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DAABANAA: Prof Kuwee Kumsaa
Mariin Prof Kuwee Kumsaa waliin taasifame kun kan kutaa duraa ti. Kutaa kana keessatti waa’ee maqaa isaanii, waa’ee muuxannoo hojii isaanii fi mudannoo adeemsa kana keessatti isaan mudate gadfageenyaan kaafnee jirra. Itti dhiyaadhaa!
KUTAA 1FFAA
Remembering Girma Gamada: A Pillar of Oromo Volunteerism
How do we remember Girma Gamada?
Girma Gamada was born and raised in Oromia. When he was young, however, the political situation did not allow him to serve his countrymen. The passion and passion for promoting Oromo and Oromummaa did not disappear from him. Instead, this charity left the country with Girma and became an example of Oromo Volunteerism.
GIRMA GAMADAA: An Example of Oromo Volunteerism
Volunteerism is doing good for the community. This culture is to do work that benefits the community and the country. Everyone has the ability to be kind; but not everyone works beyond their own existence and livelihood for the benefit of other communities. But people who are born with this gift cannot hide themselves. When they get this opportunity, they start doing things that will promote and promote their nation.
We can take Girma Gammada as an example of the people that Oromo had like this, and lost in a short time.
Girma was exiled from Oromia for political reasons and lived in exile in Nairobi, Kenya. He then settled in Toronto, Canada. From then on, he started working to address the shortage of Oromo through advertising and information. In a short time, he promoted Oromo songs in various ways and made various posters.
He also made it known in the community by preparing advertisements for festivals and events.
He was doing advertising for various Oromo associations. He contributed greatly to the recognition and growth of the Waqeffannaa association by preparing many posters. He has been contributing to the international recognition and growth of the Irreecha festival.
He was involved in all Oromo structures such as OMN, sports associations and community building. He has done a basic job to make the history of the Oromo fighters like Jaal Bureyessso known to the Oromo people and follow their fancy.
Jawar Mohammed recalled Girma’s contribution to OMN as highly dedicated. “It is devastating to hear of the passing of Girma Gemda. We have lost a true friend and a selfless servant of our community. Girma was one of the most committed and consistent people I had the privilege to work with for more than a decade. He was with us from day one, through all the ups and downs. May you rest in peace, brother. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Toronto community.”
Since arriving from Oromia, almost 20 years ago, Girma has been serving customers with his friendly and informative approach to seafood selections.
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Girma has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease), a rare and life-altering condition. ALS is a neurological disease that affects the motor neurons; motor neurons are the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. This diagnosis means that Girma can no longer work and provide for his family as he once did.
It also means he can no longer continue his volunteer work as a graphic designer for the Oromo Community Center or pursue his passion for photography. Girma’s photography skills were evident in his coverage of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Afrofest Toronto and African Fashion Week Toronto.
For people like Hawwinee Alamayehu, Girma was a brotherly advisor. “A patriot, a strong professional, a hero of man, for me to lose you from my own good brother is a strong sorrow beyond words.”
Girmaan was an adult who was strong in many ways. Tulluu Liiban testified to the achievements of Girma Gamada who will be well remembered by the community. “Girma Hordofa Gemeda, who has been a shining star in promoting the Oromo cause through his creative works over the past 2 decades, passed away untimely in North America and beyond hoped he would recover from his illness Unfortunately this humble and clean human being is gone capacity He has been rendering his works for free with passion.
” Moreover, Girma has designed promotional pieces including printable materials such as T-Shirts, caps, banners, artifacts, logos etc. He has also contributed to the design and editing of choreographies and photography. Girma has recorded and documented a number of vital events in Oromo, in videos and pictures. He has designed events, stages and presented auction items for free for community fundraisers. His Lega Xaafoo Studio is based in Toronto, Canada. Girma will be greatly missed because of his invaluable contributions and commitment to the Oromo people throughout his life.”
Girma was being treated for a neurological disease. However, he could not be cured by treatment. He passed away on July 4,2024. Girmaan was the father of one child; condolences to his wife and child.
Girmaan is not with us today. His voluntaristic work will live with us forever. People like Birhanu Olana are remembering him as very committed Oromo professional.”Girman was a strong Oromo son. He was a strong cameraman and graphics expert that he was helping us day and night when we were looking for such professionals and he never asked us for payment for his services.”
Maryland County proclaimed OROMO WEEK.
