits Malteser International in Uganda
The Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM paid a visit to the dedicated team of Malteser International in Kampala, Uganda. Malteser International, the humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta, has been aiding the poor and sick globally for over 900 years. Rooted in Christian values and humanitarian principles, they provide emergency relief during natural disasters and conflicts, engage in transitional relief, and stay through prolonged crises. Health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and disaster preparedness are central to their holistic approach. In Uganda since 1996, registered as an INGO, committed to improving lives through emergency relief, recovery, and resilience in crises. From the Kampala office, they support operations in Arua, Nakivale, and across the Western region and West Nile districts. Serving the poor and sick without discrimination, our work in Uganda symbolizes our dedication to health and dignity for all, promoting peace and mutual understanding among refugee and host communities. The Ambassador thanked the team for their service and dedication to the sick and the poor.