Bulcha Demeksa,the political scientist, who passed away today at the age of 94, has huge marks in the economic and political movement of Ethiopia. He served as Deputy Minister of Finance during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie and as the World Bank’s Representative for Africa. He was employed by the United Nations and served in various countries.

• Childhood life

Bulcha Demeksa (9 July 1930[1] – 6 January 2025)[2] was an Ethiopian politician and businessman. Bulcha was born in July 9, 1930 in the Bojji Diremeji Woreda of the West Wollega Zone, to his father,  Demeksa Senbeto, and his mother, Nasisie Serda. Bulcha was the fourth child and the only son among his siblings. Although his father died when he was only young, his uncle, Gobu Senbeto, raised him and did everything he could to ensure he received education.

• Education background

Mr. Bulcha received his primary education at Gimbi Adventist school and his secondary education at Kuyera Adventist Church. He graduated from Addis Ababa University with degrees in economics and law. He was one of the top 10 students to graduate from the university then, and went to the United States to pursue his master’s degree in public finance from Syracuse University in the United States. Upon returning to Ethiopia, he left his mark in the field of economics.

• Career and employment

In 1967, Bulcha was appointed vice-minister of Finance before representing his country at the board of the World Bank. In 1974, when the Ethiopian Revolution started, he left Ethiopia and was hired by the UN administration. Bulcha took his retirement in Ethiopia in 1991, and in 1994, he created the Awash International Bank which became a success.

In early 2005, Bulcha founded the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM), which he saw as a non-military, democratic political party as an alternative to the armed Oromo Liberation Front.

Bulcha Demeksa has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the late Meles Zenawi’s government and the opposition leader most referred by the international media. With other opposition officials, he helped with the creation of Medrek, a larger opposition alliance.

Bulcha resigned as OFDM party chairman in late 2010 but continued as an adviser for the leadership. His retirement from OFDM and his harsh criticism of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and on the 2010 elections were a regular feature story on dozens of private Amharic and English newspapers in the country. In 2019 he announced his intention to run in the 2020 elections.

After returning to Ethiopia, he co-founded Awash Bank SC in 1993 and served as its president until 2000.

The former General Manager of Awash International Bank, Leykun Berhanu, remarked that Bulcha played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s economy, especially during a period when private sector banks were scarce. Together with his colleagues, he made significant contributions to the establishment and growth of Awash Bank, Leykun added.

The Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, which Bulcha founded and led until his retirement, was among the opposition groups that mobilized thousands of people onto the streets of Addis Ababa in 2005 contested elections. The movement advocated for the realization of Oromo rights to self-determination within a fully democratized Ethiopia. In 2008, the party joined the Forum for Unity and Democracy (Medrek), a political coalition formed that same year to contest the 2010 elections.

In an interview, he once said: “The main objective of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement is to reclaim the rights that the Oromo people have lost. At the time, most Oromo were sitting behind closed doors, so we formed the party to declare, ‘There’s an Oromo cause that needs attention.”

Mulatu Gemechu, a member of the executive committee of the Oromo Federalist Congress, stated that at a time when Oromo political parties were virtually non-existent, Bulcha Demeksa founded a party to advocate for the rights of the Oromo people. “In parliament, he was known for speaking his mind and openly challenging ideas he believed to be flawed. He remained a steadfast supporter of our party, offering assistance whenever possible,” he said.

• Remembering Ob. Bulcha: A Personal Reflection

One of those who shared their experiences and reflections with Mr. Bulcha is Mr. Zelalem Negassa. Recalling his reflection, Mr Zelalem remembered the childhood fortitude and resilience with Mr Bulcha along with an interview he did with audio interview for radio walabummaa at the time.

“I had the privilege of interviewing him in New York City, in 2015. While his political views are widely known and documented, there is a less explored aspect of his life that deserves attention—his childhood, the type of parents and family who shaped him, the challenges he faced as an Oromo student, and his relationship with the late Ob. Yiilmaa Dheeressa, among other facets.”

