It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Abba Mefkare Seb, a man whose life was the embodiment of love, selflessness, and dedicated community service.
Abba Mefkare Seb dedicated his life for over 73 years to planting trees, advocating for environmental justice, and caring for both nature and the people around him. His life’s mission was deeply rooted in his commitment to nurturing the natural world and helping those in need.
Affectionately known as “Mefkare Seb” and the “father of Dessie,” Abba Mefkare Seb earned these titles because of the love he showed to the people of Dessie and the love they had for him. He believed in loving others simply for who they were, and this universal compassion made him a cherished figure not only in Dessie but across Ethiopia. He was known for visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, and being present during both joyful and challenging times.
A tireless advocate for unity, Abba Mefkare Seb worked diligently to bring together diverse communities, bridging religious divides—especially between Muslims and Christians. He united people of different faiths with love and care that fostered a spirit of harmony and solidarity wherever he went.
I, too, hold personal memories of Abba Mefkare Seb from my childhood at Dessie Medehanialem and St. Gabriel Church. He would ask us to water the trees and serve the church community, instilling in us not only a love for nature and community service but also a deep understanding of the importance of caring for others. When I returned to Dessie to visit my family a couple of years ago, I had the honor of meeting him briefly. Though he looked physically frailer, his wisdom and spirit remained as strong as ever. I had the opportunity to express to him how profoundly his teachings and commitment to community service had shaped my life, as well as the lives of countless others. It is a memory I will forever cherish.
Abba Mefkare Seb’s dedication to environmental justice extended far beyond the church. His commitment to protecting the environment was unwavering. He was a pioneer of the environmental justice movement in Ethiopia and across Africa, tirelessly working to plant and protect trees, while educating the community about the dangers of deforestation and the need for environmental stewardship.
In addition to his environmental justice advocacy, Abba Mefkare Seb played a pivotal role in building churches, initiating economic development, and championing infrastructure projects that greatly benefited the community. His legacy is not only defined by the trees he planted and the environmental justice he fought for but also by the countless lives he touched through his teaching, wisdom, and tireless efforts to improve the world around him.
Abba Mefkare Seb lived a life filled with love for both people and nature. His dedication to unity, community service, and environmental justice has forever transformed Dessie and beyond. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to guide us in how we care for one another and the world around us.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations to live with love for humanity and nature, and a commitment to environmental justice.
