In the annals of academic defiance against government oppression, a seminal incident occurred at Addis Ababa University in 1985. It was then that a brave group of 42 esteemed academics took a stand, risking their careers to oppose the violent actions by government forces against university students. They called for transparent investigations into the alleged killings and contended for a university free from political influences. The end-result was a mass expulsion that swept across various disciplines, from the Social Science Department to the Department of Physical Education. This article underscores their courageous actions, highlighting each individual who dared to stand against oppressive regime, thereby preserving the academic independence and integrity of the University.
Historical Context and Background
Political Climate in Ethiopia During the 1980s
The 1980s were a particularly tumultuous period in the history of Ethiopia, marked by political upheavals, civil wars, and economic crises. After the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, the Derg regime, a military junta led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, seized power. The regime, known for its socialist ideologies, imposed drastic changes and controlled every facet of Ethiopian society, including the education system.
The Derg’s reign was characterized by severe human rights abuses, including the infamous Red Terror campaign, where thousands of political opponents were killed. Amidst this backdrop, Addis Ababa University, a beacon of intellectual rigor, became a hotspot for student activism and dissent. The students and some academicians stood steadfast against the regime’s draconian policies.
Addis Ababa University Overview
Addis Ababa University, founded in 1950, had grown to be a leading and influential institution in the Horn of Africa by the 1980s. Known initially as the “University College of Addis Ababa,” it was Ethiopia’s first university and bore the prestige and responsibilities that came with that title. During the Derg regime, the university was perceived as a hotbed of opposition—a place where free thinkers and critics of the regime converged.
The vibrant intellectual atmosphere at the university often led to conflicts with the authoritarian Derg regime, which viewed any form of dissent or criticism as a direct challenge to its rule. This strained relationship set the stage for the confrontation that would lead to the expulsion of the 42 distinguished academics in 1985.
Events Leading to the Expulsion
The sequence of events that led to the expulsion of the 42 academics from Addis Ababa University in 1985 was a tumultuous blend of political and academic clash.
Government Actions Against Students
The Ethiopian government of the 1980s, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, had been plagued with tremendous socio-political instability. As part of their crackdown on dissent, the government imposed its control on various sectors, including education. University students were seen as potential threats due to their capacity for organized protest against the government’s autocratic rule. This fear led to the increased surveillance and repression of students at Addis Ababa University.
The government’s interference in university affairs extended to outright violent actions against students. University students became a target of government forces for their participation in protests. The most tragic incident was the brutal killing of students who courageously opposed the government’s oppressive tactics.
Academics’ Response and Demands
The unjustified violence against university students certainly did not go unnoticed by the academic staff. The 42 academics who were eventually expelled vehemently criticized the government’s actions. They criticized the government for meddling in academic affairs and openly opposed the violent actions taken by government forces against the students.
The academics called for an independent body to investigate the massacres and demanded that the government establish clear boundaries to keep universities free from political influence. Despite the threats to their safety and careers, these brave academics stood up for justice, academic freedom, and the rights of their students.
The Decision to Expel the Academics
In response to the academics’ opposition and demand for an independent investigation, the government decided to take draconian measures. The academics’ continued criticism of the government’s approach was seen as a direct challenge to the state’s authority. Consequently, a landmark decision was made by the government to expel the 42 academics from Addis Ababa University. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for academic freedom in Ethiopia and sent shockwaves throughout the global academic community.
List of Expelled Academics by Department
A comprehensive list of the 42 academics who were expelled from Addis Ababa University in 1985 follows, sorted by department, recounting their names for posterity and marking the extraordinary stance they took for academic freedom and human rights.
Social Science Department
Among the prominent academics brave enough to stand firm on the side of justice in the Social Science department were:
- Professor Mekonnen Bishaw
- Professor Solomon Tefera
- Professor Mesay Kebede
- Professor Sebhat Mersehzen
- Professor Taye Woldesemaat
- Professor Tsehaye Berhane
- Dr. Fekade Shewakena
- Professor Fisa Zewde
- Mendaryalew Zewde
- Ayele Tarekne
- Eynalem Ashebir
- Zerihun Teshome
- Sekhemer Abebe
Notable Academics
In particular, Prof. Mekonnen Bishaw and Prof. Mesay Kebede distinguished themselves through their persistent and valiant opposition against the government’s repressive policies. Their expulsion was a significant loss to the intellectual pool of the university and their respective students.
Natural Science Department
In the Natural Science Department, the faculty members who faced expulsion included:
- Professor Ayenew Ejigu
- Professor Alemayehu Haile
- Professor Mekonnen Dilgasa
- Professor Tamre Huwanda
- Professor Beyene Petros
Notable Academics
Prof. Ayenew Ejigu stood tall among his contemporaries in the Natural Science Department for his unwavering defense of academic freedom and integrity.
Department of Technology
From the Department of Technology, the following academics were expelled:
- Professor Alemayehu Tefera
- Professor Admasu Wase
- Hulwanten Abate
Notable Academics
Prof. Admasu Wase, an illustrious academic, was another prominent figure removed from the university. His loss was felt deeply within the field of Ethiopian technology studies.
Department of Medicine
From the Department of Medicine, notable expelled academics included:
- Prof. Dr. Asrat Woldeyes
- Prof. Dawit Zewde
- Professor Asfaw Desta
- Professor Taye Mekuria
Notable Academics
Prof. Dr. Asrat Woldeyes was internationally respected for his medical research and his expulsion showed the extent of the government’s unreasonable policies.
