Andreas Eshete, Towering Intellectual, Social Progress Champion, Dies at 79

Andreas Eshete (Prof.) was an early riser regardless of how late he stayed up. Punctuality was more than a habit for him; it reflected his disciplined character. In a society where time often took a backseat, Andreas arrived at weddings before the decorations were up.

In his household, table manners were not merely encouraged; they were expected. Phone calls were to be taken outside, and silverware had its proper use. His son, Alula, recalled a childhood lesson when he attempted to cut a steak by stabbing it with a knife. Andreas gently corrected him with a touch of humour: "The animal is already dead." It was a moment that encapsulated his approach to teaching, firm yet playful.

Wit and wisdom were constant companions for Andreas, a towering figure in Ethiopia's academic and political life for over half a century. He was known for his commitment to intellectual rigour, social justice, and the betterment of his country. While he allowed those around him the freedom to make their own choices, he held firm on a few principles such as education, reading, punctuality, and respect for tradition.

"He allowed me to find myself," said Alula. "He was my dad but also a friend."

Born to Meshesha Gebremariam and Eshete Tessema in the Qebena area of Addis Abeba, Andreas spent his formative years with his uncle, Jemaneh Alabso, a librarian near Arat Kilo. This environment immersed him in books and ideas from an early age. His education began at Menelik II Secondary School, on King George VI St., and extended into the home of the Pankhurst family, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for literature, the resilience of women, and gardening.

Winning a scholarship to Williams College in the United States was a turning point. Initially dabbling in economics and political science, he found his true calling in philosophy, a decision he never regretted. The U.S. opened his eyes to the harsh realities of racism and urban poverty, fueling his passion for civil liberties and freedom of expression. He became an active participant in African American gatherings, advocating the civil rights movement. He was a leading member of the Ethiopian student movement, a force in the downfall of the monarchy and an early member of the All Ethiopian Socialist Movement, a.k.a Me'eson in the local wordbook.

Earning a doctorate in philosophy from Yale University, Andreas taught at prestigious institutions, including Brown, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania, before returning to Ethiopia. His return marked the beginning of a chapter in his homeland's history.

Instrumental in drafting Ethiopia's post-1991 constitution, Andreas worked closely with the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. His contributions helped enshrine human rights and multicultural federalism, an achievement he considered among his proudest. While celebrated by many, his work also drew criticism, yet few could deny his intellect.

At Addis Abeba University, he served as a philosophy professor and later as its president, steering the flagship academic institution through a tumultuous period of political and social upheaval. His tenure was marked by intellectual rigour and a steadfast commitment to academic freedom.

"Governments are ad hoc," he often said, "but we must build institutions that outlast generations."

One of his defining positions was his opposition to the government's student intake policy, which prioritised natural sciences (70pc) over social sciences.

"Technology can be imported," he argued. "But authentic, lasting change requires social progress."

Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in shifting the policy, but his belief in the primacy of social sciences never wavered.

Colleagues like Atalay Alem (Prof.) recalled Andreas' fearlessness in defying external pressures and his moral compass in aspiring for an academic institution free from political interference. During his tenure, Andreas strongly advocated for women's rights and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities, pushing forward initiatives that left a lasting impact. He also served as the UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Peace & Democracy at the University and as an advisor to the late Prime Minister Meles.