PRESS RELEASE

Call to Honor the Fallen, Celebrate Resistance, and Reaffirm Commitment to Justice, Democracy, and Peace

[Oromia– April 15, 2026] – Today, millions of Oromo people across Oromia, Ethiopia, and diaspora communities in North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa are observing Oromo Heroes Day – known as Guyyaa Gootota Oromoo – on Ebla 15, which falls on April 15.

This annual day of remembrance honors the countless known and unknown heroes who have sacrificed their lives, liberty, and livelihoods for the rights, dignity, and freedom of the Oromo people. From 19th-century horseback warriors who fought colonialism to modern-day Qeerroo (youth) and Qarree (young women) who have led peaceful protests for justice and democracy, the day pays tribute to the enduring spirit of Oromo resistance.

A Day Rooted in Memory, Not Decree

Oromo Heroes Day is not a government-declared holiday. It is a people’s holiday – born from grassroots memory and observed with flags, songs, poetry, cultural events, and moments of silence. The date, Ebla 15 (April 15), has become a symbol of courage, particularly linked to modern uprisings where unarmed Oromo civilians raised the banned Oromo flag and demanded fundamental rights.

“We do not celebrate because the struggle is finished,” said Dhabessa Wakjira, community leader in Melbourne. “We celebrate because our heroes gave us a reason to continue. Every April 15, we remind ourselves and the world: the Oromo people have not been erased. We are here. We remember. And we will keep marching toward Nageenya (justice), Misooma (development), Badhaadhina (progress), Dimokiraasii (democracy), and Nagaa (true peace).”

Five Pillars of the Oromo Struggle

Community organizations and cultural institutions are using Oromo Heroes Day to reaffirm five core values that heroes fought and died for:

• Nageenya – Justice, peace, and well-being for all, regardless of ethnicity or social status.
• Misooma – Equitable development that reaches the most marginalized villages and families.
• Badhaadhina – Progress, both material and spiritual, moving forward without forgetting the past.
• Dimokiraasii – Genuine democracy, including free expression, assembly, and the right to self-determination.
• Nagaa – Lasting peace and safety, where no family fears a midnight knock on the door.

Events and Observances

On April 15 / Ebla 15, Oromo communities are holding:

• Flag-raising ceremonies (where permitted) and cultural gatherings.
• Virtual panels discussing the legacy of Oromo heroes and the future of the struggle.
• Poetry readings and music performances featuring traditional krar and modern resistance songs.
• Moments of silence at 12:00 PM local time to honor the fallen.
• Social media campaigns using hashtags such as #OromoHeroesDay, #Ebla15, #April15, and #Nagaa.

Calls for International Attention

Human rights organizations and Oromo advocacy groups are using the day to draw international attention to ongoing concerns, including political prisoners, restrictions on peaceful assembly, and the continued criminalization of the Oromo flag in some contexts. Supporters are urging the international community to:

• Recognize Oromo Heroes Day as a day of significance for human rights.
• Call for the release of imprisoned Oromo activists and journalists.
• Support dialogue and genuine political inclusion for the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.

Statements from Community Representatives

“On Ebla 15, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Our heroes did not have social media or international platforms. They had courage. Today, we honor them by continuing their unfinished work.”
— Dhabessa Wakjira, Oromo community organizer, Melbourne, Australia.

“The Oromo struggle is not about hate. It is about Nagaa – peace with dignity. Our heroes dreamed of a day when an Oromo child could speak their language, sing their songs, and walk the earth without shame. That dream is not yet reality, but every April 15, we get closer.”
— Yaasoo Kabbabaa, Oromo cultural activist, Finfinne, Oromia.

How to Support or Participate

Members of the media, human rights defenders, and the general public are encouraged to:

• Amplify Oromo voices by sharing content directly from Oromo creators and organizations.
• Educate themselves on Oromo history, including the Gadaa democratic system and the legacy of resistance.
• Attend or cover local Oromo Heroes Day events (contact below for diaspora chapter information).
• Use respectful language – recognize that for many Oromo, this day is both a celebration and a mourning.

About Oromo Heroes Day

Oromo Heroes Day (Ebla 15 / April 15) is an annual observance honoring Oromo historical and contemporary figures who sacrificed for the rights, identity, and freedom of the Oromo people. The day is observed globally by Oromo communities regardless of legal recognition. It is a day of cultural pride, political reflection, and intergenerational remembrance.

“Bilisummaa! Nagaa! Happy Oromo Heroes Day – Ebla 15, April 15!”