A Time for Everything
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
For us it is such a time to mourn due to the loss of a great Man, Dr. Asfaw Kumssa commonly called Asfish.
But our mourning is not everlasting. We deeply know that the weeping may stay for the night, but the rejoicing comes in the morning.
Six decades back a handsome boy, Asfish was born unto the Kumssa’s family in the western part of Ethiopia, Oromia region. During his childhood, he moved to Addis Ababa, (Finfinnee) where he grew up as a city boy. After completing high school and a diploma programme in Addis Ababa, he went for further international education and a career. Since then, he successfully completed M.SC., ODESSA INSTITUTE OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC PLANNING, UKRAINE, postgraduate in (ECONOMICS), from the UNIVERSITY OF STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, MA, from GRADUATE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, USA, PHD. from the GRADUATE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, USA.
Dr. Kumssa had a distinguished career at national, regional, and international levels. During the last three decades, he served as an adjunct PROFESSOR, at the UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, CO, USA, SENIOR UN RESEARCH FELLOW, UNCRD (UNITED NATIONS CENTRE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT), NAGOYA, JAPAN. He also served in other positions in UNCRD, including PROJECT OFFICER and UNCRD AFRICA OFFICE COORDINATOR, NAIROBI. He was also the CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR, UNDP KENYA/ United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Kenya.
With over thirty years of experience in providing policy advice and technical assistance to developing countries in the field of development studies, conflict prevention, mediation, management, and regional and local development planning; and extensive experience in cross-border and borderland issues and the challenges of the communities living in borderland areas in Africa, Dr. Asfaw Kumsa made a solid and pioneering efforts towards designing and successfully implementing the UN’s Cross Border Programme for Kenya – Ethiopia, while serving as The Chief Technical Advisor at the UN Kenya Resident Coordinator’s office, before his retirement in September 2021.
Dr. Kumssa had vast and rich experience, having worked in international, national, and local government institutions, Civil Society Organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations. Throughout his career, Dr. Kumssa had the magic touch! He made the work of both his colleagues and communities easier while living an exemplary life of service to humanity and working towards sustainable development, adhering fully, to the Principle of Leaving No One Behind – ensuring the inclusivity of the Cross Borderlands Communities.
He wholeheartedly served the UN systems in the field of capacity building, training, and research with an impressive track record of engaging multiple stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict resolution in conflict and post-conflict societies; tackling governance issues and strengthening the resilience of internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and communities hosting refugees affected by conflict and humanitarian disasters. He has made a great contribution to building structures and institutions that enhance the sustainability of development initiatives in Africa and beyond.
Before his passing, Dr. Kumssa continued imparting his knowledge and expertise through both short-term and extended official engagements through the African Union - making a significant contribution to Africa’s Continental Development Agenda.
Dr. Kumssa contributed to over sixty/ 60 publications through published journals and Articles, Book Chapters, Book reviews, and editorials. He was a member and leader of different professional associations. Some of them are chairperson of Ethiopian Professionals in Kenya, 2020-2021, International Editorial Advisory Board Member of International Journal of Rural Management, 2005-2019, Editorial Committee Member of Regional Development Dialogue, 1996-2014, Editorial Committee Member of Regional Development Studies, 1994-2014, Chairperson, Editorial Committee of Regional Development Studies, 1996-1998, Member of Nilo-Ethiopian Studies, 1994-1998, Member of International Studies Association, 1993-1999, and Member of African Studies Association, 1992-1999.
Over and above his career accomplishments, Dr. Kumssa will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and genuine person who mentored many professionals in the field of development. His pleasant demeanor and the big heart of helping will be remembered fondly!
While Dr. Kumssa has left us physically as Families, Relatives, Colleagues, Friends, and Communities of Practice, he lives in our hearts as a beacon of passion, a gold standard of commitment and a true representation of servant leadership - whose has impacted the current and future generations. He was a very humble, down-to-earth, and very gentle person with a big vision for Africa’s Peace and development.
We are truly blessed to have had the opportunity to learn and carry on in his footsteps. His Kindness and warm-heartedness will always be remembered.
Asfish, Dr. Asfaw Kumssa, your memory will forever live in our hearts.
We also know that ‘The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’. Rest In Peace Our Dear Dr. Asfaw Kumssa, until we meet in Heaven. May the Almighty comfort all of us.
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