In November 2022, the Oromo nation lost a legendary and iconic artist, Ali Birra. Throughout a career that spanned six decades, Ali Birra's music inspired, comforted, and brought joy to generations of Oromo people; both at home and abroad. This very special episode is the first part in a series dedicated to Ali Birra, in which we speak with Oromo p…

This month, your hosts Jaal Leelloo and Jaal Aangoo are rejoined by special guest Jaal Raggaatuu to discuss the launch of the new media platform Oromia Worldwide, the recently published political manifesto of the Oromo Liberation Army, and the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Oromo people in the Wollo region. Jaal Raggaatuu shares her process of establi…

In this episode, J/Aangoo and J/Leelloo are joined by Professor Milkessa Midega Gemechu, a former Ethiopian government official, to discuss the war that is being waged by the Ethiopian military and Fano militia forces in Oromia, and the barbaric atrocities that were recently committed against Oromo civilians. Professor Milkessa shares his insights …

In this month's episode, J/Aangoo and J/Leelloo are joined by an eminent figure in the history of the Oromo liberation struggle, Abbaa Caalaa Lataa, a founding member of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), to discuss his recently published autobiography entitled “Abbaa Caalaa Lataa: Jireenya fi Qabsoo ABO”, which translates to “Abbaa Caalaa Lataa: My…

In this episode, your hosts Jaal Leelloo and Jaal Aangoo are joined again by Dr Trevor Trueman, director of the Oromia Support Group, to discuss the recent spate of massacres in Oromia, and how such atrocities are systematically used to propagate disingenuous narratives that serve anti-Oromo agendas. Dr Trueman describes the pattern of disinformati…

Today’s episode is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the life of Dr. Fido Taddesse Ebba, a beloved leader and freedom fighter, and a co-founder of the Oromo Liberation Front, who passed away on the 1st May 2022. We are joined by special guest Jaal Xaha Abdi, also a founding member of the Oromo Liberation Front, and close friend of Dr. Fido, to …

Today, J/Aangoo and J/Leelloo are joined by entrepreneur extraordinaire Lamme Yousouf, founder and owner of the lifestyle brand OromoWear, to talk all about the brand, entrepreneurship, fashion as a form of resistance and expression of identity, and how a business like OromoWear fits into the Oromo national struggle for liberation. A spontaneous an…

This week, your hosts Jaal Aangoo and Jaal Leelloo discuss the current escalation of war in Oromia, which is happening as a result of the recent declaration by the Ethiopian regime that they are on a mission to wipe out the Oromo Liberation Army in 30 days. April 15th is the annual commemoration of Oromo Martyrs Day, or Guyyaa Gootota Oromoo, and i…

In this episode, Jaal Aangoo and Jaal Leelloo are rejoined by Dr Awol Allo, to discuss what the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has taught us about how the international community, and particularly the West, relates to and responds to resistance movements against imperialism and movements for democratization in different parts of the world, and how t…

It's Black History Month in the USA, and in this episode, we want to honor and recognize Black activism globally, particularly the African American civil rights movement. For this occasion, we are joined by special guest Professor Asafa Jalata, who authored the book “Fighting Against the Injustice of the State and Globalization: Comparing the Afric…

This week, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo are rejoined by Jaal Qaxalee, to discuss the overwhelming crises that are currently taking place across Oromia, and the worsening plight of Oromo refugees who are detained in Saudi Arabia. Jaal Qaxalee explains the factors that are causing the suffering of Oromo people to intensify, both in Oromia an…

IJA OROMIA (meaning The Eye of Oromia) is an international organization focused on providing in-depth reporting on human rights violations in the Oromia state of Ethiopia. In this episode we were joined by Omar, a team member from the organization, to discuss more about their operations and reporting. Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 4…

In today's episode, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo discuss the recent release of Oromo political prisoners belonging to the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) party leadership, after 18 months of wrongful imprisonment. We discuss the motivations behind the Ethiopian regime's sudden decision to release some prominent political prisoners while ke…

In this episode, your usual cohosts Jaal Maroo & Jaal Aangoo get a head start on commemorating WBO Day/Guyyaa WBO, which will take place on Jan 1, 2022. We were fortunate to be joined by returning guest Jaal Meessaa and new guest (but long-time friend of the show) Kayo Beshir, who shared with us some of the important fundraising efforts they are wo…

