by Engidu Woldie
ESAT News (December 17, 2018)
A state burial will be conducted on Wednesday for the former Ethiopian president, Girma Woldegiorgis, who died Saturday from natural causes. He would have turned 95 next week.
A state funeral service is being held starting today, while a national day of mourning is expected be announced by the committee that was set up to lead funeral services for the former president.
A former soldier and member of parliament, Woldegiorgis, born in 1928, devoted his life for the service of his country, according to his obituary.
Girma Woldegiorgis, who spoke 5 languages, served as president from 2001 to 2013, a largely ceremonial position. He is also known for taking a lead role in the country’s reforestation program, encouraging young people to plant trees and take care of the environment.
Girma Woldegiorgis is survived by five children. His wife passed away a year ago.