Category Archives: Information
UNDERSTANDING THE TRAUMA TREE
Why Addressing Symptoms Alone Isn’t Enough
🌳 “We can take off the leaves, but the tree keeps growing until we get to the root.”
This powerful metaphor reveals a truth that modern mental health care is only beginning to fully embrace: that true healing from trauma requires more than just managing symptoms. It demands that we dig deeper—right down to the roots.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Research shows that 70% of individuals experience trauma at some point in their lives. Yet for far too many, the path to recovery remains frustratingly elusive. Why? Because we have been treating the leaves while ignoring the roots.
THE LEAVES – HOW TRAUMA MANIFESTS
Trauma does not announce itself with a single, obvious signal. Instead, it manifests in a tangled canopy of symptoms that can be as bewildering as they are debilitating.
Hypervigilance and anxiety – The body remains on high alert, scanning for danger even in the safest environments. The nervous system, once triggered, struggles to return to calm.
Flashbacks and nightmares – The past refuses to stay in the past. Traumatic memories intrude without warning, forcing the individual to relive moments of terror again and again.
Panic attacks and dissociation – The mind and body disconnect. Some feel as though they are watching themselves from outside their own body. Others experience overwhelming waves of terror that seem to come from nowhere.
Depression and emotional numbing – Feeling nothing becomes a defence mechanism. The heart hardens to protect itself, but in doing so, it also loses the capacity for joy, connection, and hope.
Substance abuse and insomnia – Sleep becomes a battleground. Substances offer a temporary escape, but they also deepen the wound, creating a cycle of dependency that further obscures the underlying pain.
These are the leaves. They are visible. They are painful. And they demand attention.
But treating symptoms alone leads to temporary relief—not true healing. The leaves may be trimmed, but the tree continues to grow, fed by hidden forces beneath the surface.
WHAT FEEDS THE TREE – BARRIERS TO HEALING
If the leaves are symptoms, what nourishes the tree and keeps it alive? What prevents healing from taking root?
Stigma and labelling – Society often reduces trauma survivors to their symptoms. “You’re just anxious.” “You’re depressed.” “You need to get over it.” These labels, however well-intentioned, can become self-fulfilling prophecies. They define the person by their struggle rather than their resilience.
Lack of trauma-informed treatment – Many therapeutic approaches still focus on managing behaviour rather than understanding its origins. Without a framework that acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma, treatment can feel like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.
Misdiagnosis and limited support – Trauma symptoms often mimic other conditions. Depression, anxiety disorders, and even ADHD can be misdiagnosed when the root cause—trauma—remains unidentified. Limited access to appropriate mental health services compounds the problem, leaving many to navigate their recovery alone.
These are the soil conditions that allow the trauma tree to thrive. Change the soil, and you change the tree.
THE ROOTS – ORIGINAL TRAUMA
To truly heal, we must go where the pain began.
Childhood abuse and neglect – The earliest wounds often cut the deepest. When a child’s developing brain is exposed to chronic stress or betrayal, it shapes the architecture of their nervous system, setting patterns that persist into adulthood.
Accidents and medical trauma – A single moment can change everything. Car crashes, serious injuries, and terrifying medical procedures can leave lasting psychological scars that are often overlooked.
War, terrorism, and violence – For survivors of conflict, the trauma is not a single event but a sustained assault on the sense of safety and humanity. The effects ripple across generations.
Natural disasters and grief – Loss on a massive scale, whether through earthquake, flood, or pandemic, shatters the illusion that we are safe in our world. Grief becomes complicated when it is intertwined with collective trauma.
Systemic oppression and discrimination – For marginalised communities, trauma is not an isolated experience but a chronic reality. Racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression create ongoing wounds that demand healing at both the individual and societal levels.
These are the roots. They are deep. They are tangled. And they are often hidden from view.
But evidence shows trauma-informed interventions address both the symptoms AND the root causes, leading to real recovery and improved wellbeing for those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
THE PATH TO ROOT-LEVEL HEALING
True healing requires a shift in perspective. It means moving from “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” It means recognising that symptoms are not weaknesses but adaptations—the mind’s way of protecting itself from overwhelming pain.
Trauma-informed care offers a different approach. It asks:
- Safety first – Healing cannot begin without a sense of physical and emotional safety.
- Choice and control – Trauma strips away agency. Recovery restores it.
- Collaboration – Healer and client walk together, not as expert and patient, but as partners.
- Trustworthiness – Transparency and consistency rebuild the trust that trauma shattered.
- Empowerment – The goal is not to fix the person but to help them reclaim their strength.
