Professor Meareg Amare Abrha

Our father, Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, aged 60 and a devoted father of four, was a distinguished full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Bahir Dar University. Tragically, he was fatally shot in his home in Bahir Dar on November 3rd, 2021.

Professor Meareg Amare Abrha was born on March 21, 1961, in Adi-Tsehafiti, Leto village, just 10km outside the city of Axum, as the second child of Amare Abrha and Zewditu Gebrewahid. His primary education took place at Abreha Atsbeha Elementary School, followed by secondary schooling at Axum Secondary School in Axum. Upon completing his secondary education in September 1981, he enrolled in the Science Teachers Training Program (STTP) at the then Haramaya College of Agriculture, earning a Diploma in Chemistry in 1982.

Following his diploma, this esteemed intellectual figure commenced his career as a teacher at a secondary school in Dabat town, situated in the Wegera district of Gondar province. However, his journey was interrupted when he was arrested by the Derg military government in 1983, subsequently enduring confinement in Gondar Baeta Prison until January 7, 1985. Throughout this ordeal, he tragically lost five of his prison companions—Tadesse, Kiros, Godefay, Birhane, and Kidane-Mariam—and endured severe torture, leaving visible white stripe marks on his feet from the brutal shoe nails torture inflicted upon him.

Following his release from prison, having narrowly escaped death, he assumed teaching positions at Tikl-Dingay (1985-1988) and Dangla (1989) schools. Additionally, he contributed his expertise at Tana Haik Secondary School in 1990, establishing himself as a dedicated educator. Concurrently, he pursued his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry through the summer education program at Addis Ababa University’s “Arat Kilo” Campus, culminating in graduation in 1990.

Upon attaining his bachelor’s degree, he dedicated three years to serving as Vice President for the Amhara Regional State Teachers’ Association and as a high-level expert within the educational bureau of the region. Subsequently, he furthered his academic pursuits, earning his M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry in 2004 and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 2013. With the attainment of his M.Sc. degree, he embarked on a new chapter in his career, commencing teaching and research duties at Bahir Dar University on Sunday, August 7, 2005, with a monthly salary of 1565 ETB. Driven by his fervor for knowledge and development, he extended his tenure at Bahir Dar University for five years, until Wednesday, March 10, 2021, before requesting retirement on Friday, October 29, 2021.

In his retirement letter addressed to the Science College, he cited pressure beyond his expectations and an unfavorable working environment within the institution as factors prompting his decision to retire.

From a plethora of commendatory letters and certificates, it is evident that our beloved father made substantial contributions to Bahir Dar, Gonder, Axum, Mekelle, and Jimma Universities, engaging in lecturing and advising students across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, while also actively participating in research and community service endeavors, until his tragic demise. He epitomized the essence of a true academician, harboring aspirations of leaving behind a literary legacy that transcends his mortal existence.

A cursory look at his scientific publications reveals his authorship of textbooks ranging from 7th to 12th grade chemistry in the late 1990s and 2000s, showcasing his dedication to educational advancement. Additionally, he disseminated twenty-eight research papers and comprehensive laboratory findings and reports. As a principal and co-researcher, he contributed to over 47 scientific articles and spearheaded six projects. Notably, nine scientific articles were published posthumously, a testament to the enduring impact of his research endeavors.

In the years 2022 and 2023, he was slated to present his pioneering works at more than 19 international scientific conferences and seminars across Europe, the Far East, and the US, reflecting his esteemed reputation within the academic community. Through collaborative efforts with his colleagues and assuming a leadership role, our father played a pivotal role in establishing an extensive Science Laboratory at Bahir Dar University, garnering national recognition for his college and the institution as a whole. Alongside his professional commitments in teaching, research, and community engagement, he also served as the Science College Laboratory Manager, further demonstrating his dedication to advancing scientific education and research.

Our father held the belief that rest equated to laziness, never taking a day off from his work. Even on weekends and holidays, he devoted himself to learning and teaching, often extending his work hours to 14 or 15 hours a day, diligently attending to tasks in his office, laboratory, and through his laptop, all while balancing his commitments to church or prayer times.