(A4O, 22 July 2023) Maryland County proclaimed the week of July 22nd- 29th, 2023 OROMO WEEK.
The Oromo Sports Federation of North America (OSFNA) Festival will be taking place at Montgomery Blair High School.
Welcome all to the neighborhood for OSFNA Festival of this year’s event in DMV area.
Peace is Precious.
By Dabessa Gemelal
Many of us may not value what we have on our own. This is a common occurrence in our lives. Many things become worthwhile, when we are self-sufficient. When we are very thirsty, the price of water is high; especially when you don’t have it on your hands, it’s even more expensive.
For those of us who live in a peaceful country, peace is not much boasted. But, in those in a war-torn country, the price of peace is expensive; The message delivered at a brief ‘peace journey’ event in Melbourne on 27 May 2023 is also our greatest testimony. During the short peace journey on this day, a great message was conveyed, and the experience gained proved that peace is precious.
Heaven Culture, World Peace, Bring Back the Light (HWPL), the International Youth Peace Group (IPYG) and the International Women Peace Group (IWPG) held to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk in Melbourne on Saturday, May 27, 2013, at the King Edward VII Memorial. The participants held various peace signs to express the preciousness of peace and loudly conveyed the importance of peace to the participants and the world.
About 200 people from the multicultural community, leaders, and youth attended the event to create awareness on the importance of peace. The event included speeches by Mr Keith Wolahan, Federal Member for Menzies and Brigadier Bob Slater former AM RFD Lieutenant Colonel from ARA, who shared their messages and hopes for peace. In his speech, he mentions that the military culture of conflict resolution comes at a high cost and heavy sacrifices, and strongly urges the world to practice peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
Advocacy for Oromia is well aware of the violence being experienced by the Oromo people because of the lack of peace in Oromia. The largest peace-loving Oromo people in East Africa have not been living a peaceful and prosperous life since their peace was disrupted in the late 1880s; their truth was betrayed, and they were subjected to severe oppression and persecution. The people have lost many human lives in the nearly 150-year struggle to regain the violated peace; the brave Oromo have talent; those who had knowledge to develop the country and eradicate poverty were sacrificed prematurely because of the lack of peace; many properties were destroyed. Oromia is still bleeding without returning to the peace it longs for.
The peacekeeping work being done through HWPL also attracted A4O because it is a good and blessed work that the Oromo people want to promote. HWPL aims to achieve a culture of peace in the world and restore peace and light to the global community. The organization aims to organize and conduct peace education, multicultural peace festival and peace trips available. During the year, A4O participated in the organisation’s events: peace education, multicultural peace festival and peace trip and shared from the experience; it is also ensuring that the peacekeeping efforts of the organization are successful and supported, and that the culture of peace is further entrenched.
Peacemaking is vital today for three main reasons. First, conflict and violence cause great harm. Many lives are being threatened by conflict and chaos in the world we are seeing. Second, military responses to political problems alone do not work. Military forces can be deployed to prevent emergencies, but they cannot fundamentally solve political, social and economic problems and sustain peace. In fact, it can sometimes make the job even more complicated. Third, conflict destroys lives; it also hinders growth. Currently, more than 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by violent conflict. Currently, 59.5 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, of which 19.5 million are refugees, half of them children. This shows that if there is no peace, human life will be in greater danger.
We can save our day many things. However, it is very blessed to spend our days in peacemaking and promoting a culture of peace; it will have many benefits. Without peace, nothing we do will be useful. If we contribute our part to bringing peace wherever we are, if we spend our time working for peace at certain times of the year, the peace we desire and seek will last. Peace is precious; it is necessary to participate in peacebuilding and contribute our part to sustain this precious peace.
Melbourne Oromo community celebrates Irreecha Arfaasaa
(Melbourne, 21 Maya 2023) Melbourne Oromo community celebrates Irreecha Arfaasaa Festival at Dandenong Hill today.
A few minutes of remembrance was held for the victims of the Irreecha Birraa festival in 2016.
On October, 2, 2016 the TPLF regime opened fire indiscriminately on crowds celebrating Irrecha and killing at least 700 people.
In particular, the late Haji Biiftuu Fayyisaa, who passed away yesterday, was also commemorated.
A memorial service was also held for the teachers of Madda Walaabu University who died in a car accident on May 20, 2023.
Oromo fathers, mothers, youths and children dressed in traditional Oromo clothes and holding wet grass also celebrated under a large tree on the hill.
