Commission on African Affairs Hana Gebremeskel Confirmation Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Confirms Hana Gebremeskel as a public member of the DC Commission on African Affairs for an interim term to Oct 27, 2026 and a subsequent term to Oct 27, 2029.

Referred to Committee on Youth Affairs

Overview

Jurisdiction: District of Columbia

Session: 26

Bill Type: Confirmation resolution

Title: Commission on African Affairs Hana Gebremeskel Confirmation Resolution of 2026

Sponsor: Chairman Phil Mendelson (with co-sponsor)

Purpose: Confirm the appointment of Hana Gebremeskel as a public member of the DC Commission on African Affairs to fill a vacant seat, for the remainder of an unexpired term through October 27, 2026, and for a subsequent term through October 27, 2029.

What the bill does

The Council confirms Hana Gebremeskel as a public member of the Commission on African Affairs (the Commission), established under the Office and Commission on African Affairs Act of 2006.

She would fill the vacant seat previously held by Josiane Ndoyombaye.

Term details:

Unexpired term: ends October 27, 2026
Subsequent full term: ends October 27, 2029

Effective timing: Resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Who is being considered

Nominee: Hana Gebremeskel

Address: C Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 (Ward 7)

Background highlights provided in the nomination materials:

Multilingual communicator (English, Amharic, Oromifa)
Experience in financial services, retail leadership, and international wildlife management
FINRA securities license and life insurance license (active)
Community advocacy, with involvement in Ethiopian/African immigrant communities
Notable leadership: Founder/Director of the Homeless Animals Protection Society (HAPS) in Ethiopia
Education: BA in Business Administration (Addis Ababa University), diplomas in Forestry and Wildlife Management

Key provisions and changes

Section 2: Confirms the appointment of Hana Gebremeskel as a public member of the Commission on African Affairs, to fill the vacancy and serve specified terms.

Section 3: Requires the Council to transmit a copy of the resolution to the nominee and the Mayor upon adoption.

Section 4: State that the resolution takes effect immediately.

Impact and affected parties

Affected entity: DC Commission on African Affairs

Affected individuals: Hana Gebremeskel (nominee becoming public member); the prior seat holder (Josiane Ndoyombaye) who vacated the seat

Communities impacted: DC residents, particularly Ward 7 constituents and broader African and immigrant communities, through the Commission’s advisory and community engagement activities

Procedural and timeline aspects

Background: Nomination submitted by the Mayor under the Confirmation Act of 1978 and the Office and Commission on African Affairs Act of 2006.

Action history:

Introduced: April 20, 2026
Referred to Committee on Youth Affairs: May 5, 2026
(Note: The bill text indicates standard confirmation process; final adoption timelines depend on committee review and Council action)

Next steps: If adopted, the Council would transmit the resolution to the Mayor and the nominee for finalization of the appointment.

Bottom line

PR 26-0654 is a straightforward confirmation of Hana Gebremeskel to the DC Commission on African Affairs for an interim term ending 2026 and a subsequent term ending 2029, providing official authorization for her to participate in the Commission’s work and represent community interests within District of Columbia governance.

Bill