Category Archives: Diaspora
Oromia is My Blood: The Unbreakable Bond of Identity, Land, and Memory
“Oromia is my blood” is more than a phrase. It is a declaration of belonging that runs deeper than politics—an ancestral connection that cannot be severed by distance or time.
For the Oromo people, identity is not something that can be chosen or changed like a political affiliation. It is something you are. It is carried in the language you speak, the customs you observe, and the land that shaped your ancestors. As one reflection on Oromo identity puts it: “A child born to Oromo parents carries Oromummaa in their blood whether they know politics or not. Oromummaa, in this sense, is sacred and unshakable.”
But what does it truly mean to say that Oromia is in one’s blood? It is a claim to history, to culture, to a homeland that has endured centuries of change and challenge—and to a people who have never stopped asserting their right to exist on their own terms.
A Land of Vastness and Significance
To understand why Oromia is so deeply woven into the identity of its people, one must first understand the land itself. Oromia is Ethiopia’s largest region, covering more than 350,000 square kilometres—an area larger than Italy or Côte d’Ivoire . It makes up 34% of Ethiopia’s landmass and shares borders with every other Ethiopian region except Tigray, as well as international boundaries with Sudan, South Sudan, and Kenya .
Its capital is Finfinne—also known as Addis Ababa—which serves both as the regional capital and the seat of Ethiopia’s federal government and the African Union .
The region is a powerhouse. Its fertile soils produce about half of Ethiopia’s total crop production, including coffee, teff, maize, and barley. Its mines yield gold, platinum, and iron ore. Its industries produce textiles, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. In the 2021-2022 financial year alone, Oromia generated US$324 million from mining . For Oromos, this is not just statistics—it is the land of their fathers and mothers, the soil that has nourished generations.
Identity Forged Through Struggle
Yet the relationship between Oromia and its people has never been simple. For much of modern Ethiopian history, Oromos have been described as “always on the outside looking in” . The Ethiopian state, historically shaped by Amhara aristocracy, defined the terms of belonging—permitting Oromos to enter public life only as individuals, not as a collective .
The 20th century saw the rise of pan-Oromo consciousness. Scholars trace the emergence of Oromo nationalism and the assertion of the self-identifying name “Oromo”—replacing the externally imposed label “Galla”—as a powerful reclamation of dignity and identity . The formation of the Oromo Liberation Front and the growing force of Oromo ethno-nationalism reflected a people demanding to be seen and heard .
This struggle is not merely political—it is existential. It is about the right to speak Afaan Oromo without fear, to celebrate Irreecha openly, and to walk proudly in clothing that bears the red, black, and white of Oromo identity . As photographer Elias Badhaasaa put it: “I want us to be visible in the Horn of Africa and beyond” .
Culture as the Pulse of Identity
In recent years, a cultural renaissance has taken hold. Young Oromos are increasingly expressing ethnic pride through fashion, music, and art . Designers are modernising traditional Oromo garments, incorporating the iconic Odaa tree—a sacred symbol—into their creations .
The annual Irreecha thanksgiving festival, once a celebration that drew millions, has grown in national profile. In 2020, it was held in Addis Ababa for only the second time in history—a milestone that reflects the growing visibility of Oromo culture . Though tragedy struck the festival years earlier, the spirit of Oromo resilience has endured.
At the heart of this cultural awakening is Oromummaa—the essence of being Oromo . It is not a political ideology or a man-made theory. It is something older than the modern state itself. As one writer explains: “Oromummaa is seen in the way we respect elders, the way we greet with ‘Akkam?’, the way we celebrate Irreecha, and how we uphold principles of fairness (nagaa, araara, safuu)” .
Solidarity Beyond Ethnicity
Remarkably, the cry of “Oromia is my blood” has also resonated beyond the Oromo community. During mass protests in 2015 and 2016, Amhara protesters in Gondar chanted: “Oromo blood is our blood!” and “The killing of our Oromo brothers should stop!” . In Shambu, Wollega, demonstrators proclaimed: “Oromo blood is Amhara blood and Amhara blood is Oromo blood and we are inseparable” .
This solidarity threatened the ruling party’s long-standing strategy of pitting ethnic groups against one another. As one analysis observed: “The blood flowing in Oromia is our blood too”—these words are not just slogans but actions that exist as words, actions that threaten to unsettle the myths that hold together the ideological edifice of the system” .
For a moment, it seemed that shared suffering and shared hope could bridge historical divides. Whether that promise has been fulfilled remains an open question—but the sentiment itself speaks to the power of identity as a unifying force.