Irreecha is a strong and rich Oromo cultural identity and Oromo wherever they are should strengthen this culture.
The festival started with the blessing of the elders.
Advocacy for Oromia calls on the PP government to release the unjustified arrests and torture of opposition leaders and supporters
(Melbourne, 6 may 2023) Advocacy for Oromia has expressed its wholehearted and positive support for the recent peace talks between the OLA and the Ethiopian government.
A4O added that it wholeheartedly supports the talks and outcomes to bring peace in Tigray.
A4O expressed its wholehearted support to those who contributed to the success of the peacekeeping operation.
A4O said in a statement today that it strongly supports the efforts being made to resolve the current crisis in Amhara region and other regions of Ethiopia through dialogue and stability.
A4O believes that forced factors will not have a convincing advantage. A4O firmly believes that any problem will have convincing benefits if it is resolved through dialogue and agreement.
A4O is willing and able to work and support in teaching and developing the strategies and knowledge, skills and abilities to resolve conflicts and problems peacefully and to work peacefully in all areas where there are security problems.
A4O confirmed that the PP-led government also has support for its efforts to protect national security and unity.
“The country believes that it grows through collective participation,” A4O said, adding that the government should work towards expanding this participation.
A4O called on the opposition to stand by the government by focusing on what they have in common, not what separates them from the government.
A4O calls on the PP government to release the unjustified arrests and torture of opposition leaders and supporters and make more efforts to expand and develop the political platform.
In particular, A4O called for the efforts to establish peace in the country to continue without interruption through peaceful dialogue.
“It is well known that a country without peace cannot develop in any way, and those who care about Ethiopia and care about the country’s development must be determined to work together,” A4O said.
In particular, A4O called for the unconditional release of political prisoners to participate in peacebuilding and development of the country and called for the ongoing reconciliation with the opposition parties to continue in purity.
A4O added that it can do capacity building where knowledge and skills are needed and has programs and arrangements to provide necessary training and education.
In particular, A4O has called on media practitioners to develop and use a media language that promotes social harmony, human dignity and ethnic harmony. A4O added that A4O has the capacity and capacity to contribute this support if needed.
The Oromo community in Victoria has been awarded Certificate.
(Melbourne, 6 May 2023) The Oromo community in Victoria, Australia has been awarded a certificate of appreciation for their contribution to spreading the message of peace around the world.
Members of the community were especially thanked for their participation in the Multicultural Peace Day organized by HWPL this year through the Oromo youth living in Melbourne.
On the Multicultural Peace Day celebration, the Oromo youth and the Oromo community were participated to promote the Oromo culture of peace, Oromo love and respect for human beings and the Oromo struggle to restore peace in Oromia.
Also, the Oromo mothers of Melbourne, Victoria were further appreciated for their support for the promotion of peace in the world by celebrating International Women’s Day this year.
The members of the Oromo community who participated in the peace education and completed the education will also expected to contribute to the development of a culture of peace in the existing social life.
Advocacy for Oromia was awarded certificates for its contribution to the organization of the Oromo community, Oromo mothers and Oromo youth in Victoria.
Advocacy for Oromia would like to thank all the members of the Oromo community for their contribution to the blessed and honorable work of promoting a culture of peace.
A team that went to Burrayyu to investigate the case of the OLF leaders’ detainees returned unsuccessful.
(News, April 20, 2023) A team led by the Election Board that went to Burrayyu this morning to investigate the case of the detained OLF leaders returned unsuccessfully.
The group visited the Burayyu police headquarters today to investigate the condition of the political prisoners and OLF leaders who are being tortured in the Burayyu police headquarters.
However, according to the group, they were unable to see and interview the OLF political prisoners.
“When we got there, we were told that the head of the Burayyu of Police headquarters had gone to a meeting,” the group said.
Adding that the criminal investigator who spoke to the team told them that he was new to the position and that he was unaware of their appointment.
As a result, a team that went to Burrayyu to investigate the case of the OLF leaders’ detainees was unsuccessful.
Insiders said the government, deliberately trying to thwart the investigation, has been hiding the OLF political prisoners since yesterday.
The whereabouts of the OLF leaders and officials in Burayyu prison are still unknown.
OLF Public Relations head Lemmi Gemechu told #AddisStandard that the missing party officials are Executive Committee members Abdi Regassa and Michael Boran, Central Committee member Kenasa Ayana, OLF Gulele main office head Gada Oljira (PhD) and senior officials Dawit Abdeta, Lemmi Begna and Gada Gebissa.
