Feature Commentary: Beyond the Token – The Imperative of Unleashing Oromo Women’s Power

A profound truth is being spoken by the Oromo Sisterhood Institute, one that every Oromo civic and political organization must hear: the future of the Oromo people is held in the untapped potential of its women. The call is not for polite inclusion but for a fundamental restructuring of power.

The statement, “Advancing Equity for Oromo Women,” begins with a diagnosis that rejects all euphemisms. The absence of Oromo women from leadership boards, high-stakes negotiations, and strategic decision-making is not an “oversight.” It is, in their own powerful words, a “systemic breakdown.” This framing is crucial. It moves the conversation from a plea for a seat at the table to a demand to rebuild the table itself. The failure is not of individuals but of design.

The Mirage of Inclusion and the Reality of Exclusion

For too long, the solution offered to this systemic failure has been tokenism. A single female face on a committee of twelve becomes the shield against criticism, the hollow symbol of “inclusion.” The Oromo Sisterhood Institute rightly declares this era over. A committee with one woman is not inclusive; it is a perpetuation of the exclusionary structure. True engagement, they argue, requires “clear avenues for Oromo women to lead, impact, and mold our institutions.” This is the difference between being a guest in a house you did not build and being an architect of the new foundation.

The distinction between where Oromo women are currently concentrated and where they are systematically excluded is stark. They are overwhelmingly present in the volunteer work, the community mobilizing, and the front-line advocacy—the vital, often thankless labor that keeps movements alive. Yet, when the discussions shift to strategy, governance, and final decision-making—where the power to set direction and allocate resources resides—their voices fade into the background. The Institute’s message is clear: this dissonance is unacceptable. The work of the hands must be connected to the authority of the voice.

Dismantling the Barriers: A Matter of Justice

To move forward requires honest confrontation with the specific barriers. The Institute names them plainly: the gatekeeping of old networks, cultural norms that invisibilize women’s intellectual and leadership capacities, biased practices in hiring and promotion, and the simple, stark lack of representation where it counts most. These are not peripheral “women’s issues.” They are, as stated, core “issues of justice.” A struggle for liberation that internally replicates structures of oppression is a contradiction in terms.

An inclusive Oromo community, therefore, is not one that merely allows women to speak. It is one that actively “prioritizes women’s voices,” expects their leadership as a norm, and, most importantly, ensures that young Oromo girls can look at every level of their community’s power structure and see a reflection of themselves. Representation is not a gift; it is a mirror that tells the next generation what is possible.

The Unlocked Future

The concluding statement lands with the force of prophecy: “The future of the Oromo people depends on the power we choose to unlock in our women today.” This is the ultimate calculus. The Oromo struggle, in its quest for justice, self-determination, and cultural renaissance, cannot afford to operate at half-strength. It cannot hope to build a liberated tomorrow while silencing half its wisdom, courage, and vision today.

The Oromo Sisterhood Institute has issued more than a statement; it has issued a challenge. The transformation they speak of is not just for women—it is for the entire Oromo nation. To ignore this call is not just to fail women; it is to willfully constrain the future. When Oromo women are truly unleashed to lead, the very horizon of what is possible for the Oromo people expands. Their full potential is not a separate cause; it is the key to a transformed tomorrow.

Feature News: Reviving Tradition – Oromia Calls for a Collective Celebration of Jila Tajoo/Birboo

Malkaa Baatuu, Oromia Region – The call has been sounded across Oromia. In a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and community, the annual Jila Tajoo/Birboo is set to be observed with reverence and unity. The gathering, deeply rooted in the sacred Utaa-Waayyu tradition, has been officially announced for Sunday, January 25, 2026 or Amajjii 17, 2018 EC (Ethiopian Calendar).

The ritual, which holds both spiritual and social significance, will be held at Malkaa Baatuu, near the premises of the Oromia Regional State University in the east.

