Bulcha Demeksa,the political scientist, who passed away today at the age of 94, has huge marks in the economic and political movement of Ethiopia. He served as Deputy Minister of Finance during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie and as the World Bank’s Representative for Africa. He was employed by the United Nations and served in various countries.

• Childhood life

Bulcha Demeksa (9 July 1930[1] – 6 January 2025)[2] was an Ethiopian politician and businessman. Bulcha was born in July 9, 1930 in the Bojji Diremeji Woreda of the West Wollega Zone, to his father,  Demeksa Senbeto, and his mother, Nasisie Serda. Bulcha was the fourth child and the only son among his siblings. Although his father died when he was only young, his uncle, Gobu Senbeto, raised him and did everything he could to ensure he received education.

• Education background

Mr. Bulcha received his primary education at Gimbi Adventist school and his secondary education at Kuyera Adventist Church. He graduated from Addis Ababa University with degrees in economics and law. He was one of the top 10 students to graduate from the university then, and went to the United States to pursue his master’s degree in public finance from Syracuse University in the United States. Upon returning to Ethiopia, he left his mark in the field of economics.

• Career and employment

In 1967, Bulcha was appointed vice-minister of Finance before representing his country at the board of the World Bank. In 1974, when the Ethiopian Revolution started, he left Ethiopia and was hired by the UN administration. Bulcha took his retirement in Ethiopia in 1991, and in 1994, he created the Awash International Bank which became a success.

In early 2005, Bulcha founded the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM), which he saw as a non-military, democratic political party as an alternative to the armed Oromo Liberation Front.

Bulcha Demeksa has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the late Meles Zenawi’s government and the opposition leader most referred by the international media. With other opposition officials, he helped with the creation of Medrek, a larger opposition alliance.

Bulcha resigned as OFDM party chairman in late 2010 but continued as an adviser for the leadership. His retirement from OFDM and his harsh criticism of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and on the 2010 elections were a regular feature story on dozens of private Amharic and English newspapers in the country. In 2019 he announced his intention to run in the 2020 elections.

After returning to Ethiopia, he co-founded Awash Bank SC in 1993 and served as its president until 2000.

The former General Manager of Awash International Bank, Leykun Berhanu, remarked that Bulcha played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s economy, especially during a period when private sector banks were scarce. Together with his colleagues, he made significant contributions to the establishment and growth of Awash Bank, Leykun added.

The Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, which Bulcha founded and led until his retirement, was among the opposition groups that mobilized thousands of people onto the streets of Addis Ababa in 2005 contested elections. The movement advocated for the realization of Oromo rights to self-determination within a fully democratized Ethiopia. In 2008, the party joined the Forum for Unity and Democracy (Medrek), a political coalition formed that same year to contest the 2010 elections.

In an interview, he once said: “The main objective of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement is to reclaim the rights that the Oromo people have lost. At the time, most Oromo were sitting behind closed doors, so we formed the party to declare, ‘There’s an Oromo cause that needs attention.”

Mulatu Gemechu, a member of the executive committee of the Oromo Federalist Congress, stated that at a time when Oromo political parties were virtually non-existent, Bulcha Demeksa founded a party to advocate for the rights of the Oromo people. “In parliament, he was known for speaking his mind and openly challenging ideas he believed to be flawed. He remained a steadfast supporter of our party, offering assistance whenever possible,” he said.

• Remembering Ob. Bulcha: A Personal Reflection

One of those who shared their experiences and reflections with Mr. Bulcha is Mr. Zelalem Negassa. Recalling his reflection, Mr Zelalem remembered the childhood fortitude and resilience with Mr Bulcha along with an interview he did with audio interview for radio walabummaa at the time.

“I had the privilege of interviewing him in New York City, in 2015. While his political views are widely known and documented, there is a less explored aspect of his life that deserves attention—his childhood, the type of parents and family who shaped him, the challenges he faced as an Oromo student, and his relationship with the late Ob. Yiilmaa Dheeressa, among other facets.”

It is also worth noting the denigration he endured as a young student for not being able to speak Amharic. This experience affected him so deeply that he even considered changing his name to Kabbadaa. Despite these challenges, Ob. Bulcha remained steadfast in his identity and principles, becoming a symbol of resilience and pride. He made history as the first person to speak Afaan Oromo in the Ethiopian Parliament—a groundbreaking moment that marked a significant milestone for our people. This achievement reflects his profound courage and dedication to his community.

A person who was with Mr. Zelalem at the time, Adem Omer, also mentioned that he was very impressed by Mr. Bulcha’s legacy in his reflection of the time. ” I was deeply moved by your recollection of the 2015 interview in New York City, which I had the privilege of attending alongside you. Reflecting on that day, I am reminded of the profound impact Ob. Bulcha had on everyone who met him, including us.”

Adem Omer, moreover, expressed his pride in the hardships Mr. Bulcha went through as a child to reach that high level. “The insights you shared about his lesser-known personal journey—the challenges of his childhood, his resilience as an Oromo student, and his relationship with the late Obo Yiilmaa Dheeressa—capture a side of him that many may not know. I vividly remember how passionately he spoke about these experiences, and how they shaped his steadfast identity and unwavering principles.”

“The story of his struggle with the denigration he faced for not speaking Amharic, and his momentary consideration of changing his name to Kabbadaa, was particularly poignant. Despite these challenges, his resolve to remain true to himself stood as a beacon of strength for others. Witnessing his recounting of becoming the first person to speak Afaan Oromo in the Ethiopian Parliament was a powerful reminder of his courage and the trailblazing role he played for the Oromo people.”

• Family

Mr. Bulcha had five daughters during his lifetime. He has four daughters from a previous wife. Then, he also wrote in his biography book that he had a daughter from the wife he later married.

• Awards

At the end of 2008, Bulcha was named “Person of the Year” by Jimma Times, the online version of the defunct Afan Oromo private Yeroo newspaper. He was chosen for his work in the financial sector and his work for human rights and democracy as well as peace activist between different warring sections of the Ethiopian society.

Bulcha’s influence extended beyond politics and business; he was a staunch defender of Oromo culture, language, and identity, dedicating himself to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Oromo people at every opportunity.

Bulcha Demeksa will be remembered as a visionary, a statesman, and a tireless advocate for justice, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Mr. Bulcha is not alive today. But his experience and legacy will shine forever, as a man who met him in New York City in 2015 testified that he was such a wonderful person in his personal memory.

“His passing is an immense loss for all of us, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience, pride, and unwavering dedication to his community. I am grateful to have shared that moment in New York with you and to have witnessed his greatness firsthand.”