This week, your usual co-hosts Jaal Maroo & Jaal Aangoo are joined by returning guest co-hosts Jaal Ilillii & Jaal Urgaa for a candid discussion on our current state of affairs and perceived gaps in our struggle. Listen and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro…

This week, your usual co-host Jaal Aangoo and return guest co-host Jaal Leelloo, are joined by global governance scholar and former humanitarian worker, Denebo Wario, to discuss the emerging prospect of independence for Oromia from a human rights and international law perspective. Denebo shares illuminating insights about global trends in state for…

In our latest, your usual co-hosts (Jaal Aangoo & Jaal Maroo) are joined by special guest Raajii Guddataa to discuss state-sanctioned ethnic cleansing in Oromia. We also touch on some recent updates from Oromia's defense force, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach …

In today's episode, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo have the immense honor of being joined by Jaal Dr Baaroo Keno Dheressa, a medical doctor and a freedom fighter who served as a soldier in the Oromo Liberation Army. Jaal Baaroo shares his incredible life story, and gives profound insight into the reality of being active in combat with the OL…

In this week's special episode, we cover the major Oromo holiday Irreecha, also known as Irreessa or Dhibaayuu. We were honored to have Obbo Lubee Birru answer all of your questions about Irreecha. We also had the pleasure of being joined by returning guest Jaal Boonii. What did you learn from this episode? Share with a friend! May your Irreecha be…

In this episode, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo have the pleasure of being joined by the talented filmmaker Jessica Beshir, director of the exceptional documentary film, Faya Dayi. This is the first film predominantly in Afaan Oromo to showcase at the Sundance Film Festival, it has received numerous awards, and it is currently touring film f…

Today, your usual co-hosts Jaal Aangoo and Jaal Maroo are joined by Jaal Najat Hamza, a newly appointed international spokesperson and public relations representative of the OLA. We discuss what the role is all about and touch on other pertinent updates related to OLA. Listen and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or re…

This week, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo were rejoined by Jaal Raggaatuu, co-founder of Walaboomuu Coalition, to discuss the prospect and applicability of a referendum for Oromia’s political future, and what the implementation of a referendum might look like in Ethiopia’s tumultuous political context. Listen and let us know what you think a…

In today's episode, your usual co-hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo are joined by 3 Eritrean guests: Salem Haile, Awet Tsehaye, and Fikre Gaim. It's a long one -- so for your convenience, you can jump ahead to topics of interest if you'd like. 8:00: about Eritrean resistance movement. 17:30: "independence without freedom"? 29:45: why does Isaias hav…

In today's episode, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo are rejoined by our resident Qabsoo expert, Jaal Waqo, to discuss recent developments in WBO’s strategy for communications and public relations. Jaal Waqo shares information about some of WBO's current advancements, and a conversation about certain Oromo people's attitude toward WBO stirs up…

This week, your usual hosts J/Maroo and J/Aangoo discuss the recent ground-breaking establishment of an Oromia Regional National Transitional Government (ORNTG). As a member of the Organizing Committee in the Diaspora for the ORNTG, our very own Jaal Aangoo shares information about what it is and who it has been established by, and answers question…

In this episode, your co-hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo are joined by international development and diplomacy expert, Dr Bahiru Duguma, to discuss the Oromo refugee crisis in the Middle East, specifically in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Dr Bahiru shares his thoughts on a recent BBC Africa documentary about the deadly route that Oromo refugees travel o…

This episode is a special tribute to the life and legacy of Haacaaluu Hundeessaa. Join us in remembering and honoring Haacaaluu along with friends of the podcast including some of Haacaaluu's friends, colleagues, and fans. We hope you enjoy. Note that Haacaaluu's posthumous album "Maal Mallisaa" is out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Apple Music. Links…

This week your usual co-host Jaal Maroo was joined once again by Jaal Urgaa (filling in for Jaal Aangoo -- don't worry, she'll be back next week!), as well as by special guest Henok Gabisa. Henok discussed with J/Maroo and J/Urgaa the Eritrean troops' invasion of Oromia (alongside the Ethiopian military and Amhara militias) and the broader implicat…