The invitation is extended broadly and emotionally. “Oromoon cufti, ittiin bultoonni, jaalattoonniifi leelliftoonni aadaafi duudhaa Oromoo marti koottaa waliin Jila Tajoo haa bulfannuu,” the announcement proclaims. (Oromo people, come one and all, leaders, devotees, and supporters of Oromo culture and faith, let us celebrate Jila Tajoo together at the appointed time.)

The event serves a threefold purpose deeply embedded in the Oromo worldview: to celebrate and preserve ancient traditions, to express gratitude for the past, and to invoke blessings for the future. The full call translates as: Let us celebrate Jila Tajoo together, give thanks to Waaqa Uumaa (the Creator) for what has passed, and pray for milkii (abundance) for what is to come!

The gathering is not merely a ceremony but a profound communal experience, a reaffirmation of identity. It promises a full sensory immersion in Oromo heritage, culminating in the evocative closing line: “Ijaan aaga argaa; gurraan nagaa dhagayaa!” (May our eyes see wonder; may our ears hear peace!)

This celebration stands as a powerful testament to the living, breathing nature of Oromo cultural and spiritual systems, inviting a collective experience of gratitude, hope, and enduring tradition.

January 22, 2026 | AUSTRALIA – Today, Australia stands still in a sombre moment of national unity, observing a National Day of Mourning for the 15 lives taken in the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi’s Jewish community centre last month.

The Day of Mourning has been declared as a time for collective reflection, with all Australians called upon to join together in grief and solidarity. “It is a day for all Australians to come together to grieve, remember, and stand against antisemitism and hate,” a government statement affirmed.

In a series of formal tributes, flags are being flown at half-mast across federal and Victorian government buildings. As evening falls, iconic landmarks throughout Victoria will be illuminated in white—a powerful visual symbol of resilience, peace, and the collective determination to move forward.

At exactly 7:01 PM, the time the attack unfolded on December 14, 2025, the nation is invited to pause for a minute of silence—a shared moment to remember the innocent victims whose lives and futures were violently cut short.

Personal Acts of Remembrance Echo National Resolve

The official day of mourning is mirrored in the private homes of Australians from all walks of life, where the national tragedy resonates with personal histories of loss and resilience. For some, the act of remembrance is profoundly intertwined with their own experiences.

“At 7:01 PM, my family and I lit memorial candles for a minute of silence,” shared one community member, speaking from Melbourne. Their reflection wove together the national moment with a deeply personal journey: “We found the peace and freedom in Australia that was violated in our homeland, Oromia. Therefore, we condemn any act of hatred. We reiterated our hope that any darkness will be conquered by light.”

This sentiment underscores the profound significance of safety and social cohesion for Australia’s multicultural communities. For many who have sought refuge and stability, the attack strikes at the very promise of sanctuary that Australia represents.

A Nation’s Grief, A Shared Commitment

Today’s observances are more than ritual; they are a national reaffirmation of the values that bind a diverse society together. The minute of silence, the lowered flags, and the glowing white landmarks serve as public pledges against hate, offering a collective response to tragedy through unity and remembrance.

As candles flicker in windows and cities shine with light, the message echoing across the country is clear: from the depths of shared mourning arises a strengthened commitment to ensure that light—and the hope it carries—will always prevail.

Feature News: The Unbroken Symbol – The Oromo Flag as a Nexus of Identity and Struggle

In the annals of liberation movements, a symbol is never just cloth and color. It is a repository of memory, a map of a desired future, and a target for those who fear the unity it inspires. A recent, poignant statement from within the Oromo struggle underscores this eternal truth: “Oromoon akka mul’atuu fi dhabama irraa hafu kan godhe faajjii qabsoo kana! Alaabaa Oromoo ibsituu dukkanaa..!!” (“What made the Oromo people visible and saved them from extinction is this struggle! The Oromo flag that shines in the darkness..!!”).

