Addis Ababa, 6 May 2026 — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed Ambassador Tordeta Alexandre Ratebaye, a seasoned diplomat, legal expert and former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Cabinet of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as Strategic Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General on Legal Affairs, External Relations and Strategic Negotiations.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Africa CDC advances the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda to strengthen Africa’s voice in global health governance, reinforce institutional partnerships, expand strategic engagement with African Union organs and Member States, and support high-level negotiations that are critical to the continent’s health security.
Ambassador Ratebaye brings extensive experience in diplomacy, public international law, strategic negotiations, governance, peace and security, and multilateral engagement. From March 2017 to March 2025, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Cabinet of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, where he helped coordinate strategic programmes linked to Agenda 2063, and Africa’s engagement with international partners including the United Nations, the European Union and members of the UN Security Council.
He previously served as Director General for Legal Affairs and Litigation, where he represented Chad in legal, political and security negotiations; advised on international commitments; contributed to bilateral and multilateral processes; and supported negotiations on legal instruments, memoranda of understanding, peacekeeping arrangements and regional security initiatives.
“Alex Ratebaye brings a rare combination of African Union institutional experience, legal expertise, diplomatic leadership and strategic negotiation skills. At a time when Africa CDC is strengthening its institutional positioning, partnerships and role in global health governance, his experience will be invaluable. This appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilizing high-level African expertise in support of the continent’s health security, sovereignty and development,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
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About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.africacdc.org and follow Africa CDC on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Media Contact Africa CDC:
Margaret Muigai Edwin, Director of Communication & Public Information Directorate: Africa CDC | Tel: +255 742 635 592, edwinm@africacdc.org