The Diaspora: Blood That Spans Oceans
For Oromos living in the diaspora—in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and beyond—the phrase “Oromia is my blood” takes on a particular resonance. Far from the homeland, identity becomes both a lifeline and a burden. Political conditions in Ethiopia have encouraged exiled communities to construct “imagined landscapes” that evoke nostalgia and maintain engagement with homeland affairs .
These landscapes are not mere fantasy—they are integral to enduring memory. Most forced emigres involve themselves in the social and economic issues of their place of birth, rather than focusing only on their routines in host countries . The nexus between origin and host countries sustains a powerful form of transnationalism—a proof that home is not just a place, but a bond that travels.
Blood as Memory, Blood as Future
When Oromos say “Oromia is my blood,” they are saying something profound. They are claiming a history that precedes modern borders, a culture that has survived attempts at erasure, and a future that they intend to shape.
It is not about hatred of others. It is not about exclusion. It is about affirmation. It is about the right to speak a language, to tell a story, to honour ancestors, and to pass on a legacy.
As the reflection on Oromo identity concludes: “Let us celebrate it in its purest form—as the unshakable mark of a people who have endured, resisted, loved, and hoped through centuries” .
Oromia is not just a region on a map. It is blood memory. It is the rhythm of the shagoyyee drum. It is the poetry of Ali Birra. It is the wisdom of proverbs. It is the sacred Odaa tree. It is the land that gives life—and the people who give that land meaning.
“Oromia is my blood” is not just a phrase. It is a promise. A belonging. A truth that cannot be denied.
Echoes of a Martyr: Oromo Diaspora in New Zealand Marks 6th Anniversary of Haacaaluu Hundeessaa
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – The biting Southern Hemisphere wind did little to chill the fiery spirits gathered in the heart of New Zealand’s Oromo community this past weekend. For them, it was not merely another winter gathering; it was a sacred duty. With heavy hearts but unwavering resolve, the Oromo diaspora in Aotearoa convened to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the assassination of iconic artist and activist, Haacaaluu Hundeessaa.
The event, meticulously organized across various venues in the city, drew hundreds of community members, activists, and cultural figures. It was a moving tapestry of poetry, traditional music, and impassioned speeches—all woven together to ensure that the voice that was brutally silenced six years ago continues to reverberate across the globe.
A Service Beyond Art
In opening the commemorative program, community leaders and participants paid profound homage to the monumental legacy of the late artist. They passionately articulated that Haacaaluu was far more than a musician; he was a moral compass and a unifying symbol for the Oromo nation.
“Haacaaluu did not just sing melodies; he gave his life for the sake of the nation,” one participant stated, echoing the sentiment of the crowd. “His service was immense—he traded his personal safety for the collective hope of his people, and for that, we will forever be indebted.”
Attendees noted that the anniversary is not a time for sorrow alone but a moment to measure the weight of his sacrifice against the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.
The Unfinished Revolution: Demanding Rights in Return
A central theme that permeated the discussions was the reciprocal duty of the Oromo people in light of Haacaaluu’s ultimate sacrifice. Speakers drew a clear, unflinching line between his service and the current political realities facing the Oromo nation.
“Haacaaluu gave us a mandate. His blood and his art demand a response from the Oromo people,” community elders declared. “We must respond to his sacrifice by vigorously demanding our inalienable rights. The struggle he represents is not just about remembering the past; it is about securing a future where the Oromo people have their rightful place and justice is finally served.”
For the diaspora in New Zealand, this call to action serves as a bridge linking their peaceful lives in the Pacific to the turbulent realities of their homeland. They view his legacy as a catalyst to amplify the Oromo cause on the international stage, reminding the world that the quest for self-determination remains urgent.
A History Carved in Stone, A Mission Written in Blood
The speakers emphasized that Haacaaluu Hundeessaa has etched an indelible mark on the historical consciousness of the Horn of Africa. They noted that his artistry captured the pain, resilience, and unyielding spirit of a people who have long been marginalized.
“Haacaaluu created a history that cannot and will not be erased,” organizers stated emphatically. “His songs have become the anthems of our liberation. But remembering is not enough.”
In a powerful call to the younger generation, community leaders urged the Oromo diaspora to act as the custodians of his unfinished mission. “We must not let his good works die with him,” they advised. “The onus is upon us—specifically those of us living in freedom here in New Zealand—to continue the good works he championed. We must carry his torch forward, not just in our songs, but in our educational efforts, our political advocacy, and our unwavering pursuit of justice.”