It is also worth noting the denigration he endured as a young student for not being able to speak Amharic. This experience affected him so deeply that he even considered changing his name to Kabbadaa. Despite these challenges, Ob. Bulcha remained steadfast in his identity and principles, becoming a symbol of resilience and pride. He made history as the first person to speak Afaan Oromo in the Ethiopian Parliament—a groundbreaking moment that marked a significant milestone for our people. This achievement reflects his profound courage and dedication to his community.

A person who was with Mr. Zelalem at the time, Adem Omer, also mentioned that he was very impressed by Mr. Bulcha’s legacy in his reflection of the time. ” I was deeply moved by your recollection of the 2015 interview in New York City, which I had the privilege of attending alongside you. Reflecting on that day, I am reminded of the profound impact Ob. Bulcha had on everyone who met him, including us.”

Adem Omer, moreover, expressed his pride in the hardships Mr. Bulcha went through as a child to reach that high level. “The insights you shared about his lesser-known personal journey—the challenges of his childhood, his resilience as an Oromo student, and his relationship with the late Obo Yiilmaa Dheeressa—capture a side of him that many may not know. I vividly remember how passionately he spoke about these experiences, and how they shaped his steadfast identity and unwavering principles.”

“The story of his struggle with the denigration he faced for not speaking Amharic, and his momentary consideration of changing his name to Kabbadaa, was particularly poignant. Despite these challenges, his resolve to remain true to himself stood as a beacon of strength for others. Witnessing his recounting of becoming the first person to speak Afaan Oromo in the Ethiopian Parliament was a powerful reminder of his courage and the trailblazing role he played for the Oromo people.”

• Family

Mr. Bulcha had five daughters during his lifetime. He has four daughters from a previous wife. Then, he also wrote in his biography book that he had a daughter from the wife he later married.

• Awards

At the end of 2008, Bulcha was named “Person of the Year” by Jimma Times, the online version of the defunct Afan Oromo private Yeroo newspaper. He was chosen for his work in the financial sector and his work for human rights and democracy as well as peace activist between different warring sections of the Ethiopian society.

Bulcha’s influence extended beyond politics and business; he was a staunch defender of Oromo culture, language, and identity, dedicating himself to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Oromo people at every opportunity.

Bulcha Demeksa will be remembered as a visionary, a statesman, and a tireless advocate for justice, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Mr. Bulcha is not alive today. But his experience and legacy will shine forever, as a man who met him in New York City in 2015 testified that he was such a wonderful person in his personal memory.

“His passing is an immense loss for all of us, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience, pride, and unwavering dedication to his community. I am grateful to have shared that moment in New York with you and to have witnessed his greatness firsthand.”

Veteran politician and parliamentarian Bulcha Demeksa, a prominent figure in Ethiopian opposition politics, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 94.

Known for his wit, oratorical skills, fearless debates, and strong convictions, Bulcha Demeksa was the founding chairman of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM). He served as a vocal member of the Ethiopian parliament from 2005 to 2010.

“An elder statesman and a true public servant has left us,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement. “He gave his all to his country and Africa, stood firm in his convictions, worked relentlessly to unite people, and always spoke his truth, no matter the time or place.”

Bulcha Demeksa’s career in government dates back to the regime of Emperor Haile Selassie, during which he served as Vice-Minister of Finance for nearly a decade.

Born in the Bojji Diremeji Woreda of the West Wollega Zone, Bulcha was the fourth child and the only son among his siblings.

He received his primary education at Gimbi Adventist School and his secondary education at Kuyera Adventist Church.

He then joined Haile Selassie I University, where he earned a BA in economics, ranking among the top ten students. He was subsequently sent to the United States on a scholarship to pursue his master’s degree. He graduated from Syracuse University with a master’s in public finance and went on to serve as a member of the World Bank Board (1970–1975) and as a policy analyst at the United Nations in New York for 17 years.

After returning to Ethiopia, he co-founded Awash Bank SC in 1993 and served as its president until 2000.

The former General Manager of Awash International Bank, Leykun Berhanu, remarked that Bulcha played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s economy, especially during a period when private sector banks were scarce. Together with his colleagues, he made significant contributions to the establishment and growth of Awash Bank, Leykun added.

The Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, which Bulcha founded and led until his retirement, was among the opposition groups that mobilized thousands of people onto the streets of Addis Ababa in 2005 contested elections. The movement advocated for the realization of Oromo rights to self-determination within a fully democratized Ethiopia. In 2008, the party joined the Forum for Unity and Democracy (Medrek), a political coalition formed that same year to contest the 2010 elections.

In an interview, he once said: “The main objective of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement is to reclaim the rights that the Oromo people have lost. At the time, most Oromo were sitting behind closed doors, so we formed the party to declare, ‘There’s an Oromo cause that needs attention.”

Mulatu Gemechu, a member of the executive committee of the Oromo Federalist Congress, stated that at a time when Oromo political parties were virtually non-existent, Bulcha Demeksa founded a party to advocate for the rights of the Oromo people. “In parliament, he was known for speaking his mind and openly challenging ideas he believed to be flawed. He remained a steadfast supporter of our party, offering assistance whenever possible,” he said.

20 key traits and behaviors commonly associated with insecure men, along with potential solutions to help overcome these insecurities:

### Traits and Behaviors of an Insecure Man

1. **Constant Need for Validation**: Frequently seeks compliments and reassurance about their worth from others.

– **Solution**: Work on self-affirmation exercises; focus on personal achievements.

2. **Jealousy**: Displays excessive jealousy in relationships, often overreacting to perceived threats.

– **Solution**: Develop trust-building exercises and open communication with partners.

3. **Avoids Commitment**: Hesitant or unwilling to fully commit in romantic relationships due to fear of rejection.

– **Solution**: Understand personal values and what commitment means; gradually engage in more serious relationships.

4. **Overly Critical of Themselves**: Engages in negative self-talk and focuses on personal flaws, leading to low self-esteem.

– **Solution**: Practice self-compassion; keep a journal to highlight accomplishments and positive qualities.

5. **Defensiveness**: Reacts defensively to criticism, viewing it as a personal attack rather than constructive feedback.

– **Solution**: Cultivate a growth mindset; practice accepting feedback with an open mind.

6. **Comparison with Others**: Frequently compares themselves to others, feeling inferior or inadequate.

– **Solution**: Limit exposure to social media and focus on individual progress and self-improvement.

7. **Need to Appear Tough or Strong**: Puts on a facade of toughness, refusing to show vulnerability or seek help.

– **Solution**: Engage in therapy or support groups to explore vulnerabilities in a safe environment.

8. **Difficulty Expressing Emotions**: Struggles to communicate feelings, often resulting in emotional distance from others.

– **Solution**: Practice emotional literacy; use journaling or art to express feelings creatively.

9. **Avoidance of Difficult Situations**: Tends to shy away from conflicts or challenging discussions, fearing negative outcomes.

– **Solution**: Role-play difficult conversations with a trusted friend or therapist to build confidence.

10. **Overemphasis on Appearance**: Focuses excessively on their looks or physical attributes as a measure of self-worth.

– **Solution**: Shift the focus to health and wellness rather than appearance; celebrate inner qualities.

11. **Insecurity in Professional Settings**: Feels threatened by colleagues and doubts their abilities.

– **Solution**: Pursue professional development opportunities and seek mentorship for guidance.

12. **Staying in Unhealthy Relationships**: Maintains relationships that are detrimental to their well-being due to fear of being alone.

– **Solution**: Reflect on relationship patterns; consider therapy to explore attachment styles.

13. **Overreactions to Partner’s Actions**: Misinterprets innocent actions as betrayal or disinterest.

– **Solution**: Develop strong communication strategies; practice assumptions versus facts probing.

14. **Dependency on Technology for Connection**: Relies on texting or social media for interactions instead of face-to-face communication.

– **Solution**: Engage in more real-life social activities, avoiding screens when possible.

15. **Difficulty in Making Decisions**: Often second-guesses choices due to fear of making the wrong decision.

– **Solution**: Establish decision-making frameworks and set small goals to practice decisiveness.

16. **Fear of Abandonment**: Holds onto relationships out of fear of being abandoned, leading to clinginess.

– **Solution**: Work through abandonment issues with therapeutic guidance, focusing on building self-reliance.