Department of Business and Economics
In the Department of Business and Economics, the expelled academics included:
- Prof. Ayele Tarfe
- Prof. Befeqadu Degefe
- Dr. Aklilu Tadesse
- Berhanu Bankashe
- Lealem Berhanu
Notable Academics
Prof. Befeqadu Degefe was renowned for his expertise in economics. His expulsion deprived the university, and the country as a whole, of his valuable insights and teaching.
Department of Languages
From the Department of Languages, those expelled were:
- Prof. Hailu Araya
- Prof. Alemayehu Haile
- Professor Taye Assefa
- Tadesse Beyene
- Tesfaye Shewaye
- Seifu Metaferiya
Notable Academics
Prof. Hailu Araya, a distinguished linguist, was another significant loss to the university and its students.
Department of Education
Expelled from the Department of Education were:
- Mekuria Assefa
- Mekuria Assefa
- Feleke Desta
Notable Academics
Among them, Mekuria Assefa was a recognized voice for his reasoned approach to issues related to education policy.
Department of Law
From the Department of Law,
- Professors Worku Tefera
- Ngatu Tesfaye
Notable Academics
Both professors were considered pillars in legal studies, providing valuable insights and teachings unavailable elsewhere.
Other Departments
In other departments, Solomon Yehwerewosen from the African Information Science Department, and Shiferaw Agonaferfrom the Physical Education Department, were expelled.
Notable Academics
Both professors contributed alleged their expertise and knowledge towards bolstering the overarching academic excellence of Addis Ababa University — their expulsion marked an undeniable dent in the university’s esteemed reputation.
Impact of the Expulsions
Following the expulsion of the 42 academics from Addis Ababa University in 1985, there were vast and far-reaching consequences not only for the academics in question but also for the academic freedom and university atmosphere. These impacts were felt strongly on both domestic and international levels.
Consequences for the Academics
The immediate and harsh consequences for the expelled academics were vast and brutal. The expulsion meant not only losing their jobs but also marked them as political dissidents in the eyes of the regime. Many academics were forced into exile, and others faced imprisonment and, in extreme cases, were subjected to torture or execution. The lives of these academics were irrevocably altered. The stress, both mentally and physically, impacted their research output and their ability to contribute positively to the scholarly world. In fact, the experience scarred many of them on multiple levels: physically, emotionally, and professionally.
Impact on University and Academic Freedom
The expulsion of these academics had debilitating effects on the university environment and academic freedom. It created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty on the campus, discouraging free thought, exchange of ideas, and critical thinking. The expulsion also had a devastating effect on the students who were left without their mentors and guides, creating a void in their educational journey as well. It marred the reputation of the University internationally, leading to a significant reduction in international cooperation, partnerships, and academic exchanges.
The harm to academic freedom was perhaps the most lasting impact. With the expulsion, the government signaled that dissenting ideas would not be tolerated, thereby subverting a basic tenet of academic freedom. This resulted in a culture of self-censorship and fear that impeded the growth and development of free academic discourse.
International Reactions and Support
The expulsion sparked international outrage, drawing significant attention to the situation. Global human rights organizations and academic institutions voiced their concerns over the expulsion and the associated human rights abuses. Many Western countries, academic institutions, and international bodies condemned the Ethiopian government’s actions and called for the immediate restoration of academic freedom. Some academics found refuge abroad and continued their work at foreign universities, aided by the support of the international academic community. This international reaction highlighted the importance of solidarity and support in protecting academic freedom and human rights.
Legacy of the 1985 Expulsion
The 1985 expulsion of 42 academics from Addis Ababa University has left an indelible mark on Ethiopia’s academic history. The incident is always remembered as a clear testament to the complex interplay between academic freedom, political activism, and government response.
Lessons Learned
The events of 1985 were a wake-up call for universities and academics worldwide about the potential threats to academic freedom. The expulsion of the academics served as a stark reminder that universities, as forums for ideas and intellectual debate, can become the focus of political power struggles. It highlighted the need for academic institutions and their staff to stand up against any form of oppression. Many adopted advocacy for universities’ autonomy as an important cause, refusing to make concessions to those who seek to control and restrict free thinking and discourse.
Moreover, the expelled academics themselves demonstrated immense grit and resilience following their dismissal. Some relocated to other countries, accepting positions in universities where their intellectual freedom was respected and encouraged. Their stories remind us that academic freedom is not just a privilege, but a vital necessity for robust and vigorous intellectual activity.
Subsequent Changes in Ethiopian Higher Education
The 1985 expulsion and the international outcry it provoked were factors that eventually led to significant changes in Ethiopia’s higher education landscape. This unfortunate event explicit the importance of universities’ autonomy and the academic freedom, leading to more defined structures and rules protecting these principles.
In the following years, efforts were made to reform the higher education system to ensure more independence for universities. More universities were established, and laws were crafted to further shield these institutions from political interference. Additionally, academic freedom became an integral part of university charters, serving as a deterrent to arbitrary actions like mass expulsions.
While the trauma of the 1985 expulsion is part of Ethiopian academic history, it instigated changes that have shaped a more progressive higher education system in Ethiopia today. The legacy of those 42 academics expelled from Addis Ababa University in 1985 continues, standing as a steadfast symbol of resistance against the encroachment of academic freedom.