Thanks to his continuous dedication and contributions, he achieved significant milestones in his career. In 2017, he earned a promotion to Associate Professor, followed by another promotion to Full Professorship on February 1, 2021, at Bahir Dar University. Remarkably, he stood out as one of only three Full Professors specializing in Analytical Chemistry throughout Ethiopia, and the sole individual holding this prestigious title at Bahir Dar University. Beyond his academic prowess in Analytical Chemistry, he possessed a diverse range of skills, demonstrating mastery in mathematics, physics, biology, and even house designing, showcasing his polymathic nature.

On April 21, 1985, he embraced matrimonial bliss, marrying our mother, Nigist Hailu, in accordance with Ethiopian Orthodox wedding customs. Our mother, hailing from North Gonder, Dabat town, where they first crossed paths, became his lifelong partner. Together, they raised three sons and a daughter, and were blessed with two grandchildren. Their union was characterized by mutual respect, adoration, and a deep-seated commitment to each other's happiness, spanning nearly 31 years in their residence in Shimbit Sub-city, Kebele 13, Bahir Dar.

He exemplified virtues of compassion, selflessness, and perseverance, offering solace to the grieving, extending help to those in need, and steadfastly navigating through life's challenges without succumbing to despair. His humility was evident in both adversity and prosperity, never allowing success to inflate his ego. He firmly believed in the harmonious coexistence of diverse facets within an individual's mind, advocating for the compartmentalization of thoughts according to necessity and ideology. This philosophy guided him in seamlessly integrating his religious convictions with his pursuits in the realm of science, ensuring he excelled in both domains with equal fervor and dedication.

A devout Christian, the Professor devoutly observed and commemorated the Orthodox Church's sacred occasions, with a particular emphasis on Ba’at Mariam, an annual tradition close to his heart. Beyond his familial ties, he held a profound reverence for all individuals regardless of their backgrounds, harboring a special fondness for the people of Tigray and the residents of Bahir Dar, especially his neighbors and students. He found solace and joy in listening to the timeless melodies of Yemane Ghebremichael, Tsehaytu Beraki, and traditional Tigrigna music.

Although officially retiring on March 29, 2021, he maintained an agreement with the University to continue his service for an additional five years, driven by his unwavering commitment to his work. His post-retirement plans included the ambitious endeavor of authoring a series of chemistry books in Amharic, English, and Tigrinya, catering to both children and adults alike. Additionally, he aspired to pen his autobiography, documenting the rich tapestry of his life experiences. Despite the demands of retirement, he had already completed five books and was diligently working on several more, all while balancing his research commitments with an unyielding determination to fulfill his ambitions.

On Friday, August 20th, 2021, a contingent of six armed police officers, accompanied by the regional patrol car, conducted searches both at the university and our family residence in pursuit of him. However, on that very day, he had traveled to Addis Ababa for personal matters and a family visit, prompted by the presence of close family members who had tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, on the 9th and 10th of October, a Facebook account named "BDU STAFF," boasting more than 50,000 followers, disseminated two posts containing defamatory remarks and death threats against him. The posts falsely accused our father, an ethnic Tigrayan, of orchestrating warfare in Wollo, East Amhara, and providing support to Tigray forces with finances and resources. Furthermore, they baselessly alleged that he had exploited his position at the university for personal gain, including the construction of his residence in Shimbit Sub-city, and possession of numerous assets and vehicles. He was maliciously labeled as an agent of "Woyane" and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), residing in the United States to incite instability in the country through social media platforms.

Despite the pervasive anti-Tigrayan sentiment across the nation and the onslaught of disinformation and character assassination on Facebook, he disregarded the advice of his close confidants to remain in Addis Ababa and instead returned to Bahir Dar on Sunday, October 10th, 2021, to resume his normal routine. In the face of genuine peril, he staunchly maintained his innocence, expressing, "I am an innocent teacher who resided in Bahir Dar long before many of you were even born. We have built a robust social network there, and we are held in high regard by the community. As I am near retirement, we intend to continue our lives peacefully. It is disheartening to witness baseless fabrications tarnishing my reputation. Is this the norm on Facebook? Are individuals compensated for their posts? I am truly astounded by the reactions of their followers. Nevertheless, do not be alarmed; I believe these Facebook posts originate from idle individuals. Let us instead focus on our own lives."