READY TO FINALLY ADDRESS TRAUMA AT THE ROOTS?
The journey to healing is not easy. It is not linear. But it is possible.
For those ready to begin, the “You Are Not Broken” Trauma Healing Workbook for Beginners offers a gentle, evidence-based guide to genuine emotional healing. Designed by trauma therapists, this workbook provides:
- Practical exercises for understanding trauma responses
- Grounding techniques for managing symptoms
- Guided reflections to explore the roots of pain
- A compassionate framework for self-discovery and recovery
The leaves can be trimmed. The soil can be nourished. The roots can be healed.
Start your journey today.
#TraumaHealing #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthRecovery #PTSD #EmotionalHealing
Image Credit – Unknown
📖 Featured Article
Understanding the Trauma Tree: A Clinical Perspective
The metaphor of the trauma tree is more than poetic imagery—it is grounded in neuroscience and clinical practice. When trauma occurs, it impacts the brain’s fear circuitry, particularly the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The “leaves” we see—hypervigilance, flashbacks, dissociation—are direct expressions of this rewired nervous system.
Treating only these symptoms without addressing the underlying trauma is like repeatedly taking painkillers for a broken leg. The pain may temporarily subside, but the bone remains unhealed.
Trauma-informed therapy, by contrast, works to rewire the brain’s response to threat. Through approaches such as EMDR, somatic experiencing, and cognitive processing therapy, individuals can process traumatic memories, integrate them into their life story, and reduce their power over the present moment.
The “roots” of trauma often lie in attachment wounds—relationships that should have been safe but were instead a source of danger. Healing these roots involves rebuilding the capacity for trust, connection, and self-compassion.
Remember: You are not broken. You are wounded. And wounds, with the right care, can heal.
This article is part of a series on trauma-informed mental health care. For more resources, follow our page and join the conversation on trauma recovery, resilience, and healing.
Candlelight vigil for Nepal flood victims
VICTORIA UNITES FOR NEPAL
Candlelight vigil for Nepal flood victims
(ONA, 31 August 2026)-Melbourne will tonight open its heart to the people of Nepal as the city hosts a candlelight vigil at Federation Square, honouring the hundreds of lives lost in the catastrophic floods that have devastated the Himalayan nation.
The vigil, organised with the support of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, will see Victorians of all backgrounds gather to remember those who have perished, pray for the missing, and stand in solidarity with the grieving Nepali community.
“WE MOURN TOGETHER. WE STAND TOGETHER.”
The recent flooding in Nepal and surrounding regions has unleashed an unimaginable tragedy. Flash floods and landslides tore through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river basins, sweeping away entire communities along the Nepal-China border . The death toll continues to mount—now exceeding 547 confirmed fatalities—with more than 1,473 injured and over 900 still unaccounted for .
For Victoria’s growing Nepali community, this is not a distant disaster. It is personal. It is family. It is home.
A COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
The Victorian Multicultural Commission, standing in solidarity with Victoria’s Nepali community and the people of Nepal, has encouraged all Victorians to join tonight’s vigil.
“Let’s work together, let’s pray together, and let’s go through this pain together,” said Dr Tilak Pokhrel, president of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre, in a heartfelt appeal to the community .
For many in the diaspora, the anguish is compounded by the agonising wait for news. Community members are checking the news every hour, desperately hoping for word from missing relatives and friends . The Australian government has confirmed that 39 Australians remain unaccounted for, including trekkers and tourists caught in remote valleys .
THE TRAGEDY UNFOLDS
The scale of the disaster is staggering. Many of the missing were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet—a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, and followers of other faiths—when the flash floods struck without warning . Survivors have described walls of black water, 60 to 70 feet high, rushing toward them like a tsunami .
One Indian-American couple who narrowly escaped described watching the water approach their tour bus—”It was not water, it looked like a forest fire,” they recalled. They jumped from the bus moments before it was swept away, spending the night in a goat shed before being rescued by helicopter the next day .
Rescue operations continue, with emergency services working tirelessly in extremely difficult conditions. The Caritas Nepal relief organisation has reported that many main bridges and roads have been destroyed, making access to survivors extraordinarily challenging . Even relief teams have been ordered to retreat to safety as the threat of further flash floods persists .
GLOBAL OUTPOURING OF SOLIDARITY
The tragedy has touched hearts around the world. From candlelight vigils in Boston to prayer gatherings in India’s border towns, communities everywhere are standing with Nepal .
Here in Melbourne, tonight’s vigil at Federation Square will be a powerful testament to that global solidarity. Members of the public are invited to gather from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, bringing candles and open hearts to remember those lost and pray for those affected .
“TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER”
The emotional toll on the diaspora is immeasurable. “We can’t go through this alone,” said Aloonee Adhikari, a Nepali community member in the United States. “When we get to get together like this, it gives us a sense of empowerment that at least we can sit there and pray for them, even if we’re not there” .
Her words resonate across oceans. Tonight, they will echo in Melbourne.
As the Victorian Multicultural Commission reminds us: We mourn together. We stand together.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday 31 August 2026
Time: 6:30pm–7:30pm
Venue: Federation Square, Melbourne
The vigil is a chance for all Victorians—regardless of background or faith—to show the Nepali community they are not alone. It is a moment to transform grief into action, compassion into solidarity.
In the words of one community leader: “One candle, one community, one Nepal. For those we lost, for those who are suffering, for those who are still hoping—together we are stronger, for Nepal and for humanity” .
Come. Light a candle. Stand with Nepal.
The Borana Gadaa System Loses a Distinguished Leader: Former Abbaa Gadaa Liban Jaldesa Passes
A Legacy of Cultural Stewardship and Resilience Leaves a Lasting Mark
By Daandii Ragabaa
(ONA, Finfinne, 29 August 2026) – The Oromo nation and the Borana community are mourning the loss of a respected cultural leader. Liban Jaldesa, who served as the 69th Abbaa Gadaa of the Borana from 2002 to 2009, has passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy of service to his community.
His tenure marked a significant period in the history of the Borana Oromo, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the Gadaa institution and promoting the laws, culture, and traditions of his people . The Gadaa system, which he represented, is a sophisticated and indigenous framework of governance recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It is a system that embeds a deeply egalitarian social fabric, where democratic power is transferred from one class to another every eight years .
The Weight of the Bullukoo: Leadership in a Time of Challenge
The role of an Abbaa Gadaa is one of profound responsibility. An Abbaa Gadaa is not merely a political figure but the custodian of the community’s soul, tradition, and future. The Gadaa system regulates social, political, economic, and religious life, and the leader is expected to be a competent orator, deeply skilled in the laws and customs of his people .
During his tenure, Liban Jaldesa was a steady hand during a period of immense challenge. The Borana, a predominantly pastoralist community inhabiting southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, faced acute pressures including changing weather patterns and rising resource scarcity .
As an elder and oral historian once noted about the Gadaa leadership: “The system strictly interrogates a candidate’s lineage and ancestral record. It examines whether the past Gadaa terms of your family brought prosperity, timely rains, abundance, sovereignty, and peace.” Liban Jaldesa carried this weight of expectation, navigating his community through the complexities of a changing world while striving to uphold the sacred principles of Gadaa.
A Living Democracy: The Gadaa Tradition
The Gadaa system he served is a testament to the Oromo people’s ancient commitment to democratic governance. It organizes society into age grades, with each grade moving through a life cycle—from Dabballee (childhood) to Gammee (youth), and ultimately to leadership roles like Kuusa and Gadaa .
To select the Abbaa Gadaa, an extensive evaluation and vetting process called the “Baannattoo” system is conducted, functioning as a traditional electoral campaign for public servants . The son of a previous Abbaa Gadaa would convene his peers for the Wal-argii (Grand Gathering) to build peer acquaintance and deliberate on traditional matters before a new leader could be invested .
As a leader during such a time, Liban Jaldesa’s role was central to this process of cultural transmission and societal continuity.
A Nation Mourns, a Legacy Endures
The passing of Liban Jaldesa is a profound loss. His leadership is described as an enduring part of Borana history and cultural heritage . His wisdom and service are expected to continue inspiring future generations.
His death marks the end of an era, but the principles of the Gadaa system—democracy, community, and resilience—that he represented continue to guide the struggle and shape the future of the Oromo people.
The Oromian News Agency joins the Borana Oromo community in expressing our deepest condolences. We honour his memory and the immense contribution he made to preserving the cultural identity of his people.
Waaqni Ekeraa isaa nagaan haa qubachiisu! May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
A Cry for Justice: The Unfolding Crisis in Oromia
As violence escalates in Ethiopia’s most populous region, a growing chorus of voices is demanding accountability, protection, and peace for the Oromo people.
The plea is urgent and uncompromising: “Stop the killing of Oromo civilians! Stop violence against the Oromo people! Fano must leave Oromia!” These calls reflect a deep-seated crisis that has gripped the Oromia region, where civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire of multiple armed conflicts.
The Human Toll of Conflict
Recent reports paint a harrowing picture of the violence unfolding across Oromia. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has documented atrocities including killings, bodily injuries, abductions, displacement, and destruction of property in the Arsi Zone of Oromia . The violence is not isolated—it reflects a broader pattern of human rights abuses across multiple regions, including Amhara and Tigray .
