Prominent lawyer, writer and politician passes away

Assefa Chabo

ESAT News (April 24, 2017)

Assefa Chabo, a former member of parliament, writer and lawyer passed away in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday at the age of 73.

Born in Gamugofa, southern Ethiopia, Chabo entered politics and public service at a very young age. A graduate of the Addis Ababa University Law Faculty, Chabo was, among other Ethiopian lawyers, a recipient of an international award given to students of law. He was also awarded with a gold watch by Emperor Haileselassie for his academic achievements.

Chabo was imprisoned by the former Ethiopian government for over 10 years due to his activism; and upon his release, became a member of the transitional government after the EPRDF assumed power in Addis Ababa in 1991.

Chabo wrote extensively on Ethiopian politics and his book “Yetizita Feleg,” a compilation of his articles, has garnered huge acclaim. He was working on his autobiography at the time of his death, it was lerarnt.

Assefa Chabo’s body will be sent to Ethiopia for burial, according to his friends, who have launched a gofundme account to help raise money to cover funeral costs.

Assefa Chabo is survived by four children and nine grandchildren.