Girma Berhanu (Professor)
Sweden
Dr. Wondimu Makonnen is a distinguished human rights activist whose unwavering commitment to justice has spanned decades. During the Woyane (TPLF-led) regime, he became widely known for his courageous advocacy, a struggle that continued for more than 37 years. Even after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power, Dr. Wondimu did not diminish his determined and uncompromising defense of the oppressed. He has remained a tireless advocate for the destitute, for the victims of massacres across Ethiopia, and particularly for the Amhara people, whose suffering he believes has too often been ignored or silenced.
I had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Wondimu on a noble initiative, the European Genocide Prevention for Ethiopia project, which focused on identifying and exposing hate speech before it could escalate into violence. Together, we worked to raise public awareness of the warning signs of genocide, convinced that the worst was yet to come if these dangers continued to be ignored.
Since then, our collaboration has continued. Dr. Wondimu has generously edited my articles, often working late into the night. His dedication is matched only by his remarkable depth of knowledge. His understanding of Ethiopian history far exceeds my own, and his expertise in the history, traditions, and practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is exceptional. He is also a devoted student of Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s ancient liturgical language.
I rarely write an article dealing with Ethiopian history without first consulting him. His careful scholarship, historical insight, and commitment to accuracy have been invaluable to my work. Today, he continues to share his wealth of knowledge through various media outlets, educating audiences about Ethiopia’s past, its present challenges, and what he sees as the unjust treatment Ethiopia has endured at the hands of ethnic extremism, racial hatred, and poor leadership.
Throughout his life, Dr. Wondimu has sought to promote balance, reconciliation, and the rebuilding of a harmonious Ethiopia founded on justice, wisdom, and reverence for God. Beyond his intellectual accomplishments, he is a man of extraordinary generosity, always willing to devote his time, knowledge, and resources to helping others.
What I did not fully appreciate until recently was the immense personal sacrifice he has made. For 34 years, Dr. Wondimu has lived in the United Kingdom without the protection of a nationality, effectively stateless. Despite the hardships this imposed—including severe restrictions on international travel and even entering Ethiopia—he chose not to abandon his Ethiopian identity. He wished to keep his Ethiopian passport for as long as possible because Ethiopia is not merely his country of birth; it is part of who he is. He wanted to leave this world with that identity intact rather than exchange it for another nationality.
This principled decision came at an enormous personal cost. His statelessness is the consequence of his fearless opposition to successive authoritarian governments. Across three different regimes, he sacrificed his health, his resources, his freedom of movement, and many personal opportunities in order to remain a genuine voice for justice.
Today, after 37 years of statelessness in England, Dr. Wondimu Makonnen stands as a powerful symbol of integrity, resilience, and patriotism. His story is a reminder that the highest price is often paid by those who refuse to compromise their principles. He has dedicated his life to speaking for the voiceless, defending the vulnerable, and preserving the truth about Ethiopia’s history and future.
His legacy is not measured by political office or personal wealth, but by the countless lives he has inspired through courage, scholarship, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Professor Girma Berhanu teaches at the Department of Education and Special Education, Gothenburg University. He can be reached at girma.berhanu@ped.gu.se
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I didn’t know anyone can write about me in such a beautiful way. My struggle had never been about myself but about the plight of our people. Prof. Girma Berhanu has been amazing source inspiration for me to continue fighting for justice ever since the cause of Ethiopia has brought us together. The energy he puts into voicing for the voiceless Ethiopians, particularly, the Amhara is incredible. How can he produce academic article after articles every week? I am the most prevailed individual to get to know him. Recently, he asked about some individuals who are in the service of the past and current regimes in Ethiopia. I explained who exactly they were. As a matter of fact, I told him how this officials in Service of Woyyane and now Bilsigna regimes violated my right of renewing my expired Ethiopian passport, to the extent of destroying a formal document. When Prof. Girma learned about this he was more angry than I. I never imagined he would go as far as writing about me. Well, I don’t really complain much, seeing my people are bombarded by explosives mounted drones, others imprisoned disease infested areas such as QilinTo and Awash Arba. This prisoners include like Christian Tadele, Yohannes Bwayalew, Miss Genet Asmamw (journalist), Dr. Kassa Teshager, Dr. Wondewosen Asefa, Dr. Tewodros H/mariam, Dr. Meseret Kelemework, Dr. Sisay Awgichew, Dr. Mearegu Biyabeyen, Dr. Chane Kebede, Dr. Zerihun Baheriw, Dr. Gibreab Alemu, Mr. Alelegn Mihretu, Mrs. Meskerem Abera (Journalist), Mr. Gobeze Sisay (Journalist), Mr. Dawit Begashaw (Journalist), Mr. Abay Zewdu (Journalist), Mr. Tesfay Mekuriaw, Mr Tadeos Tantu (Author, journalist, and human right activist) and thousands of other. While so many are suffering, my sacrifice is minute not worth researching and righting about it. That doesn’t mean, am not honoured and touched. Thank you.
Dr. Wondimu Mekonen is among the very few in the Amhara diaspora who has rejected any property luring in Ethiopia and continued as a principled and firm opposer. Though I do not share his views, respecting persons like Dr. Wondimu who stand firm and consistent is part of the Tigraayan tradition and culture. Alomost all Amhara diaspora have been attracted by economic opportunites and benefits in Ethiopia and given up, Unlike the Amhara diaspora, the Tigray Diaspora can not be bought by fringe benefits and work against their people.
“Unlike the Amhara diaspora, the Tigray Diaspora can not be bought by fringe benefits and work against their people?” :) Digital Tigraway, you are a disgrace to Tigrayans. I wish you had not said this, at least not in public.
I am raised and educated in Tigrayan values and proud of my heritage. Tigray diaspora are disciplined and do not sell themselves to fringe benefits many Amhara in the diaspora do. What I wrote about the Amhara diaspora is a fact and well known. It is not deniable. Among other methods the EPRDF government used to split, control and weaken the Amhara diaspora opposition in the post 2005 elections was offering benefits such as urban plots.
It is a profoundly accurate portrayal that captures the very essence of Dr. Wondimu’s character, his tireless life journey, and his unwavering devotion to advocating for destitute and marginalized Ethiopians.
Having had the distinct privilege of knowing and working closely alongside Dr. Wondimu, I can personally attest that Professor Girma’s words ring incredibly true. Dr. Wondimu does not just speak about justice; he lives it. His selflessness, resilience, and deep love for his people are a constant source of inspiration to everyone around him.
Reading this tribute does more than just honor a great man—it serves as a powerful reminder of why we must keep moving forward. Witnessing Dr. Wondimu’s dedication firsthand fuels a deep sense of urgency and inspires us to carry on the struggle for a more just and compassionate future.
My deepest gratitude goes to Professor Girma Berhanu for putting these truths into such eloquent words and for giving Dr. Wondimu’s vital legacy the recognition it truly deserves.