This declaration is not mere rhetoric; it is a historical verdict and a living reality. The Oromo flag—with its horizontal stripes of black, red, and white—has evolved from a clandestine emblem of resistance to a powerful, public declaration of an identity long suppressed. Its journey from the shadows into the light is the story of the Oromo people’s modern political awakening.

From Suppression to Symbol: The Flag’s Forbidden History

For decades under successive Ethiopian regimes, the display of the Oromo flag was a criminal act, punishable by imprisonment or worse. Its colors were banned, its meaning erased from official discourse in a systematic attempt to enforce cultural and political assimilation. To raise it was an act of profound bravery, a silent shout of existence against a state policy that sought to render Oromoness—Oromumma—invisible.

“The struggle gave us visibility,” the statement asserts, pointing to the decades-long political and cultural mobilization led by groups like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). The flag became the central emblem of this movement, its display at protests, cultural festivals, and in diasporic communities a direct repudiation of enforced silence. It transformed from a party symbol into a national one, representing not just a political program but the very sovereignty of the Oromo nation—a people with a distinct history, language, and the Gadaa system of governance.

“Shining in the Darkness”: A Beacon of Collective Memory

The phrase “shining in the darkness” is deeply evocative. The “darkness” represents eras of persecution, mass displacement, and cultural negation. The flag’s light is the enduring spirit of resistance, the scholarly work preserving Oromo history, the poets singing in Afaan Oromo, and the millions who now claim their identity publicly.

It shines on the graves of martyrs like Hundee (Ahmad Taqii), whose sacrifice was meant to sow terror but instead planted a seed of defiance. It illuminates the wisdom of oral traditions like Mirriga, which carries the constitutional memory of the people. It is the light held high by each new generation of Qeerroo and Qarree, the youth who have carried the struggle into the 21st century.

The Contemporary Crucible: Between Celebration and Conflict

Today, the flag flies openly across Oromia, a testament to a hard-won political space. It is celebrated during festivals like Irreechaa and marks public buildings. Yet, its display remains a potent and often contentious political act. To some, it is an unequivocal symbol of self-determination; to the state, its political interpretation can be seen as a challenge to national unity.

This tension ensures the flag is more than a celebratory banner; it remains a banner of contention. Each time it is raised, it reiterates the unresolved questions at the heart of the Ethiopian federation: the meaning of true multinational equality, the right to self-administration, and the legacy of a struggle that saved a people from cultural extinction.

An Amaanaa Carried Forward

The featured statement connects directly to the core Oromo concept of Amaanaa—the sacred trust of the martyrs. To bear the flag is to bear that trust. It is a vow that the sacrifice of those named in the litany of heroes—from Elemoo Qilxuu to Mecha Tullu—will not be betrayed for fleeting political gain. The flag is the physical manifestation of that covenant, a daily reminder that the visibility it represents was purchased at an incalculable price.

As one Oromo intellectual noted, the struggle is an unstoppable train; some may disembark, but the journey continues. The Oromo flag is the headlight of that train, cutting through the darkness of history, its light a constant, challenging, and unifying glow for millions. It is, as the voice from the struggle declared, the brilliant, undeniable proof that the Oromo people are here, they remember, and they endure.

A National Day of Mourning: Australia Stands in Defiance and Unity After Bondi Attack

By Dabessa Gemelal

SYDNEY – Across a sun-drenched continent known for its laid-back shores, the flags are flying at half-mast today. The sea breeze at the world-famous Bondi Beach carries a new, somber weight. Australia has declared a National Day of Mourning, a unified act of collective grief and resolve following last week’s devastating terrorist attack at Bondi’s Chabad community centre, which claimed 15 innocent lives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a solemn address to the nation, framed the day as a sacred covenant between the living and the lost. “Today, we honour the 15 innocent lives taken,” he stated, his words measured and heavy. “We stand with their families, their loved ones, and the entire Bondi Chabad community. We will never let hate win.”

