September 17, 2024 — Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Beyene Petros, a revered Ethiopian politician, educator, and scholar, passed away today at the age of 74. A man of many talents, Beyene was not only known for his contributions to academia but also for his lasting influence on Ethiopian politics, particularly in the opposition landscape. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Director General of the Policy Studies Institute (PSI), a government think tank focused on policy research and development.
Born on March 11, 1950, in the Hadiya Zone of southern Ethiopia, Beyene’s life was shaped by his pursuit of knowledge and dedication to public service. After attending local schools, he earned his BSc from Addis Ababa University before going abroad for further education. He completed his MS at the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. in Tropical Diseases and Public Health from Tulane University. Upon his return, he joined the faculty of Addis Ababa University in 1979, eventually becoming a full professor of Biology in 2009.
Throughout his career in academia, Beyene was known for his commitment to mentoring students and advancing research in the fields of biomedical sciences and public health. His contributions helped shape the academic landscape in Ethiopia, particularly in the realm of tropical diseases.
Beyene’s entry into politics came in 1991, shortly after the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) took power. He was initially appointed as deputy minister of education but resigned from his post to join the opposition. From 1995 onward, he became a leading figure in Ethiopia’s opposition politics. First elected to parliament in 2000, Beyene represented the Shone constituency in the Hadiya Zone.
Beyene was best known for his leadership of various political coalitions and opposition parties. He served as chairman of the Southern Ethiopia Peoples’ Democratic Coalition and later the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF), before taking the helm of Medrek, the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Forum. His involvement in these groups cemented his status as one of Ethiopia’s most prominent opposition leaders, advocating for peaceful political struggle and democratic reform.
In 2018, Beyene was appointed to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s newly formed Government Privatisation Advisory Council, which was tasked with guiding economic reforms aimed at modernizing Ethiopia’s economy. In January 2022, Beyene was further recognized for his expertise when he was appointed Director General of the Policy Studies Institute, a position he held until his death.
Beyene’s passing has drawn widespread tributes from across Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a statement expressing his sorrow: “Professor Beyene Petros embodied the spirit of peaceful political struggle, playing a pivotal role in fostering a culture of non-violence and constructive political dialogue in Ethiopia. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing after a prolonged period of medical care. May his legacy endure, and may he rest in eternal peace.”
Beyene Petros leaves behind a legacy of intellectual rigor and political courage. He was a tireless advocate for democratic change, a mentor to countless students, and a respected figure both in the academic and political spheres. His contributions to Ethiopia will continue to resonate, long after his passing
#BeyenePetros #Ethiopia #EthiopianPolitics #AcademicLegacy #Medrek #PolicyStudiesInstitute #HadiyaZone #OppositionLeader #NonViolence #PoliticalReform #EthiopianScholar #RestInPeace #PublicService
Leave a Reply