Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, holds a special place in the hearts of the Oromo diaspora community as a symbolic site for gatherings, protests, and cultural events. For the Oromo community in Victoria, Federation Square serves as a space to express solidarity with their people back home, raise awareness about the Oromo struggle, and celebrate their culture and identity. Here’s how Federation Square in Melbourne is remembered and utilized by the Oromo community:

1. A Site for Solidarity and Advocacy

• Protests and Demonstrations: Federation Square has been a key location for the Oromo diaspora to organize protests and demonstrations against human rights abuses, political repression, and injustices faced by the Oromo people in Ethiopia. These events often draw attention to issues such as land grabs, extrajudicial killings, and the marginalization of the Oromo people.
• Global Awareness: By gathering at Federation Square, the Oromo community in Melbourne raises awareness among Australians and the international community about the Oromo struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination.

2. Cultural Celebrations and Identity

• Irreecha Festival: The Oromo community in Melbourne has celebrated Irreecha, the Oromo Thanksgiving festival, at Federation Square. This cultural event is a powerful way to preserve and promote Oromo traditions, language, and identity in the diaspora.
• Music and Dance: Federation Square has hosted Oromo cultural performances, including traditional music, dance, and poetry, which serve as a reminder of the rich heritage of the Oromo people.

3. Commemorating Martyrs and Heroes

• Honoring Sacrifices: The Oromo community in Melbourne has used Federation Square to hold memorial events for Oromo martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. These events often include speeches, candlelight vigils, and moments of silence to honor their sacrifices.
• Remembering Key Events: The community also commemorates significant events in the Oromo struggle, such as the 2014–2018 Oromo protests and the Irreecha massacre of 2016, ensuring that these moments are not forgotten.

4. A Platform for Unity and Mobilization

• Diaspora Unity: Federation Square serves as a gathering place for the Oromo diaspora in Victoria, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among community members. It provides a space for Oromos from different backgrounds to come together and support one another.
• Youth Engagement: The square has been a platform for Oromo youth in the diaspora to engage in activism, leadership, and cultural expression, ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to their heritage and the struggle.

5. Advocacy and Political Engagement

• Engaging Australian Policymakers: The Oromo community in Melbourne has used Federation Square as a platform to engage with Australian policymakers, human rights organizations, and the media, advocating for support for the Oromo cause.
• International Solidarity: By organizing events at Federation Square, the Oromo diaspora builds alliances with other marginalized communities and activists in Australia, fostering a broader movement for justice and human rights.

6. A Symbol of Resilience and Hope

• Celebrating Achievements: Federation Square has also been a place to celebrate milestones in the Oromo struggle, such as the release of political prisoners or the recognition of Oromo rights in Ethiopia.
• Inspiring Future Generations: The events held at Federation Square inspire Oromo youth in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and continue the fight for justice and equality.

7. Challenges and Reflections

• Distance from Home: While Federation Square provides a space for the Oromo diaspora to express their solidarity, it also serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional distance from their homeland and the ongoing struggles in Oromia.
• Balancing Activism and Integration: The Oromo community in Melbourne uses Federation Square to balance their activism for Oromo rights with their efforts to integrate into Australian society, showcasing the dual identity of the diaspora.

Conclusion

Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, is remembered by the Oromo community as a vital space for activism, cultural expression, and unity. It symbolizes the resilience and determination of the Oromo diaspora to support their people back home while preserving their cultural heritage and identity. Through protests, cultural events, and memorials, the Oromo community in Victoria has transformed Federation Square into a powerful platform for advocacy and solidarity, ensuring that the Oromo struggle remains visible on the global stage.