Tibebu Haileselassie

Dr. Tibebu was born on September 8, 1947 in Addis Abeba Ethiopia. He was the 6th of 8 children born to the late Tsedale Worku and Memre Haileselassie Semegn. At a very early age, it became very clear that Dr. Tibebu was a very special individual. He was a brilliant student, excelling in all his studies, winning scholarships to the best schools in Ethiopia, and receiving awards from Emperor Haileselassie for his academic achievements. He was a thoughtful and considerate child to his parents, siblings and friends, thinking beyond his age.

Dr. Tibebu went to the prestigious high school of General Winget in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, a school that educated Ethiopia’s brightest. Even from this group, Dr. Tibebu always ranked top of his class. After completing his secondary education, he went to Addis Ababa University and continued to excel and graduated from Addis Ababa University Medical school with honors in June 1975.

On September 21, 1975, he married the love of his life, his wife of 37 years, Lishan Agonafer at Mulu Wongel Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They have three beautiful daughters.

Dr. Tibebu served the Ethiopian people with pride as a medical doctor in Kebridehar, Ogaden for two years. It was during this time of service when he, along with nearly 4000 civilian residents , were taken as civilian prisoners of war into Somalia on July 24, 1977, when a full scale war broke out between Ethiopia and Somalia.

Dr. Tibebu served his fellow prisoners as their advocate, doctor, and educator, fighting for their basic rights. By God’s grace, he was able to learn the Somali language, translate Somali text books into English and Amharic and establish a K-12 school for the prisoners. He and his fellow prisoners were miraculously released from Somalia after 11 years.

Shortly after his release from Somalia, he began working with UNICEF, serving the underprivileged in Kenya, Southern Sudan, Somalia, Lesotho, Iraq, Israel/Palestine and New York.

Throughout his life, Dr. Tibebu lived a principled life and his integrity was above reproach. During his services in the UN, he continued his loving ministry, spreading it to everyone regardless of nationality, language, religion, or gender. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged and always found opportunities to spread the gospel of Christ by making his life exemplary.

Dr. Tibebu is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lishan Agonafer; their three daughters Emnet, Rekik and Tidenek; their four grandsons, Leul, Mezmure, Noah, and Simon; his younger sister Muluemebet Haileselassie, his younger brother Mikre Haileselassie, and the very many close and dear friends and family.