In one particularly devastating incident, armed men killed more than 20 civilians in Oromia. Local civil servants reported that Fano militants attacked civilians “with swords and guns” in the Nono district, approximately 110 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, resulting in 25 deaths including women and children, with four more later dying in hospital . A regional security official confirmed that Fano militants had been active in the region for four years, “taking advantage of opportunist moments to launch attacks against civilians and loot property”.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The violence has created a severe humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that 3.2 million children are out of school due to the conflict . Hospitals and clinics have been attacked—in 2023, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported that “almost all” of 42 health posts in Oromia’s Beji area had been looted or destroyed . Aid organizations have struggled to distribute supplies, leading to severe malnutrition .
Civilians describe a terrifying reality. One woman from Oromia’s Shewa region told of her family facing constant harassment and extortion from armed groups, with her uncle detained until a 100,000 Ethiopian birr ransom was paid . A coffee farmer from Wollega has been unable to return home for three years due to the security situation, with his harvest stolen by armed fighters .
A Call for Justice and Peace
The demands for justice and protection are clear. As one civil servant noted, the situation “has worsened in recent years” . The Red Cross has warned that the current clashes have “devastating consequences” for civilians, particularly in remote areas, noting that “Oromia doesn’t make the headlines, yet civilians continue to be deeply affected by violence” .
The call for Fano to leave Oromia reflects the reality that multiple armed groups are active in the region, each contributing to the suffering of civilians. For the Oromo people, the demand is simple but profound: protection, justice, and accountability for those who have committed atrocities.
Without decisive action, the cycle of impunity and violence will continue to erode Ethiopia’s stability and legitimacy . The international community, regional bodies, and Ethiopian authorities face a critical choice: allow the violence to continue, or take meaningful steps to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice.
Preserving the Sacred: Gadaa Elders Call for Authentic Celebration of Goobee and Shinooyyee
A Timeless Tradition at Risk of Losing Its Cultural Soul
By Dhabessa Wakjira
In the lush landscapes of Oromia, as the dark, rainy season gives way to the bright days of spring, a sacred celebration stirs. Goobee and Shinooyyee—the traditional games of young men and women—are more than a cultural event. They are a profound expression of Oromo identity, a living connection to the Gadaa system, and a thanksgiving to Waaqa (God) for the renewal of life.
But as these festivals have grown in popularity, the elders of the Gadaa system are raising a critical concern: the celebrations must remain rooted in their ancient customs and traditions.
The Voice of the Elders
The Abbootii Gadaa Tuulamaa—the Gadaa leaders of the Tulama Oromo—have issued a clear and urgent message. The Goobee and Shinooyyee festivities must be conducted “without abandoning the original culture and traditions.” This is not a mere suggestion; it is a call to protect the very soul of the tradition.
According to the elders, the primary purpose of these celebrations is to welcome the season of Birraa (spring). The games are not simply for entertainment; they are a heartfelt expression of love, a plea for blessings, and a prayer for hope, peace, and unity among the Oromo people. The specific rituals and protocols of Goobee and Shinooyyee are designed to channel the community’s collective spirit toward these goals.
The Rituals and Their Purpose
The Gadaa leaders described the Goobee and Shinooyyee celebrations as a structured, age-specific rite. The games are considered an act of love and blessing, involving prayers to God and expressions of good hope.
Goobee is the festival for young men, while Shinooyyee is for young women. Both are celebrations of spring’s arrival and the feelings of hope and love it brings, but they follow distinct traditional paths:
- Shinooyyee: The night before the main celebration, unmarried girls traditionally prepare the qunnii (grass) in their homes and sleep with it overnight. On the festival day, they carry it to the home of a respected elder, where they receive blessings. They then go from house to house, passing on the qunnii and spreading blessings throughout the community.
- Goobee: Similarly, the young men’s games are governed by specific cultural protocols designed to honor the community’s elders and the traditional order.
A Tradition Under Pressure
The concern voiced by the Abootii Gadaa is that the festival’s deep meaning is being diluted. They observe that “from time to time, individuals are performing un-cultural acts,” a practice that threatens to corrupt the sacred nature of the celebration. By emphasizing the traditional roles—requiring that participants be unmarried and adhere to the age-old customs—the elders are seeking to preserve the festival’s core purpose.
They have also clarified that the games are open to everyone, including married couples and older community members, but the central ritual is the purview of the youth, who are at the specific life stage for this rite of passage.