17. **Controlling Behaviors**: Attempts to control situations or partners to alleviate their own fears.

– **Solution**: Explore the roots of control issues; engage in mindfulness practices to manage anxiety.

18. **Avoiding New Experiences**: Hesitant to try new things due to fear of failure or embarrassment.

– **Solution**: Set small, achievable challenges to gradually step out of comfort zones.

19. **Overthinking**: Dwells excessively on past interactions or future events, leading to anxiety.

– **Solution**: Adopt mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and combat overthinking.

20. **Poor Conflict Resolution Skills**: Struggles to resolve conflicts effectively, often escalating tensions instead of resolving issues.

– **Solution**: Study conflict resolution techniques; practice active listening and empathy.

### Conclusion

Insecurities can significantly affect interactions and relationships. However, acknowledging these traits and working towards constructive solutions can lead to personal growth, improved self-esteem, and healthier relationships. Engaging in therapy or counseling can also be beneficial for deeper issues.

Understanding Inconsistency in Human Behavior

### Introduction

Human behavior is often marked by inconsistency. Individuals may frequently change their opinions, habits, and decisions, which can lead to frustration in both personal and professional contexts. This inconsistency can stem from various factors, including psychological, environmental, and social influences. Understanding why people struggle with consistency is crucial for fostering personal development, improving relationships, and enhancing productivity. Below are 15 reasons that explain why people may not be consistent, followed by 15 solutions to help individuals cultivate greater consistency in their lives.

### Reasons for Inconsistency

1. **Lack of Clear Goals**

People often fail to maintain consistency when they do not have well-defined goals. Without clarity on what they want to achieve, individuals can easily drift from task to task, lacking direction and purpose.

2. **Fear of Failure**

A pervasive fear of failing can paralyze individuals, prompting them to avoid commitment or consistent action. This fear can lead to procrastination or abandoning tasks altogether.

3. **External Pressures**

Social influences, peer pressure, or societal expectations can cause individuals to deviate from their beliefs or plans. The desire to conform can undermine personal principles and lead to inconsistency.

4. **Shifting Priorities**

Life circumstances, such as changing jobs, relationships, or responsibilities, can lead to shifting priorities. When priorities change frequently, it’s difficult for individuals to remain consistent in their efforts.

5. **Overwhelm and Burnout**

Taking on too much at once can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. When individuals are stressed, they may abandon their commitments or struggle to maintain a consistent effort.

6. **Lack of Accountability**

Without accountability, individuals may not feel compelled to follow through on their commitments. The absence of external pressure or oversight can result in a lack of consistency in behavior.

7. **Self-Doubt**

Individuals who lack confidence in their abilities may second-guess their decisions, leading to inconsistent behaviors. This self-doubt can erode commitment and foster a cycle of indecision.

8. **Procrastination**

The tendency to postpone tasks or decisions can result in a lack of consistency. Procrastinators may start strong but falter due to distractions or a failure to prioritize tasks.

9. **Poor Time Management**

Inconsistent behavior is often a result of ineffective time management skills. Without a structured approach to prioritizing tasks, individuals may struggle to maintain focus and dedication.

10. **Emotional Variability**

Human emotions fluctuate, influencing behavior and decision-making. Individuals may react differently to circumstances based on their emotional state, leading to inconsistency in their responses.

11. **Information Overload**

In today’s digital age, individuals are bombarded with information, which can create confusion and indecision. This overload can lead to inconsistent choices as individuals struggle to process and prioritize information.

12. **Limited Motivation**

Without intrinsic motivation or passion for a task, individuals may lack the drive needed to remain consistent in their efforts. External rewards alone may not be sufficient to foster lasting commitment.

13. **Habit Formation Challenges**

Creating new habits requires time, patience, and consistency. Individuals may struggle to adhere to new routines, leading to inconsistency as they attempt to incorporate change into their lives.

14. **Social Comparison**

Comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, prompting changes in behavior to seek approval or validation. This need for external validation can disrupt personal consistency.

15. **Cognitive Dissonance**

When individuals hold conflicting beliefs or values, it can create cognitive dissonance, leading to inconsistency in behavior as they struggle to reconcile their internal conflicts.

