borkena
April 13, 2020
Temesgen Zewde passed away in the capital Addis Ababa on Monday, it was learned.
Temesgen was a member of the Ethiopian parliament for two terms (ten years) between 2005 and 2010 as a member of Coalition for Unity and Democratic Party.
An economist by profession, he lived in the United States for 22 years before he returned to his country to serve as his country as a member of the opposition.
At a time when political pundits considered the Ethiopian Parliament as a “rubber stamp” symbolizing the height of repression in the country, he stood his ground as a member of the opposition party challenging the policies of the late Meles Zenawi.
Too many Ethiopians remember the confrontation between Meles Zenawi and Tesgen Zewude as the former was trying to ridicule the latter’s remark about fiscal policy. The then speaker of the house, Teshome Toga, who is currently Ethiopian Ambassador to China, had to interrupt Temesgen Zewde’s speech. ( Watch embedded YouTube video below )
State Media, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), reported on Monday that the House of People’s Representative expressed condolence.
He is survived by two children and his wife.
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RIP
He will always be remembered as a hero , Temesgen’s name will stand above his grave in history books.
I had worked with Mr. Zewdie for several years in the petroleum industry in Fort Worth, Texas and when he was laid off I worked with him to start up a non-profit with the intention of developing agriculture to benefit the poor in rural areas. I provided travel, living and business expenses and exported a four wheel drive vehicle to Ethiopia. He then stole everything and disappeared to start his political career and enrich himself. Like most politicians he is a liar and thief. He was without honor.