A Celebration of Unity and Identity
Despite these concerns, the Abootii Gadaa affirmed that Goobee and Shinooyyee are central pillars of Oromo cultural identity. The elders explained that while the festivities may have different names in different parts of Oromia, they are “a common culture for all Oromo people.” This shared heritage serves as a powerful unifier, strengthening social bonds and ensuring the continuity of Oromo history for future generations.
Conclusion: A Call to Protect the Heritage
The message from the Abbootii Gadaa Tuulamaa is a resounding call to action. As the Oromo people continue to revive and celebrate their cultural heritage, the essence of these traditions must not be lost. The authenticity of Goobee and Shinooyyee must be protected, ensuring that they remain a “game of love, blessing, prayer to God, and good hope.”
The elders are not simply guarding a memory; they are nurturing a living tradition that defines the identity of a people.
The Unrelenting Struggle: Oromo Resistance and the Brutal Reality of Fano Atrocities
A Reflection on the Ongoing Crisis in East Wallagga and Horro Guduru
By Maatii Sabaa
To this day, the Oromo people have been subjected to the brutal force of the Fano militia. According to a report compiled by the United Oromo Evangelical Church and the Oromia Support Group, the atrocities are widespread—executions, torture, arbitrary detentions, destruction of property, and other acts of violence allegedly committed against Oromo civilians by both Ethiopian government forces and the Fano Amhara militia .
The deaths of fathers, mothers, and children—Oromo lives lost—are met with a chilling refrain: “It is nothing, be patient.” Behind every statistic is a family destroyed, a child orphaned, or a community traumatized. Silence in the face of such suffering only deepens the crisis .
But patience has its limits. When Oromo people are killed and their oppressors dance, those who call themselves “Fano heroes” celebrate. Yet when the Oromo rise to defend themselves, the same voices cry out: “The civilians are finished!” But the truth is simple: self-defense is a natural right. It is not a crime; it is an instinct for survival.
The Conspiracy Against Oromo Self-Defense
There is a deliberate campaign to deny the Oromo people their fundamental right to self-defense. The situation in the East Wallagga and Horro Guduru zones is particularly alarming.
In the Gida Ayana district of East Wallagga, a brutal attack on August 19, 2026, targeted innocent civilians. A bank manager traveling with cash from Gida Ayana to Nekemte was killed in an ambush at Tulu Lencha . Kaffaloo Nagasaa Dayyaas, a farmer beloved in his community, was also among the victims . According to residents, Fano forces attacked ambulances, killing patients and a midwife, in addition to the bank managers and passengers . More than 60 people were killed in the attack, over 70 were wounded, homes were looted, and the violence displaced 20,000 people .
This is not a spontaneous development; it is a calculated plan that has been in motion since at least 2019. A UN document recorded that since 2018, Fano militia has been responsible for a substantial number of killings in East Wollega and Horo Guduru zones . The campaign includes the burning of 200 homes in Homa Galesa village, the killing of 21 villagers in Tullu Moti village, and the brutal beheading of a teenager in Darra district .
As the Oromo people face relentless attacks, their attempts to organize and defend themselves are sabotaged from within. The message is clear: while Oromo fighters are disarmed and disbanded, their enemies are being armed and empowered.
The Cost of Betrayal
The Oromo people have been subjected to a decades-long campaign of marginalization, dispossession, and violence. The current wave of attacks in East Wallagga and Horro Guduru is not an isolated tragedy—it is the latest chapter in a long history of brutality.
But what makes this moment particularly devastating is the silence—and complicity—of those who should be protecting the Oromo people. When Oromo civilians are killed, the world is told to look away. When Oromo resistance is met with disproportionate force, the narrative is twisted to blame the victims.
This is not just a failure of governance; it is a betrayal of the most basic principles of justice and humanity. The Oromo Global Forum has called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council to initiate an independent international investigation into the documented allegations .
A Call to Action
The Oromo people have waited too long for justice. They have been told to be patient while their children are killed, their villages burned, and their land stolen. But patience is not a virtue when it is used as a tool of oppression.
Self-defense is not aggression. It is the right of every people to protect their lives, their families, and their communities. To deny the Oromo this right is to condemn them to perpetual victimhood.
The international community must look beyond the carefully constructed narratives and see the truth: the Oromo people are under attack, and they are fighting for their survival.
Conclusion: The Truth Will Prevail
The conspiracy to silence the Oromo people will ultimately fail. The truth of what is happening in East Wallagga and Horro Guduru—and across Oromia—will not be hidden forever. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, and it will be heard.
As the Oromo people continue to resist, they do so not out of hatred, but out of love for their children, their land, and their future. They fight for the right to live in peace, free from fear and oppression.
