Author, Journalist and Historian Mamo Wudneh dies at 77

By T, De Birhan Media Staffer 

2-3-2012

the legendary writer Mamo Wudneh

The reknowned historian, journalist and author Mamo Wudineh has died this morning at the age of 77 in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. He was born in the then Wollo Province of Ethiopia and lost his parents due to Fascit Italian bombing during the five years occupation. 

Mamo Wudineh  published 53 books and eight plays in Amharic (original and translations) and is also widely known for making popular the world of spies. Ye Egina Sew Bedemasiqo, Ye Berehaw Tekula and Ye Cairow Joro Tebi are some of his spy books translated from various languages. Mamo first entered first grade at the age of 15 but unable to complete even high-school due to hardship, he went on to work on several newspapers in Addis ababa and Asmara such as 'Polis Ina Irmijaw', 'hibret', 'yezareytu Etyopia', and has been in the writing business for over 54 years, reported Paul Williams  about Mamo in his 1998 article .
  

From 1966-70 Wudneh was the head of the Government Press Department in what was then the Ethiopian province of Eritrea and had a room reserved for his use at the naval base at Embatikala. He was the President of the Writers Association of Ethiopia and won many awards. He was hospitalised for cardiovascular disease. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.

Watch his recent interview here