The founding father of Institute of Ethiopian Studies of the Addis Ababa University and leading figure in the friends of Ethiopia, Professor Richard Pankhurst died at age of 89.

Prof. Pankhurst came to Ethiopia in 1956, later becoming a professor at the University of Addis Ababa where he has taught and conducted research for most of his career. In 1963, he founded the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES), and was its first Director. He also served as editor of the Journal of Ethiopian Studies and the Ethiopia Observer.

Prof. Pankhurst came to Ethiopia in 1956 and devoted his life to Ethiopian studies, writing over 20 books and editing many more on aspects of Ethiopia’s history, culture and economics.

Prof. Richard Pankhurst was born in Woodford Green, England, on December 3rd 1927. His mother Sylvia Pankhurst was one of activists in the labour movement and a prominent politician who had been an active supporter of Ethiopian culture and independence since the fascist invasion in 1935. More importantly, Mrs. Pankhurst was a staunch supporter of Ethiopia’s struggle against Italian invasion in the 1930s.

He was the founding director of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and he was also instrumental in the successful campaign to get back the Axum Stelae from Italy to Ethiopia and its re-erection in 2008, for which he was given an award of recognition by H.E. Dr. Mulatu Teshome, president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa University community extends its deep condolences to his family and friends.