### Solutions for Achieving Consistency

1. **Set Clear, Achievable Goals**

Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Clarity around objectives fosters a sense of purpose, making it easier to maintain focus and consistency.

2. **Cultivate a Growth Mindset**

Embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that challenges and failures are part of the learning process. This perspective can mitigate the fear of failure and encourage commitment to goals.

3. **Establish Personal Values**

Identify core values that guide decision-making. Having a clear set of values aids individuals in navigating external pressures and making consistent choices aligned with their beliefs.

4. **Prioritize Self-Care**

Engage in self-care practices to manage stress and prevent burnout. Prioritizing mental and physical well-being enhances resilience and enables individuals to remain consistent in their actions.

5. **Implement Accountability Measures**

Seek accountability partners, mentors, or coaches to provide support and encouragement. Accountability can motivate individuals to stay on track and follow through on commitments.

6. **Build Confidence**

Engage in activities that foster self-efficacy. Setting and achieving small goals can boost confidence, helping individuals to make more consistent decisions in the face of challenges.

7. **Create Time Management Plans**

Develop effective time management strategies, such as using calendars, to-do lists, or productivity apps. Structured planning can help individuals allocate time efficiently and maintain focus.

8. **Practice Mindfulness**

Incorporating mindfulness practices can enhance awareness of emotions and thoughts. Mindfulness allows individuals to manage emotional variability and respond to challenges more consistently.

9. **Limit Distractions**

Identify and minimize distractions that lead to inconsistency. Creating a dedicated workspace and implementing boundaries can help individuals maintain focus on their priorities.

10. **Find Intrinsic Motivation**

Connect with the underlying motivations for pursuing goals. Understanding why a task is meaningful can foster a deeper commitment and enhance consistency.

11. **Start Small to Form Habits**

Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Gradually incorporating new habits into daily routines can increase the likelihood of long-term adherence.

12. **Avoid Negative Comparisons**

Focus on personal progress rather than comparing oneself to others. Celebrating individual achievements, no matter how small, can bolster confidence and consistency.

13. **Engage in Continuous Learning**

Stay informed and educated about the tasks or areas in which one seeks consistency. A commitment to learning can foster adaptability and allow individuals to make informed decisions.

14. **Utilize Visual Reminders**

Use visual cues, such as sticky notes or habit trackers, to remind oneself of commitments and goals. These prompts can serve as motivation to follow through on plans.

15. **Reflect and Adjust Regularly**

Periodically assess progress, focusing on what’s working and what isn’t. Reflection allows individuals to realign their strategies and commitments, promoting greater consistency over time.

### Conclusion

Inconsistency is a common aspect of human behavior that can stem from a variety of factors, including psychological barriers, social influences, and environmental conditions. However, by understanding the underlying causes and implementing targeted strategies, individuals can cultivate greater consistency in their actions and decisions. Whether through setting clear goals, fostering accountability, or engaging in personal development practices, fostering consistency can lead to improved outcomes in various areas of life, ultimately enhancing personal fulfillment and productivity.

(A4O, 29 December 2024) Soolanee-a film by writer and director Keeyeron Dereje was screened in Melbourne on Saturday.

At the beginning of the film, Keeyeron told of her many difficult and emotional ups and downs. She talked about how teamwork was done in Soolanee and how it was included in the history of the Oromo family.

Soolanee: Truth, Freedom, Justice, Faith, Sin, Deceit, Goodness, Oppression, Equality, Resistance, Sexual Assault, love etc. are accompanied by key messages.

Toltu Tufaa gave the opening speech at the beginning of the film based on Oromo folklore. “Our folklore reflects our identity, and the story of this film reflects the wisdom inherited by our ancestors.”

“Keeyron’s efforts to promote our folklore and identity by making Soolanee are remarkable,” Toltu said.

The audience of the film said that Keeyeron deserves to be appreciated for her contribution to the development of the Oromo arts.

As is well known, the Oromo art, especially film, is still in its infancy. It is understandable that it takes a lot of work to make the Oromo language competitive in the films produced in Ethiopia and at the same time it needs the support of the people.