Oromoon of-ittisuu qaba. Of-ittisuun seera uumamaa ti. (The Oromo people have the right to self-defense. Self-defense is a natural law.)
The Unrelenting Struggle: Oromo Resistance and the Brutal Reality of Fano Atrocities
A Reflection on the Ongoing Crisis in East Wallagga and Horro Guduru
By Daandii Ragabaa
To this day, the Oromo people have been subjected to the brutal force of the Fano militia. The deaths of fathers, mothers, and children—Oromo lives lost—are met with a chilling refrain: “It is nothing, be patient.”
But patience has its limits. When Oromo people are killed and their oppressors dance, those who call themselves “Fano heroes” celebrate. Yet when the Oromo rise to defend themselves, the same voices cry out: “The civilians are finished!” But the truth is simple: self-defense is a natural right. It is not a crime; it is an instinct for survival.
The Conspiracy Against Oromo Self-Defense
There is a deliberate campaign to deny the Oromo people their fundamental right to self-defense. Behind the scenes, a web of actors—some in government, others in the media, and still more in diplomatic circles—works tirelessly to conceal the truth.
The situation in the East Wallagga and Horro Guduru zones is particularly alarming. Here, a strategic ploy is unfolding. Armed groups are being systematically dismantled within the regional state of Oromia (RSO) and reconstituted under the banner of Fano. This is not a spontaneous development; it is a calculated plan that has been in motion since at least 2019.
As the Oromo people face relentless attacks, their attempts to organize and defend themselves are sabotaged from within. The message is clear: while Oromo fighters are disarmed and disbanded, their enemies are being armed and empowered.
The Cost of Betrayal
The Oromo people have been subjected to a decades-long campaign of marginalization, dispossession, and violence. The current wave of attacks in East Wallagga and Horro Guduru is not an isolated tragedy—it is the latest chapter in a long history of brutality.
But what makes this moment particularly devastating is the silence—and complicity—of those who should be protecting the Oromo people. When Oromo civilians are killed, the world is told to look away. When Oromo resistance is met with disproportionate force, the narrative is twisted to blame the victims.
This is not just a failure of governance; it is a betrayal of the most basic principles of justice and humanity.
A Call to Action
The Oromo people have waited too long for justice. They have been told to be patient while their children are killed, their villages burned, and their land stolen. But patience is not a virtue when it is used as a tool of oppression.
Self-defense is not aggression. It is the right of every people to protect their lives, their families, and their communities. To deny the Oromo this right is to condemn them to perpetual victimhood.
The international community must look beyond the carefully constructed narratives and see the truth: the Oromo people are under attack, and they are fighting for their survival.
Conclusion: The Truth Will Prevail
The conspiracy to silence the Oromo people will ultimately fail. The truth of what is happening in East Wallagga and Horro Guduru—and across Oromia—will not be hidden forever. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, and it will be heard.
As the Oromo people continue to resist, they do so not out of hatred, but out of love for their children, their land, and their future. They fight for the right to live in peace, free from fear and oppression.
Oromoon of-ittisuu qaba. Of-ittisuun seera uumamaa ti.
The Oromo people have the right to self-defense. Self-defense is a natural law.
PM Albanese Reaffirms Australia’s Humanitarian Commitment Amid Global Crises
By Dhabessa Wakjira
In a decisive move underscoring Australia’s enduring compassion, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the nation will maintain its annual humanitarian intake of 20,000 refugees – a decision widely hailed by settlement leaders as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with unprecedented displacement.
Addressing media this afternoon, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia’s pledge to offer safe haven to those fleeing conflict and persecution, pushing back against any notion that generosity must yield to insecurity.
“In maintaining Australia’s humanitarian intake, Prime Minister Albanese has responded with both compassion and confidence in the Australian people,” said Violet Roumeliotis, CEO of national refugee resettlement provider SSI. “He has recognised that Australia can remain both secure and generous, and that our response to the world’s most vulnerable people is a reflection of our national character.”
A Legacy of Welcome
From the shattered aftermath of World War II to the present day, Australia has built one of the globe’s most respected refugee resettlement programs. More than one million refugees and humanitarian entrants have since made Australia their home – enriching communities, strengthening the economy, and becoming integral threads in the nation’s evolving story.
“There is much to be proud of and much to be grateful for,” Ms Roumeliotis added. “Today’s decision builds on that legacy and reaffirms a vision of Australia as a country that welcomes people seeking safety, creates opportunities for them to belong and contribute, and plays its part in responding to global humanitarian need.”