On October 10, 2021, he personally visited the Bahir Dar Special Zone Police and Security Office, followed by a visit to the Amhara Regional State Police Commission on Monday, October 11, 2021, to ascertain whether there were any warrants or legal inquiries concerning him. Both authorities confirmed that he was not being sought by law enforcement.

Tragically, on November 3rd, 2021, he was fatally shot in front of his residence around midday. That same day, he had been at the university attending to administrative matters related to his retirement and had encountered the academic Vice President. Investigations by the family later revealed that his cold-blooded murder was orchestrated by a coalition involving Bahir Dar University, Amhara Special Forces, Fano militants, and covert operatives. A sizable contingent of armed individuals from the Amhara Special Forces and Fano had staked out positions around his residence for hours, while three members of the assailant group had tailed him from the city center to his home on motorcycles. Upon his return, with our parents living alone along with five tenants, he opened the main gate's left side after parking the car outside the compound. At that moment, three gunmen, clad in Amhara Special Force uniforms, discharged two rounds into the air and six at the fence, gate, and rooms of the house. One masked assailant approached him and fired two shots, the first striking his right leg and the second his right chest, resulting in his immediate demise at the scene.

Given his esteemed reputation and widespread respect in the city and region, a few brave individuals attempted to transport him to the hospital. However, they were obstructed by the militants and covert operatives, who not only forbade them from seeking assistance but also refused to cover his body, callously referring to our father's remains with derogatory terms and warning against aiding or sheltering him.

After committing their heinous act, the three assailants absconded with his personal YARIS car, bearing license plate number 80771 AA.2, a cherished gift from his children in the summer of 2013. No one was permitted to retrieve his body, which lay on the ground for seven agonizing hours until municipal authorities interred him in an unmarked grave, with thousands of witnesses to the tragic event.

On that same fateful day, our mother, Nigist Hailu, aged 57, was coerced into witnessing the lifeless body of our father, embracing and kissing him for an entire hour. Amidst the harrowing scene of the crime, members of the Fano militia and Bahir Dar City Security agents subjected her to interrogation regarding her ethnicity. Courageously, she recounted that the entire family hailed from the town of Dabat, with her parents originating from Tigray and residing in the area for over 65 years. In response, one of the perpetrators callously retorted, "We don’t want to waste our bullet; you’ll keep crying your whole life," resorting to blackmail by labeling her as "Junta" and vowing to eradicate her and other Tigrayans from existence. As tensions escalated, the Shimbit Sub-City Police Officers detained our mother for two days.

Adding to our anguish, we were denied the opportunity to bury him, kept in the dark regarding his funeral arrangements and whereabouts, which were only disclosed through the Bahir Dar Branch Human Rights Commission report. According to the three-page report, on November 3, 2021, around 10 AM, the Professor returned home from the university, only to be pursued and ultimately murdered by "unidentified" perpetrators in his residence, who then absconded with his vehicle. Local law enforcement officials, upon hearing the gunfire, promptly arrived at the scene but refrained from intervening due to apprehensions of further violence from the armed mob. As outlined in the report, his body remained on the ground until 5:30 PM, when municipal officers transported him to Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, located a mere 250 meters from our residence. Under directives from higher authorities, two municipal employees hastily buried his body without a coffin on an undisclosed date.

Following the extrajudicial killing, the perpetrators, aided by one of the tenants residing in the house for two years, looted valuables including money, gold jewelry, electronics, numerous pieces of furniture, hundreds of books, and documents estimated at two million five hundred thousand Ethiopian Birr (2,000,500 ETB). In February 2022, the Amhara Special Forces seized control of the property, measuring 465 square meters, compelling our mother to relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

If an investigation were to be conducted into the unjustifiable loss of our father's life, it would reveal that he was more devoted, compassionate, and a genuine servant of the Amhara community through his actions than his assailants, who erroneously believe they have acted in the Amhara's interest. His contributions are well-recognized throughout Ethiopia, evidenced by numerous pieces of evidence, including television programs in Amhara showcasing the scientific laboratories he had revitalized at Bahir Dar University's Science College.

Despite his status as a revered public intellectual and invaluable asset to the country's scientific community, neither Bahir Dar University, the Bahir Dar Municipal Administration, nor the Amhara Regional State have issued any condolences, statements, requests, or initiated investigations into his murder. Furthermore, both the President and Academic Vice President of Bahir Dar University have rebuffed requests from local and international journalists, declining to comment on the Facebook page and extrajudicial killing of this esteemed chemistry scientist.