Oromo people are expected to encourage those who are engaged in what promotes the language in every way to ensure the development of their language.

Achieving self-governance for the Oromo people in Ethiopia is a complex process that requires a multifaceted approach involving political, social, and economic strategies. Here are 15 points outlining what the Oromo must do to work toward self-governance, emphasizing unity, advocacy, organization, and dialogue.

### 1. **Unity Among Oromo Groups**

To effectively push for self-governance, the Oromo community must foster unity among various political parties, organizations, and grassroots movements. A coordinated approach with a shared vision and objectives can amplify their demands and enhance their negotiating power.

### 2. **Build Strong Political Institutions**

Establishing and strengthening Oromo political institutions and parties is crucial. These entities should focus on ideological coherence and strategic policy-making while representing the interests of the Oromo people.

### 3. **Promote Civic Education**

Educating the Oromo populace about their rights, governance structures, and political engagement is essential. Civic education initiatives can empower citizens to participate actively in governance, demand accountability, and understand the importance of self-governance.

### 4. **Engage in Negotiations with the Government**

Oromo leaders must engage in direct and constructive negotiations with Ethiopian government officials to articulate their aspirations for self-governance. Presenting a clear, unified set of demands can enhance the legitimacy of their claims.

### 5. **Leverage International Support**

Building relationships with international organizations, foreign governments, and diaspora communities can provide the Oromo movement with external pressure on the Ethiopian government to recognize their demands. This could include raising awareness about human rights violations and advocating for Oromo autonomy.

### 6. **Utilize Legal Frameworks**

Oromo leaders should leverage Ethiopia’s constitution, which provides for ethnic federalism and the right to self-determination. Engaging in legal battles to assert these rights can strengthen their claims and establish a precedent for autonomy.

### 7. **Develop Economic Strategies**

Creating sustainable economic models within Oromo regions can demonstrate the viability of self-governance. Focusing on local resources, agriculture, and trade can build economic resilience and show that the Oromo can thrive independently.

### 8. **Foster Inter-Ethnic Dialogue**

Promoting dialogue with other ethnic groups can decrease tensions and create alliances. Engaging in collaborative projects that benefit multiple communities can help build a coalition in favor of a more decentralized governance structure.

### 9. **Cultural Promotion and Preservation**

Oromo culture, language, and heritage need active promotion. Fostering a sense of cultural pride can mobilize support for self-governance and appeal to broader audiences, emphasizing the unique identity of the Oromo people.

### 10. **Strengthen Civil Society Organizations**

Developing robust civil society organizations focused on Oromo rights and self-governance can facilitate grassroots activism. These organizations can engage in advocacy, education, and protection of ethnic rights.

### 11. **Compile and Present Data**

Collecting data about the socio-economic conditions in Oromia and using this information to demonstrate the need for self-governance can make a compelling case. Presenting evidence to various stakeholders may help facilitate discussions around autonomy.

### 12. **Empower Youth and Women**

Engaging youth and women more actively in political processes and governance discussions is essential. Their involvement can bring fresh ideas, strengthen community ties, and ensure a more inclusive approach to governance.

### 13. **Form Alliances with Political Parties**

Collaborating with other political parties that support federalism and regional autonomy can create a broader political base. Seeking partnerships with organizations that share similar goals can amplify their voice and visibility.

### 14. **Monitor Political Developments**

Staying informed about local, national, and international political developments is critical. Understanding the political landscape in Ethiopia and the global context can aid in strategic planning and response to challenges that arise.

### 15. **Commit to Non-Violent Protest and Advocacy**

Adopting a non-violent approach in advocating for self-governance can increase support and legitimacy. This includes organizing peaceful protests, engaging in dialogue, and leveraging media to spread awareness of their cause.

### Conclusion

Achieving self-governance for the Oromo people necessitates a comprehensive approach that combines unity, advocacy, legal strategies, cultural promotion, and economic development. By building strong institutions and engaging constructively with stakeholders, the Oromo can effectively articulate their aspirations and work toward greater autonomy within Ethiopia. The journey toward self-governance will require resilience, strategic planning, and a commitment to peaceful dialogue, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable Ethiopian state.