A university professor fired for his “political activism”

A university professor from AddisAbaba University claims he has been fired for his political activism. Dr. DagnachewAssefa, associate professor of philosophy at the AddisAbaba University, says that he was let go from his position for voicing criticism of the government and the university administration. The Associate Professor has made a reputation as a vocal proponent of increased democratization in Ethiopia which won him widespread popularity among the university students and the larger public. Local papers report this weekend that he had merely had his contract renewal “revoked.”
Dr. Dagnachew said he was recently informed by the dean that his renewal and sabbatical leave requests were not accepted by the university’s board. He was not told why, although he believes it was a result of his political stance. “They informed me they would not renew my contract, no explanation was provided, but I’m quite sure it’s related to my political view. I have rebuffed repeated orders from some people to stop voicing my opinions,” he told AddisAdmass, the weekly Amharic. He also said that the university withheld his salary for three months.
The philosophy department was in favour of keeping him seeking his service especially for the postgraduate program that is planning to launch and that he was originally slated to teach, he said. However, the president of the university, Dr. AdmasuTsegaye refused the final approval of renewal. Since Dr. Dagnachew once spoke of questioning the capacity of the university president, Dr. Admasu, to lead the big institution, he said he was the victim of vendetta.
Another professor in AddisAbaba University, Dr. MeraraGudina of the political science and international relations department, was also dismissed from his position in February because of his commentary on local politics, according to local news media. Dr. Merara’s contract as lecturer was terminated for reasons not explained to the department.
Dr. Merara, who is also the chair of the coalition of opposition parties Medrek, dismissed AAU’s decision as unacceptable and said he would take the case to the court.
Recently two opposition members who have been working at Ethiopian Airlines and the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia were reportedly fired form their jobs. Opposition members said their dismissal was politically motivated but government authorities said it was taken on disciplinary administrative measures.