The Legacy Continues
As the commemoration drew to a close, the poignant strains of Haacaaluu’s most famous anthems echoed through the hall, leaving not a dry eye in the house but filling hearts with a renewed sense of purpose. For the Oromo community in New Zealand, the 6th anniversary was a testament to the fact that while the man may be gone, the movement he inspired is more alive than ever.
In the quiet suburbs of Auckland, far from the hills of his homeland, Haacaaluu’s spirit finds a permanent home. The community’s message was unequivocal: his sacrifice was not in vain, and his dream of dignity and justice for the Oromo nation will be pursued with relentless vigor until it is fully realized.
Oromo Diaspora in the UK Protests Against Human Rights Abuses in Oromia
Thousands gather in London to denounce the Prosperity Party government’s actions and demand international intervention
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The Oromo diaspora community in the United Kingdom took to the streets of London on May 27, 2025, in a powerful demonstration against what they described as escalating human rights violations and systematic oppression in Oromia under the Prosperity Party government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed .
Organizers described the protest as an urgent response to conditions in Oromia that have reached a critical threshold, drawing participants from across the UK. The rally demanded immediate international action to halt the violence and protect Oromo civilians.
A Crisis at the Breaking Point
Protest leaders emphasized that human rights abuses in Oromia and across Ethiopia have surpassed acceptable boundaries. They warned that the situation has become so alarming that it can no longer be ignored or dismissed.
The Oromo people, who constitute approximately 35 percent of Ethiopia’s population, have long voiced grievances over political marginalization, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression. The recent escalation of military operations in Oromia has deepened these concerns, with protesters pointing to a deliberate campaign of displacement and violence.
Echoes of the Derg Era
Demonstrators drew stark parallels between the current Prosperity Party government and the Derg regime of Mengistu Hailemariam (1974-1991). They accused the current administration of employing similar tactics: forcibly conscripting youth into the military, deploying them to war zones, and using them as cannon fodder in conflicts across the country .
The comparison resonated deeply with participants, many of whom have personal or family memories of the Derg’s brutal crackdown on Oromo communities. The Red Terror period, which saw systematic killings and disappearances of political opponents, remains seared into the collective memory of the Oromo people.
The Human Toll
Demonstrators painted a stark picture of life under the current government: the Oromo people have no peace and live each day like leaves falling to the ground. The constant state of insecurity has made movement between places “almost impossible” .
Reports from human rights organizations have documented extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions, and rape committed by both government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). A joint investigation by Reuters uncovered the operations of a clandestine Security Committee in Oromia that has allegedly ordered extra-judicial killings and illegal detentions .
The impact on civilians has been devastating: over 3.2 million children are reportedly out of school due to the fighting, and aid groups have struggled to distribute supplies, contributing to high malnutrition rates.
A Call to Action
The protesters presented a series of demands to both the Ethiopian government and the international community :
- An immediate halt to what they described as genocide and military operations across Ethiopia
- The cessation of forced conscription of children into the military
- The withdrawal of all forces from Oromia
- An end to the unlawful seizure of Oromo land and property
- The unconditional release of all political prisoners
- Justice for murdered artists and activists, including Haacaaluu Hundeessaa and Battee Urgeessaa
The demonstrators specifically called on the UK government and international financial institutions to suspend all financial and diplomatic support to the Ethiopian government. A formal petition detailing these grievances was submitted to the UK Foreign Office.
The Role of the International Community
Protest leaders emphasized that international actors have a moral and legal obligation to intervene. The Ethiopian government, they argued, has repeatedly failed to protect its citizens and has weaponized state institutions against the Oromo people .
The call for the UK government to exert “necessary pressure” on the Prosperity Party reflects growing frustration among the Oromo diaspora with the international community’s perceived inaction. Despite widespread documentation of human rights abuses, Ethiopia has continued to receive diplomatic and financial support from Western nations.
The London protest on May 27, 2025, was part of an ongoing global campaign by the Oromo diaspora to bring attention to systematic human rights abuses in their homeland . The demonstrators’ demands reflect a deep sense of urgency: they have called for an end to the killings, the withdrawal of forces, and international intervention .
The Oromo people continue to live without peace, and the situation in Oromia remains deeply insecure. The international community faces a critical test: whether it will respond with concrete action or allow another chapter of suffering to unfold largely unseen.
Advocacy for Oromia 