The proclamation transforms private anguish into public ritual. Australians from all walks of life—in bustling cities, quiet suburbs, and remote outback towns—are being asked to participate in a simple, powerful ceremony of remembrance. At 7:01 PM, the exact time the attack unfolded, the nation is encouraged to pause for a minute of silence. The government has urged citizens to light a candle, a single act of defiance against the darkness of the act.

“This is a day of remembrance. And a day of unity,” Albanese emphasized, stitching together the twin threads of the national response. “Because light will always be stronger than hate.”

A Community Reeling, A Nation Responding

The attack has left the tight-knit Bondi Chabad community shattered. The centre, once a hub of prayer, learning, and fellowship, is now a site of unspeakable tragedy. Vigils of flowers, handwritten notes, and stuffed animals continue to grow at its gates, a spontaneous outcry of public sympathy.

But today, that spontaneous mourning is given a formal, national shape. The lowering of flags on government buildings, schools, and military installations is a visual echo of the nation’s lowered heart. It is a rare and significant gesture, reserved for moments of profound national loss, placing the victims in the company of fallen soldiers and revered leaders.

Sociologists Note a Shift in the National Psyche

Dr. Evelyn Shaw, a sociologist at the University of Melbourne, observes that such collective rituals serve a critical purpose. “In the face of senseless violence aimed at dividing us, the act of pausing together—whether in a city square or in our own homes at 7:01—creates a shared emotional experience. It says, ‘Your grief is our grief. Your target is our whole community.’ It actively rebuilds the social fabric terror seeks to tear.”

The call to “stand with one another” is being answered in myriad ways. Interfaith services are being held nationwide, with leaders from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities expressing solidarity with their Jewish neighbours. Community centres have opened their doors for quiet reflection, and social media is flooded with images of lit candles using the hashtag #StrongerThanHate.

Light as a Weapon Against Darkness

The symbolism of light, championed by the Prime Minister, resonates deeply. It is a motif found in Judaism, the faith of the victims, where candles are lit to remember the dead and to celebrate perseverance. It is also a universal language of hope.

As dusk settles over Australia this evening, a wave of small flames will ignite in windows and on porches. That collective glow will be more than just a tribute; it will be a silent, nationwide statement. It is the light of memory, honouring 15 stolen futures. It is the light of solidarity, connecting a dispersed nation in a single, purposeful moment. And it is, as the nation’s leader has vowed, a testament to the enduring power of light over hate, of unity over division.

Today, Australia does not move on. It moves together, into the quiet of a minute’s silence, carrying the light forward.

Minnesota-Based Service Offers Free Legal Language Support to Oromo Community Facing ICE Contact

MINNESOTA, USA – A crucial resource is being highlighted for members of the Oromo community across the United States who may encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Global Translation & Interpreter, a service based in Minnesota, is offering free pro bono assistance to ensure individuals understand their rights and any legal documents presented to them.

The service emphasizes a critical piece of advice: if a person does not speak English or cannot read and understand documents, they should not sign anything and should immediately request a translation.

“If they do not speak English, they can ask for an interpreter or a translator,” the announcement states. “If they cannot read or understand any documents, they should not sign them and ask for the document to be translated for them.”

This guidance is essential for protecting legal rights during encounters with immigration authorities. Signing a document without full comprehension can have serious, unintended consequences for an individual’s immigration case.

How to Access Help:
Oromo individuals anywhere in the United States who are approached by ICE or need language assistance for immigration-related matters can access this free support by:

• Calling: 1-877-722-1244
• Visiting: http://www.globaltranslationss.com

The service, promoted with the message “If someone needs help you can share with them. Thank you for all you do,” underscores the importance of community knowledge-sharing. Advocates stress that being aware of and disseminating such resources can be a vital form of mutual aid.

The offer of pro bono (free professional) translation and interpretation is seen as a significant support for immigrant communities navigating complex legal systems where language barriers can create substantial vulnerability.

Community leaders encourage individuals to save the number and share the information widely to ensure those in need know where to turn for confidential language assistance.