On 11 April, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) said in a statement that its imprisoned officials were suffering from different diseases and their health condition was deteriorating from day to day.
The group that was comprised OLF leaders Jaal Daawud Ibsaa and Lammii Gammachuu from the ABO side and Mr. Xurunee Gamtaa from the OFC side was established by the National Election Board on April 18/2023.
Melbourne’s Oromo Martyrs Day celebration was held in a warm atmosphere.
(April 15, Melbourne) The commemoration began with the Oromo National Anthem and the blessing of the Oromo elders.
Then the history of the Oromo Heroes Day_April 15 and the Oromo freedom struggle were explained to the participants.
Speaking at the celebration, Jaal Bultum Biyyoo, Former Deputy Leader of the ABO, stressed the importance of the awakened community in strengthening the Oromo freedom struggle.
“If a people have strong awareness and understanding, the enemy cannot drive them up and down as he pleases,” he said.
Member of OLF Executive Committee, Jaal Gaashuu Lammeessaa, also recalled that the shortcomings in the Oromo liberation struggle have prevented the cause of the heroes from being sacrificed and weakened the struggle.
“If we had acted under the banner and cause of the ABO, the freedom of the Oromo people would have been successful;
He added that the fighters should fight together to achieve the goals of the Oromo struggle.
The Oromo Heroes Day commemoration ceremony in Melbourne was attended by Jaal Olumaa Qubee who performed a wonderful poem entitled “The fighter will fall; the struggle will continue,”
The ceremony began with the blessing of the elders. A memorial candles were also lit at the ceremony; the Oromo flag anthem was sung by the Oromo children and the participants.
Reasons for Celebrating the Oromo Martyrs’ Day
There are four major reasons why we commemorate this day.
First, this day allows us to remember those Oromo heroines and heroes who sacrificed their lives to restore Oromo culture, identity, and human dignity that were wounded by Ethiopian colonialism. In other words, this Commemoration assists us to recognize the dialectical connection between martyrdom, bravery, patriotism and Oromummaa.
Until Oromo heroes and heroines created the OLF and maintained it survival by paying ultimate sacrifices, Oromo peoplehood, culture, language, and history were dumped into the trashcan of Ethiopian history. These heroes and heroines had clearly understood the significance of Oromo culture, history, language, and identity in building Oromummaa and victorious consciousness to consolidate the Oromo national struggle for achieving Oromian statehood, sovereignty, and democracy.
Second, this commemoration day reminds us that Oromo liberation requires heavy sacrifices, and those who have given their lives for our freedom are our revolutionary models. Such patriots created a dignified history for our nation.
Third, this day reminds us that we have historical obligations to continue the struggle that Oromo martyrs started until victory.
Fourth, this celebration helps us recognize that Oromo heroes and heroines are still fighting in Oromia today.
Why April 15?
Mid 1978-1979 is remembered as the period when the survival of the Oromo national liberation struggle led by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) was under severe threat of extinction. It was feared that OLA units in Arsi, Bale, and Hararghe would disintegrate and their channel of connection and supplies would be cut off by the Dergue army that just recuperated from the Ethio-Somalia war. Upon defeating the Siad Barre army, the Dergue turned its face on OLA.
The OLA in the fronts of Arsi, Bale, and Hararghe fought steadfastly and scored victory over the Dergue army and regrouped once again in January 1st 1980. In the wake of their military victory, OLF intensified its political struggle inside the country and abroad. The initial political victory includes the persuasion of the Siad Barre government to allow the opening of OLF office in Moqaddisho, Somalia in 1980, to serve as a center of consultation and deliberation between OLF political and military leaders.
In the same year, a ten member high-ranking military delegates* were on their way to Somalia to meet with political leaders there when they were captured by Somali bandits in Shinniga desert (in Ogaden). These bandits were members of a splinter group from the Siad Barre army that harbored bitter hatred towards Oromo and OLF. These bandits abused and severely tortured their Oromo captives; they were strip naked in the desert with their hands tied behind their backs. The bandits finally ordered the Muslims and Christians to segregate before their execution. These Oromo comrades chose to stay together and face any eventualities than identifying themselves as nothing else but Oromo.