A Tradition That Endures
With conflict zones multiplying and record numbers of people uprooted worldwide, the Prime Minister’s announcement sends a clear signal: Australia’s humanitarian tradition is not a relic of the past, but a living promise.
“The best of Australia has always been found in our willingness to extend a hand to those seeking safety,” Ms Roumeliotis concluded. “Today’s decision ensures that tradition continues.”
For refugee advocates and communities across the nation, the confirmation offers reassurance – and a reminder that in times of global turmoil, Australia chooses humanity.
A Roar Across the Thames: London Oromos Stage Historic Protest Against Atrocities and Rights Abuses
(ONA, LONDON, 27 August 2026) – The drizzle over London could not dampen the fire in their hearts. On a grey but determined morning, the streets of the British capital bore witness to a powerful display of diaspora solidarity as the Oromo community in the United Kingdom took to the streets in a mass protest, raising their voices against what they termed “systematic killings and the erosion of fundamental rights” unfolding in their homeland.
Under the banner of peace but fueled by anguish, hundreds—if not thousands—of Oromo men, women, and children converged in central London today, 27 August 2026, to issue an unmistakable demand: “Stop killing Oromos on their own land and in their own homes.”
The protest, which saw participants draped in the traditional Oromo colours of red, green and red, was not merely a rally. It was a cry of the displaced, a roar of the silenced, and a plea from those who have watched helplessly from afar as their kin face what they describe as “genocide and looting” in regions including the embattled Wallaggaa zone and beyond.
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The Gathering: A Sea of Resistance
By midday, the area around the Houses of Parliament and Whitehall was transformed into a vibrant yet somber sea of flags and placards. Protesters held signs that read:
· “Stop the War in Wallaggaa!”
· “Our Land, Our Lives – Not for Sale!”
· “The Government Must Protect, Not Persecute!”
Chants of “Oromia! Oromia!” echoed off government buildings, interspersed with the rhythmic clapping and traditional ululations that have long been the hallmark of Oromo cultural resilience. But beneath the cultural pride lay a deep, gnawing grief.
“We are here because we have no choice,” said one participant, a community member who has lived in Birmingham for over two decades. “We have sent letters, we have made phone calls, we have appealed to the Ethiopian government through official channels. They have ignored us. Today, we are making the world listen.”
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The Core Demands: Justice and Accountability
The protesters were unequivocal in their message. The rally was not a political campaign for secession or regime change, but a humanitarian outcry grounded in three core demands:
1. An Immediate End to Hostilities: The community called for an urgent ceasefire in Wallaggaa and other conflict zones across Oromia, where civilians—particularly women, children, and the elderly—have borne the brunt of inter-communal violence and state-backed military operations.
2. Government Accountability: Demonstrators accused the federal government of “playing both sides”—a reference to perceived double-dealing that allows armed groups to operate with impunity while civilians suffer. “You cannot be the arbiter and the arsonist,” one placard read.
3. Protection of Civilians: The Oromo diaspora demanded that the Ethiopian government uphold its primary duty: the protection of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation. They also called on the international community—specifically the UN Human Rights Council—to intervene with independent investigators and tangible sanctions.
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The Wallaggaa Crisis: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Central to the protest was the ongoing crisis in Wallaggaa, a region that has become a flashpoint for violence in recent months. Eyewitness accounts shared by diaspora members describe villages burned to the ground, families displaced without shelter, and extrajudicial killings that have left entire communities traumatised.
The protesters specifically condemned what they called “sarbamiinsa mirgaa”—the systematic violation of rights—alleging that Oromo civilians are being targeted not for their crimes, but for their identity.
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Diaspora as a Political Force
The UK Oromo community has long been recognised for its organisational capacity and civic engagement. From lobbying Members of Parliament to hosting peace conferences, they have consistently punched above their weight in advocating for their people.
But today’s demonstration was different in its scale and urgency. Social media platforms were flooded with live updates, with the hashtags #Oromia, #Wallaggaa, #UNHumanRightsCouncil, and #UNHumanRights trending across multiple time zones.
One widely shared post from the ground captured the spirit of the day:
“
UK Oromos are always ahead of the game when it comes to peaceful diaspora protests! Well done!”
Indeed, the protest was entirely peaceful—a testament to the community’s commitment to civil disobedience and moral persuasion, even as they spoke of the violence afflicting their homeland.
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The Broader Context: A Region in Turmoil
The Oromo protests in London do not exist in a vacuum. They come at a time when the Horn of Africa is grappling with complex security challenges, from ethnic conflicts to climate-induced displacement. The Oromo, as the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, have historically been at the centre of the country’s political struggles, often facing marginalisation despite their demographic weight.