Feature News: Empowering Victoria’s Multicultural Homes in the Clean Energy Transition

MELBOURNE, VIC – As Victoria accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, one question remains central for many households: how can every family participate in and benefit from electrification? The answer lies not just in technology, but in accessible information and community-led support. Recognising this, the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) is launching a pioneering new project designed to empower multicultural households to make confident, informed decisions about electrifying their homes.

Titled “Empowering Multicultural Communities at Home,” the initiative directly addresses a critical gap in the clean energy transition: ensuring that language barriers, cultural nuances, and access to trusted information do not leave diverse communities behind.

“Every Victorian deserves the opportunity to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint through home electrification,” a project spokesperson said. “But to do that, people need information that is clear, in their own language, and delivered by those they trust. That’s where this project comes in.”

A Tailored, In-Language Approach

The project will move beyond generic brochures by providing clear, culturally relevant, and in-language information about home electrification and available energy upgrades. This includes everything from understanding efficient electric heating and cooling (reverse-cycle systems) and hot water systems to navigating government rebates and installer qualifications. The goal is to equip people with the knowledge to understand their options and ask the right questions of providers.

“Information is power,” the spokesperson added. “We’re demystifying the process—from what an induction cooktop is really like to use, to how to finance upgrades—so households can make choices that are right for their family and budget.”

Community at the Core

The project’s methodology is deeply community-centric. Key activities will include:

• Local Information Sessions & Workshops: Held within community hubs, these sessions will provide practical, hands-on guidance.
• Training Community Electrification Leads: ECCV will train and support trusted community members to become local points of knowledge and guidance.
• Developing Accessible Multilingual Resources: Creating easy-to-understand guides, checklists, and digital content in multiple languages.
• Facilitating Peer-to-Peer Learning: Creating spaces for communities to share experiences, concerns, and successes.

This model ensures information is not only translated but also transcreated—adapted to be meaningful within specific cultural contexts—and delivered through trusted channels.

Navigating the Transition with Confidence

With a focus on practical support, the project aims to do more than just inform; it aims to build confidence. For many families, the upfront cost and complexity of upgrading appliances or installing solar can be daunting. By breaking down the steps, explaining long-term savings, and clarifying available support, the project helps households see a clear pathway forward.

“Our focus is on making sure multicultural communities across Victoria have the information and support they need to navigate this transition with confidence,” the spokesperson emphasised. “This is about equity, ensuring the benefits of a clean energy future—like healthier homes, lower bills, and a safer climate—are shared by all.”

The “Empowering Multicultural Communities at Home” project is set to launch in the coming months, with ECCV beginning outreach to communities across the state. It represents a vital step toward an inclusive and just energy transition for Victoria.

For more information or to express interest in partnering, community organisations are encouraged to contact the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Leaders Unite in Condemnation Following Islamophobic Attack in Melbourne’s South-East

MELBOURNE, VIC – The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) has issued a strong condemnation following a violent Islamophobic attack over the weekend that targeted an Imam and his wife in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. Victoria Police have confirmed that charges have now been laid in connection with the incident.

In a firm statement, the ECCV declared, “There is no place for hate in Victoria.” The council emphasized that in the state’s multifaith and diverse community, no one should ever fear for their safety because of their religion or identity.

“We utterly condemn this attack,” an ECCV spokesperson said. “We reaffirm our shared responsibility to reject hate in all its forms and uphold the multicultural values that bind us together. This is more important than ever at a time when some elements in the community are seeking to stoke division.”

The attack has sent shockwaves through Victoria’s Muslim communities and drawn widespread concern from interfaith and multicultural leaders. It underscores a worrying trend of rising religious intolerance and highlights the urgent need for community solidarity.

Support Available for Victims

The ECCV has directed those affected by Islamophobia to crucial support services, reiterating that no one should suffer in silence.