On the day of April 15, 1980 all the ten were executed and their bodies thrown in a single grave. The heroes who were martyred at that time were:
1. Magarsaa Barii Hogganaa ABO yeroo sanaa
2. Gadaa Gammadaa Itti aanaa Hogganaa
3. Abboomaa Mitikkuu
4. Yiggazuu Bantii
5. Falmataa(Caccabsaa)
6. Faafam Dooyyoo
7. Irra aanaa Qacalee
8. Marii Galaan
9. Dhaddachoo Boruu
10. Dhaddachoo Mul’ata
The Heroes Day has been celebrated since the early 1980s, in the field of struggle and in various places.
And this year, also the Day has been celebrated in a beautiful and warm atmosphere in various places this year.
HWPL Peace Day message from Australian Oromo Youths
Peace and Harmony (fitting with the values and traditions of Oromummaa)
Acknowledgement
Soreti: We acknowledge and pay respect to this nation’s traditional owners and custodians
of past present and future. We would also like to thank HWPL for allowing us to have this
opportunity to come together to represent and share our culture. Today we have Magartu,
Arusa, Roba and myself, Soreti representing the Oromo community.
Nagaa
Today we are here to talk about Oromo culture and its alliance with peace and
harmony. The Oromo people have a rich history and traditions around maintaining peace
also known as “nagaa” in Afaan Oromo. The concept of “nagaa” is highly valued within the
Oromo community and is something we continuously fight for. Today we’re going to touch on
who the Oromo people are and the systems that were put in place to uphold nagaa within
Oromia.
Who are the Oromo people you may ask?
The Oromo people are a Cushitic ethnic group native to the Oromia region. We
are the largest ethnic group in the horn of Africa. Despite the large numbers Oromia’s history
is largely ignored and skewed and we hope to change that with occasions like today where
we can display our beautiful heritage and identity.
Oromia is considered the richest region of the Horn of Africa because of its abundant
agriculture and natural resources. For example, the Coffee, known worldwide today can
trace its heritage back to Jimmaa in the Oromia region. Coffee plays an important role in
fostering social unity within the Oromo community regardless of religious, economic, or
social boundaries.
Neighbours gather for coffee ceremonies where they would not only enjoy and
embrace each other’s company but also discuss and solve any conflict within the
community, to maintain peace and harmony.
Gadaa system
As mentioned, Oromia has many systems that are put in place to maintain “Nagaa”
or peace within the community. One of the most significant systems of governance is known
as “The Gadaa system”. The Gadaa system is a complex system of governance. This
system was the basis of Oromo culture. It helped Oromos maintain democratic, political,
economic, social, and religious institutions by dealing with conflict resolution, reparation and
protecting women’s rights for many centuries.
The Gadaa system has various institutes and procedures of conflict resolution and
mechanism of dealing with social and political issues. For example, “Guma” is a conflict
solution institute in which a person who inflicts loss or damage compensates the victim,
much like today’s legal system. This highlights how developed and forward the Oromos are
even centuries before today, in their ability to uphold peace and harmony within the
community.
In saying this however, today, the Oromo people are struggling for the opportunity to
rule themselves in a state that will reflect the Gada system. To be governed by a system that
upholds equal participation in social, economic, political, and religious aspects.
Oromo women
Oromo women had a parallel institution known as ‘Siinqee’. This institution promoted gender
equality in the Oromo society. Siinqee is an Afaan Oromo word that represents the stick a
married woman holds, given to her by her mother during the marriage ceremony.
An Oromo woman who carries Siinqee commands respect and can’t be touched or harmed.
Therefore, if a husband disrespects his wife, the women in the village gather holding siinqee
and singing until the elders meet to resolve the conflict.
Oromia flag and Odaa
The Odaa, which is a sycamore tree is a core symbol of the Oromo people and
Oromo land. The Odaa tree is unique for its immense durability and rapid growth and
expansive root system, making it perfect to be used as a representative symbol for the
Oromo people. Odaa is customarily believed to be the most respected and most sacred tree.
It is the central office of Gadaa government, where important meetings and ritual practices
were held by the Gadaa assembly. The odaa is also the central representation on the
Oromo flag we can see in front of us today.
Peace is not complete unless a harmonious relation with nature is maintained. This
shows Oromo people value and respect peace and coexistence. Oromo people established
harmony on norms and principles that respect peace (nagaa) and morals (safuu). Oromos
respect their elders and value social responsibility. Knowledge of history and culture is
admired.
Thank you for listening and thank you for having us today. Thank you for the opportunity to
tell our truth rather than the current narrative based on biased opinions.
Advocacy for Oromia 