Jaal Ibrahim Saddiq was born in Giba Ashamboo, Kober District, Begi Zone, in West Oromia. He began his education in his local area and continued his studies until the Derg regime’s widespread arrests disrupted the lives of countless people across Oromia.

Like many regions in Oromia, his homeland suffered profoundly under the Derg’s final, brutal campaigns of violence and mass killings. Facing such oppression, Jaal Ibrahim made the pivotal decision to join the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) in 1986 through the Dirree Dhihaa route. He diligently completed all necessary training and faithfully carried out every duty and mission assigned to him, consistently fulfilling his role with distinction.

Following the adoption of the OLF Charter in 1991, he undertook crucial organizational missions within the country. Later, due to intensified surveillance by the incumbent regime and pressure from the then-powerful Sudanese government on the OLF, he was compelled to seek asylum abroad after the organization’s military and political offices were attacked and closed in 1998.

Jaal Ibrahim found asylum and settled in New Zealand in 1999. Upon his arrival, he rejoined the OLF chapter and actively took on the responsibilities and tasks given by the organization. For many years, he served the OLF in various capacities, including as Secretary of the New Zealand Branch Organizing Committee and later as the elected President of the OLF New Zealand Branch. He also provided steadfast material and moral support for the Oromo people’s struggle.

A father of four, Jaal Ibrahim passed away on December 4, 2025, after a period of illness. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers for strength to his family, relatives, and all his friends.

A fighter may fall, but the struggle continues!

December 4, 2025

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Foreign Affairs Structure