Available resources include:

• Islamophobia Register Australia – Hayat Line: 1300 993 398
• Islamic Council of Victoria – Islamophobia Support: (03) 9328 2067
• Online reporting and support via the Islamic Council of Victoria’s website.

A Call for Unity and Vigilance

The incident has prompted a renewed call from community leaders for Victorians to stand together against bigotry. Leaders are urging the public to actively support their Muslim neighbours, report incidents of hate, and foster dialogues that reinforce mutual respect and understanding.

“An attack on one faith leader is an attack on the fabric of our entire multicultural society,” the ECCV statement concluded. “We stand in solidarity with the victims and with all Victorian Muslims, and we call on every member of our community to join us in loudly and clearly rejecting hatred and violence.”

The ECCV and other peak bodies are expected to work closely with faith groups and authorities in the coming days to address community safety concerns and promote cohesion.

The Unbroken Pen: “Daaniyaa” and the Price of Truth in Captivity

In a quiet but profound literary offering, a book titled “Daaniyaa” has emerged from a place of enforced silence, carrying a message that resonates far beyond its pages. “A person who reads this book, Daaniyaa,” it is said, “will not lose their faith, but will find their identity within it.” This is more than a tagline; it is a declaration of the book’s purpose and the defiant spirit of its author, Dhaabassa Waaqjiraa, who wrote it from within a prison cell.

The story of Daaniyaa is inextricably linked to the story of its creator, a narrative that reveals the high cost of integrity within a repressive system. Dhaabassa was not an anonymous activist in the shadows but a professional within the system itself—a producer for the Afaan Oromoo program at the Ethiopian Television (ETV). His colleagues from that time attest to his diligence and strength, calling him a “hard worker.” Yet, it was precisely this platform that became the stage for his principled stand, which would ultimately lead to his downfall.

His crime, as framed by the then-ruling EPRDF and its security apparatus (IHADIG), was a classic example of how truth-telling is criminalized. During a period when the city of Adama (Nazareth) was controversially designated as the “capital of Oromia,” Dhaabassa did what any responsible journalist and Oromo citizen might do: he challenged the official narrative on air. He presented evidence, arguing that Adama could not functionally serve as the regional capital, citing its history as a site of recurring conflict and displacement, particularly referencing the turbulent period of 1994/95.

This act of professional and civic duty was not received as such. It was twisted into an act of subversion. The state’s machinery swung into action: he was accused of having “ties with the enemy” for opposing the capital designation, and other pretexts were fabricated. Along with a colleague, Shifarra, he was arrested and imprisoned. His career was not just ended; it was used to paint him as a traitor.

Courtesy: https://www.pambazuka.org/categories/media-freedom-expression?page=150

But here lies the remarkable turn in this story: captivity became a crucible for creation. It was from within this very prison that Dhaabassa Waaqjiraa, alongside fellow inmates, gathered testimonies and composed Daaniyaa. The book is therefore a physical artifact of resistance—a testament that the walls meant to silence him only focused his voice. It embodies a powerful truth: “People who give themselves for their nation want to do something. To accomplish what they have envisioned, no circumstance or time is a limit to them. Their work is not measured by personal gain.” Dhaabassa himself is living proof.

The publication of Daaniyaa prompts a challenging reflection for the reader and the wider Oromo intelligentsia: “If you were in his place, could you have written this book? It doesn’t seem so to me.” This is not a challenge of capability, but of courage and commitment. It asks us to measure our own resolve against the standard set by those who write history from their shackles.

The final call is both an invitation and a charge: “Let the generation buy and read this book. You become for your nation what you are for yourself. You will find yourself in Daaniyaa.”

Daaniyaa is more than a memoir or a historical account. It is a mirror held up to the Oromo struggle, reflecting the enduring battle for narrative sovereignty, the persecution faced by those who speak inconvenient truths, and the indomitable will to create identity and history even from the darkest of places. It is a story of how a prison sentence was transformed into a sentence of liberation, written one word at a time.