Babaye possessed unparalleled intelligence in all facets of life, yet tragically, he met his untimely demise at the hands of pseudo-intellectuals and a thoughtless mob, leaving the family engulfed in unfathomable anguish. Even on brighter days, amidst our conversations, he would assert that he would secure a place in heaven ahead of us, a prophecy that has proven true. We firmly believe that death is merely a transition, not an end. May you find the peace that eluded you in this unforgiving world, our beloved Dad. When the time comes, we will be reunited, forever joyous in your presence. For now, rest peacefully, Babaye. Your memory will endure, cherished and beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing you. Not a single day passes without thoughts of you. Proudly, your life's purpose was one of utility and integrity. You lived, and you lived nobly.

You are missed beyond measure!

As Abel's blood in (Gen. 4:10) our father's, Gebre-Stephen, (His baptism name) blood is crying out to God from the ground!

Online links:-

1). Obituary Professor Meareg Amare (1959-2021) – Emnet Negash (wordpress.com)

2). BDU vice president timidly admits that Prof. Meareg Amare has been murdered – Emnet Negash (wordpress.com)

3). Etiopia: Professor jobbet i byen i 40 år – så ble han henrettet foran huset sitt (bistandsaktuelt.no)

4). Database: the Ethiopian public universities during the Tigray war | Zenodo

5). https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/report/2021-11-03-bahir-dar-university/

6). Meareg Amare - Professor of Analytical Chemistry - Bahir Dar University | LinkedIn

7). ‪‪Meareg Amare‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

8). Meareg AMARE | Laboratory Manager at College of Science | BSc in Chemistry, MSc in Analytical Chemistry & PhD in Physical Chemistry | Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar | Department of Chemistry (researchgate.net)

9). https://twitter.com/martinplaut/status/1458451294134411275?s=20&t=VBl00Egt0TiCw1sqibuyFw

10). https://twitter.com/ProfKindeya/status/1456878143487238146?s=20&t=VBl00Egt0TiCw1sqibuyFw

11). EHRCBSB/02/7043 Report

12). (116) Report - ርዕዮት፡- እቤቱ በራፍ ላይ በግፍ የተረሸነው ፕሮፌሰር . . . | የባህርዳሩ አሰቃቂ ትእይንት። 02/25/2022 - YouTube

13). (116) ጥሕሰት ሰብኣዊ መሰል ተጋሩ፣ መቕተልትን ማእሰርትን ተጋሩ ኣብ ኢ/ያ - ሕዳር 05/2014 ኣ/ኣኽሱማውያ - YouTube

14). (110) የዶ/ር ደብረጽዮን አዲስ መግለጫ፣ ''ዜጎች ሞቱብን' ጠቅላይሚኒስትሩ፣ ''ወደ ውጊያ ልገባ ነው'' አፋር፣ የጎንደሩ ፍንዳታ፣ የፕሮፌሰሩ አስከሬን| EF - YouTube

15). https://youtu.be/2JoFM9DWObw

16). https://twitter.com/addisstandard/status/1601500665611943936?s=20&t=-b1xEpeZ9cs9YG50F1qmxg

17). Ethiopia: Facebook and the Civil War | ZEIT ONLINE18).

18).Ethiopian universities have infringed on human rights during the Tigray war - Ethiopia Insight (ethiopia-insight.com)

19). ትንታኔ፡ ሜታ ላይ የተመሰረተበት የ2.4 ቢሊዮን ዶላር ክስ አካል የሆነው የኢትዮጵያዊዉ ፕሮፌሰር ግድያ እንዴት ተፈፀመ? - Addis Standard

20). Udvalgt fra 21 SØNDAG: Sæson 2 – Beskylder Facebook for at promovere krig | DRTV

21).Focus on Africa - Facebook accused of stoking Ethiopia's conflict - BBC Sounds

22). News: Amnesty International exposes Facebook’s role in human rights abuses in Ethiopia - Addis Standard

23). Ethiopia: Meta’s failures contributed to abuses against Tigrayan community during conflict in northern Ethiopia - Amnesty International