The Council is saddened by the passing of Professor Fantu Cheru, a distinguished political economist, development scholar, and valued member of the CODESRIA community. Fantu (as he was popularly known in our circles) maintained a longstanding engagement with CODESRIA both as a scholar and as an elder to whom we looked to for advice on a range of matters. His contribution to the Council’s scholarly activities, knowledge production initiatives and resource mobilization efforts have left an enduring mark on CODESRIA’s history. Most recently, he delivered the inaugural Thandika Mkandawire Memorial Lecture, later published in Africa Development, reflecting his commitment to advancing critical African scholarship and the revival of transformative approaches to development.
The CODESRIA community is privileged to have benefitted from his intellectual contributions, dedication to Africa’s development, and mentorship. On behalf of the CODESRIA Executive Committee, Scientific Committee, Secretariat, and the wider African Social Science and Humanities community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Godwin R. MURUNGA
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY.
