Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Ethiopia
Due to ongoing security concerns, the Peace Corps will close its country program in Ethiopia, with no plans to return Volunteers in the foreseeable future. There are currently no Volunteers serving in the country; however, since 2021, 129 Americans have participated virtually with Ethiopian partner organizations. Since 1962, more than 4,000 Americans have served in Ethiopia, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service, friendship, and shared progress. Read more from the Peace Corps Press Release below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Ethiopia
The Peace Corps has announced that the agency will close its country program in Ethiopia, as ongoing security concerns prevent the return of Peace Corps volunteers to service in the foreseeable future.
The Peace Corps has been active in Ethiopia since 1962 and over 4,000 volunteers have served in the Education, Community Economic Development, Agriculture, and Health sectors. While there are no currently serving volunteers in Ethiopia, the agency established a Virtual Service Pilot program in 2021, and 129 US virtual participants have engaged with Ethiopian partner organizations since that time.
The 63-year legacy of friendship and partnership between Ethiopia and the United States, fostered through lasting connections amongst returned Peace Corps volunteers, host families, community partners, and agency staff will endure.
About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends passionate and talented American volunteers abroad to collaborate with community members on projects that advance both American and local priorities. Volunteers build relationships, model democratic values and make a lasting impact in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development. The Peace Corps equips volunteers with valuable leadership, management and language skills that make them assets to the U.S. workforce and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness at home and abroad. Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 144 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
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