January 2, 2026, Global Oromo Community Commemorates 46th Anniversary of Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and New Year

In a powerful display of unity and resolve, the global Oromo diaspora and supporters convened virtually on January 2, 2026, to jointly commemorate two pivotal occasions: the 46th anniversary of the founding of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the traditional Oromo New Year, Ayyaana Amajjii 1.

The online gathering, organized via Zoom, served as both a solemn remembrance and a strategic assessment. Participants honored the immense sacrifices made over nearly five decades of struggle for Oromo self-determination while analyzing the current status, achievements, and ongoing challenges facing the movement.

Speakers and attendees reflected on the harsh conditions under which the OLA—the armed wing of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)—was founded and how its founding day has become a cornerstone of resistance and identity for the Oromo people. The event highlighted how these anniversaries are perennially observed wherever Oromo patriots, OLF members, and supporters of the liberation struggle are found.

A central theme of the commemoration was a call to the younger generation. In a keynote address, Dr. Daggafaa Abdiisaa emphasized the weight of legacy and continuing responsibility, stating to Oromo youth: “The duty to pursue the goal and objective of the OLF rests upon you, the beloved children of the fallen heroes.” This message framed the struggle not as a historical artifact, but as a living mission requiring sustained commitment.

The dual commemoration of Ayyaana Amajjii—a cultural celebration of renewal—with the military anniversary of the OLA underscored a profound narrative: the intertwining of cultural identity and political resistance. It reinforced the idea that the fight for Oromo rights is as much about preserving heritage as it is about achieving political autonomy.

The virtual event allowed for participation from across the globe, demonstrating the widespread and enduring connection of the diaspora to the cause in Oromia. As the movement enters its 47th year, this commemoration served to reaffirm global solidarity, honor a legacy of sacrifice, and rally a new generation to the ongoing pursuit of the Oromo Liberation Front’s objectives.

###

Background Notes:

•  On January 1, 1980, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) celebrated its first formal day to commemorate a hard-fought victory over the Darg regime’s campaigns.
• This day stands as a testament to the early courage and sacrifice that laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle. We remember, honor, and draw strength from the resilience shown from the very beginning.
• Ayyaana Amajjii 1 marks the Oromo New Year based on the traditional Gadaa calendar.
• The OLA has been engaged in an ongoing armed conflict with the Ethiopian government, fighting for the self-determination of the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.
• The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is the political organization from which the OLA originated.

Prominent Oromo Figure Jaal Mulgeetaa Tirfeessaa Recovers After Serious Health Scare, Welcomes New Year

January 2, 2026-Prominent Oromo community leader and activist Jaal Mulgeetaa Tirfeessaa, who suffered a severe health crisis in late 2025, has made a remarkable and joyous recovery. Supporters and colleagues are celebrating his return to full health as he joins family and friends to welcome the new year.

According to close sources, Mulgeetaa’s condition had become critical last year, requiring an emergency eight-hour surgical intervention. Following the procedure, his health remained at a concerning stage for some time, causing widespread anxiety among his community and supporters.

Happily, Mulgeetaa has not only stabilized but has now returned to full health. In a testament to his recovery, he was recently seen publicly meeting with fellow community member Lami Begna to celebrate the dawn of 2026—a moment that has brought immense relief and joy to many who have followed his ordeal.

Jaal Mulgeetaa Tirfeessaa is widely respected and known as “one who has made significant sacrifices for the Oromo people.” His advocacy and work have made him a key figure within the community, making his health a matter of deep concern for many.

The news of his complete recovery has been met with an outpouring of relief and celebration on social media and within community circles. Well-wishers are expressing profound happiness, with many adding the hopeful sentiment: “We continue to pray for his lasting and complete well-being.”

Background:

• Subject: Jaal Mulgeetaa Tirfeessaa, a respected Oromo community leader.
• Event: Recovery from a critical health crisis and emergency surgery in late 2025.
• Current Status: In full health, recently seen celebrating the New Year.
• Community Reaction: Widespread relief, celebration, and continued prayers for his sustained wellness.

Oromo Community in Victoria Marks New Year’s Eve with Vigil for Fallen Fighters, Vows to Continue Struggle

VICTORIA – In a gathering marked by both reflection and resolve, members and supporters of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)-Konyaa ABO Victoria convened on December 31, 2025, to usher in the new year. The event, characterized by shared meals and quiet conversation, transcended a typical celebration, becoming a vigil for those lost in the long-running conflict in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.

The atmosphere blended familiar camaraderie with what participants described as a “profound and collective gravity.” Speakers framed the evening as a confluence of two powerful themes: the universal hope of a new beginning and the specific, solemn remembrance of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and its sacrifices since its founding.

The emotional core of the evening was the acknowledgment of those sacrifices. An elder’s voice resonated through the hall with a simple, powerful prayer: “God bless our sons who sacrificed for us.” This sentiment connected the diaspora community directly to the personal losses endured by families across Oromia.

The acknowledgment took on a sharper, more political edge from current Oromo fighters present. One stated plainly, “We were able to come out in the open because of the sacrifices of a few people.” The remark highlighted a perception that their ability to gather publicly was a hard-won space, paid for by others’ lives.

This reflection on the past quickly pivoted to a commitment for the future. Organizers reported that the celebration evolved into a collective covenant. The final, prevailing message to emerge was a call to continue the struggle with the explicit aim of ending the cycle of sacrifice.

“The ultimate honor to the fallen,” a summary of the closing remarks noted, “is not just in remembrance, but in forging a future where such sacrifices are no longer required.” The evening concluded, balancing the joy of community, the sorrow of memory, and a reinforced determination to continue their political journey.

The OLF, and its armed wing the OLA, have been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Ethiopian federal government, fighting for what they describe as the self-determination and rights of the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group. The event in Victoria underscores how the diaspora community remains deeply engaged with the political and human cost of the ongoing situation in Oromia.

###

About OLF-Konyaa ABO Victoria: A chapter representing the views and objectives of the Oromo Liberation Front within the Oromo diaspora community in Victoria.