Written by The Ethiopian medical community and beyond are mourning the loss of Dr. Fikru Maru, a pioneering heart surgeon, dedicated humanitarian, and an individual whose life story encompasses remarkable professional achievements and profound personal hardship. He passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of service and resilience.
Tazma M/s/s/c & Addis Cardiac Hospital, in a heartfelt official announcement, conveyed their deep sorrow, describing Dr. Fikru as a “beloved cardiologist, humanitarian, and unsung hero who dedicated his life to serving Ethiopia with compassion and excellence.”
Dr. Fikru was a pivotal figure in establishing heart surgery services within Ethiopia’s private healthcare sector, significantly improving access to critical cardiac care for countless individuals. Beyond his medical expertise, he was widely recognized for his extensive and often understated humanitarian endeavors. His profound commitment to charitable work earned him the affectionate moniker of “unsung hero” among colleagues and those whose lives he touched.
Despite his decades-long residence in Sweden with his family, Dr. Fikru’s connection to his homeland remained strong. Tragically, this connection led to a period of immense injustice. During the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) regime, he was imprisoned for several years on widely disputed “corruption” charges. It was a widely held belief that his arrest was politically motivated. The accusations escalated to include “terrorism” and allegations of orchestrating a revolt within Qilinto prison, where he was incarcerated between 2013 and 2018. Ultimately, in 2018, the Federal Prosecutor dismissed all charges against him.
In 2019, Dr. Fikru shared his harrowing experience of wrongful imprisonment in his book, “Five Years of Captivity,” published in Sweden. This powerful memoir offered a personal account of life within Ethiopia’s notorious Qilinto prison, shedding light on the human cost of political persecution.
Adding another fascinating dimension to his life, prior to his distinguished career as a heart surgeon in Sweden, Dr. Fikru served as a trained fighter pilot in the Ethiopian Air Force during the 1970s. This early chapter speaks to his diverse skills and unwavering commitment to his country in different capacities.
Dr. Fikru Maru is survived by his wife and two children. Details regarding the funeral arrangements have not yet been disclosed. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life defined by professional excellence, selfless humanitarianism, and the strength to persevere through profound adversity. His contributions to Ethiopian healthcare and his unwavering spirit will be deeply missed.
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