Regarding the Passing of Comrade Galaasaa Dilboo

(OLF-OLA Press Release)

The OLF-OLA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Galaasaa Dilboo, one of the Oromo struggle's pioneers. Galaasaa was a revolutionary from the early days of the student movement in the 1970s and a leader at the highest echelons of the Oromo struggle for freedom.

Born in East Wallaggaa, Galaasaa attended his primary and secondary education in Nekemte, Wallaggaa. After secondary school, he was among very few bright students to have joined the then Haile Selassie I University, now known as Addis Ababa University. He was known to his community as a hard-working, bright, and disciplined individual. The political career of Jaal Galaasaa Dilboo began in the 1970s with the Ethiopian Student Movement. He was among its active participants and helped put an end to the imperial era. After the Dergue dictatorship hijacked the 1974 revolution, Galaasaa traveled east to join the Eastern Command of the Oromo Liberation Army. Having helped topple the Dergue military dictatorship, Galaasaa went on to lead the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) through the post-1991 transition up until 1999 as a Secretary-General of the party.

Galaasaa’s passing will not hinder the inspiration his life's work holds for the people of Oromia. OLF-OLA, with a new generation of Oromo leaders, will strive to honor the legacy of Galaasaa and all of the fallen heroes and heroines of our national movement. With the passing of veterans of our struggle, we reaffirm our oath to the Oromo cause, to our people, and t0 each other. Galaasaa, as both an individual and a symbol, remains one of the giants of the national movement of the Oromo people for freedom and dignity.

The OLF-OLA would like to offer its sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

May He Rest in Peace! OLF-OLA High Command March 31st, 2022

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