Addis Ababa University (AAU) held a funeral ceremony for the distinguished scholar Ambassador Fekadu Gedamu (PhD) at Sidist Kilo main campus today 13th of August 2021.

Professor Tassew Weldehanna, President of AAU on his obituary speech briefed the long lasting contribution of Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu to AAU and his country as a whole as follows:

“Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu is one of Addis Ababa University’s longest serving scholars. He was responsible for leading the Department of Sociology at the University and contributing to the establishment and organization of the Department of Social Anthropology.

He was the first Ethiopian social anthropologist at Addis Ababa University and a multi-disciplinary scholar who produced many scholars in research and teaching.

He was a leading scholar of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who shared his vast experience to his students and conducted extensive research.

Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu was instrumental in the establishment of Institute of Ethiopian Studies and is the first Ethiopian scholar to lead the institute following Professor Richard Pankhurst. His contribution to the current status of the Institute is very significant.

Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu served at various government institutions, where he worked extensively as a consultant, educator, and technical assistance to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP); he pioneered Addis Ababa University worldwide at large.

Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu served his country as the Vice President of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia since 1991. He later served as Ethiopia’s Plenipotentiary Ambassador in Canada, according to various sources about him.

He was a leading and exemplary scholar who did these and many other works to make Addis Ababa University a success.

Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu is a distinguished scholar who taught and researched in Addis Ababa University for many years from his youth. He was one of the first proud scholars at AAU and a great Ethiopian scholar who will always be remembered.

During his tenure as a lecturer, researcher and leader at Addis Ababa University, Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu was an exemplary scholar who excelled in his work discipline, quality and strength, especially for the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Gedamu was a patriotic Ethiopian who was known to many Ethiopians for his goodwill and love for Ethiopia.

It is impossible to summarize the long-term service and contribution of Ambassador Dr. Fekadu Monastery to our University at this short moment.

However, if we say this to remember him, we express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers, and wish his soul to rest in peace.”

“Thank You!”

Representatives from Department of Social Anthropology and Institute of Ethiopian Studies delivered their condolence messages.

By: Abraham Girmay

Photo: Fikremariam Beyene