The protesters argued that the international community, particularly the UN Human Rights Council, has been too slow to act. “We have seen reports. We have seen the joint investigations. But where are the consequences?” asked another participant, a student who joined the protest. “The government must feel the weight of international law. Words are cheap; action is expensive, but it is necessary.”
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A Message to the Government and the World
The community demanded and called for:
· An independent, UN-supervised inquiry into human rights violations in Oromia.
· Unrestricted humanitarian access to affected regions.
· A clear timeline for the withdrawal of non-regular armed forces from civilian areas.
“We are not enemies of the state. We are citizens who love our country, but we cannot love a country that does not love us back,” one of the elders declared, his voice breaking.
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Looking Ahead: Vigilance and Hope
As the protesters dispersed, the mood was one of grim resolve. Many pledged to continue their advocacy—through legal channels, media campaigns, and diplomatic pressure—until justice is served.
For now, the streets of London have fallen silent. But the echoes of the chants remain, a reminder that the Oromo diaspora refuses to be a passive spectator to the suffering of its people.
The question that lingers—over the Thames and across the Atlantic, from Wallaggaa to Whitehall—is simple yet profound:
How many more lives must be lost before the world acts?
Reporting from London, UK.
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© ONA, 2026 – All Rights Reserved.
A New Chapter for Multicultural Victoria: Building Bridges, Counting Voices, and Taking Action
VMC Chairperson Louise Perry Reflects on a Weekend of Celebration and a Future of Collaboration
By Dhabessa Wakjira
The Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner, held over the weekend, was more than just a glittering event on the social calendar. It was a powerful affirmation of Victoria’s identity—a “Stories of Us” celebration that brought together over 1,200 guests from across the state to honour the unique journeys and contributions of its diverse communities.
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Chairperson Louise Perry, in a heartfelt message to the community, described the evening as a fitting tribute to the people, cultures, and experiences that together tell the story of multicultural Victoria. The event featured dynamic performances from across the globe, a bustling bazaar showcasing cultural traditions, and invaluable conversations between community leaders and government representatives.
A Future of Institutional Strength and Collaboration
Perry highlighted that the conversations from the Gala are particularly important as Victoria looks to the future of its multiculturalism. A landmark shift is currently progressing through Parliament: the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill 2026 .
Subject to its passage, this bill will establish Multicultural Victoria, a new government entity designed to reset how government listens to, collaborates with, and supports multicultural and multifaith communities. The new body will merge the policy, grants, and community engagement functions currently delivered by the VMC and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. This integration aims to ensure community voices have a stronger influence on government policy.
“The Victorian Multicultural Commission was established in 1983 to advise the government on issues affecting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” notes the importance of this legacy. The new entity, led by a Multicultural Coordinator General and supported by an advisory group, will build upon this history, using new powers to drive change and publish an annual State of Multicultural Victoria report to measure progress. While the Bill is subject to parliamentary debate, its passage would represent a significant step in strengthening the institutional architecture for cohesion.
Ensuring Our Communities Are Counted
Perry also stressed the importance of participation in the 2026 Census, encouraging anyone who has not yet completed it to do so . “Every response helps build a clearer picture of who we are and the communities that make up Australia,” she said.
The Census is a critical tool for representation and advocacy. It helps governments, service providers, and community organisations understand where multicultural communities are growing, allowing them to plan essential services like healthcare, education, and language support. As community leaders note, accurate data is essential for ensuring communities are visible in official statistics and can “demand their fair share”.
Funding Opportunities for Community Action
Looking ahead, Perry highlighted two current funding opportunities for community organisations to turn their visions into action:
- Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program: This program provides grants of up to $40,000 for community-led responses to racism. The applications are closing soon, at midday on 27 August 2026. This program is part of the Victorian Government’s anti-racism strategy, supporting activities that build community capacity, promote First Peoples’ history and culture, and improve reporting of racist incidents.
- Multicultural Festivals and Events Program: This program supports multicultural communities to celebrate and share their culture through festivals and events. With over $5 million available for 2026-27, including an extra $1 million for regional events, this program helps Victorians celebrate and preserve their cultures while building understanding and respect. The current round of applications closes on 31 August 2026.
A Message of Connection and Future Collaboration
In her closing remarks, Perry looked forward to continuing to meet many more community members, hearing their stories, and learning about the work happening across Victoria. Her message is clear: Victoria’s diversity is its strength, and the path forward lies in listening, counting, and acting together.
For more information on the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill, the 2026 Census, or the current grants programs, please visit the Victorian Government’s official websites.
Advocacy for Oromia 