In today's episode, your hosts J/Maroo and J/Aangoo discuss the global mobilizing effort that’s currently taking place across the Oromo diaspora, leading up to the anniversary of Haacaaluu Hundeessaa’s assassination on the 29th of June. The Oromia Global Forum has launched a month-long campaign, called Duula Oromummaa, or Oromummaa Campaign. We tal…

This week, your hosts J/Maroo and J/Aangoo were joined by Professor Bedassa Tedassa, Professor of Economics at the University of Minnesota, to discuss the economic considerations of independence. Professor Bedassa recently presented at the Oromo Studies Association mid-year conference on “The Economic Costs of Colonization: examining the prospects …

In this episode, your usual hosts Jaal Aangoo & Jaal Maroo were joined by a special guest, Issa Amro, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Palestine. Issa Amro is a Palestinian human rights activist based in Hebron, Palestine. We had the chance to reflect on the Palestinian struggle for liberation and learned a lot from the conversation — we’re sure yo…

In this episode, your hosts J/Maroo and J/Aangoo are joined by Girma Tadesse, co-chair of the Oromo Advocacy Alliance and former director of the Oromia Media Network, to speak about the heinous extrajudicial public execution of a teenage boy, Amanuel Wondimu. The circumstances of his execution, and the broader patterns of Ethiopian state terrorism …

This week, your hosts Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo do something a little different, and spend some time answering questions from listeners, so they can get to know the hosts a little better. Some intriguing questions are raised, and the conversation delves a little deeper into some of the hosts' personal experiences. The songs played in this episode …

In today's episode, your usual co-hosts J/Maroo and J/Aangoo are joined once again by the fabulous guests J/Waaqoo and J/Meessaa to discuss current events and the human rights crisis in Western Oromia. They also discuss the Ethiopian government's recent categorization of "Shene" as a terrorist organization. Take a listen and let us know what you th…

In today's episode, your hosts J/Aangoo and J/Maroo are joined by champions of Catalonian independence, Alejandra Campos and Anna Almodóvar, to discuss the parallels and the differences between Catalonian and Oromo movements for freedom and sovereignty. Anna and Alejandra are International Affairs students who wish to see a Catalonia that is indepe…

In this episode, J/Maroo and J/Aangoo are joined by the director of We Be Imagining at Columbia University, J. Khadijah Abdurahman, to talk about the intersection of global tech infrastructures and social justice advocacy, focusing particularly on advocacy for persecuted nations in Ethiopia. Khadijah tells us more about her recent blog post titled …

Baga Guyyaa Gootota Oromoo geessan! In this week's episode, Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo are joined by PhD candidate Madeline Bass, aka Jaal Aagituu, to have a conversation about her research on the concept of sovereignty, the various ways of defining sovereignty, and how it impacts the question for self-determination. We discuss a concept coined by …

In today's episode, J/Aangoo and J/Maroo are joined by Dr Awol Allo to discuss the recently aired segment of the Al Jazeera program The Stream, titled "Is Ethiopia hurtling towards all-out ethnic conflict?", on which Dr Awol appeared as a panelist. We reflect on the many problematic aspects of the segment, and how distorted narratives and misframin…

This week your usual co-hosts J/Aangoo and J/Maroo are joined by a special guest co-host, Jaal Leelloo. In today's episode we discussed theorizing Oromummaa as outlined in Professor Asafa Jalata's writings. What do you think of this framework for Oromummaa? Listen and tell us what you think. Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you th…

In today's episode, your hosts J/Aangoo and J/Maroo talk about the devastating crisis impacting Wallo Oromos in the Oromia Special Zone of Wallo, which is currently administered by the Amhara Regional State. Since March 19, Wallo Oromos have come under vicious attack by Amhara Regional State Special Forces, as well as Amhara supremacist militias. W…

In this week's episode, your usual hosts are joined by the sparkling Jaal Lalise, and re-joined by the amazing Jaal Urga, to explore stories and perspectives on the experiences of Oromo migrants and refugees escaping Ethiopia. This topic was triggered by the unbelievably horrific massacre of Oromo refugees in a detention centre in Sana'a, Yemen, on…

This week, we're joined by the incredible Jaal Aduu, to talk about Oromo resilience. We reflect on how the difficulties of our current struggle fit in our history, and we take a step back and examine how far we have come as a people, how we have been able to survive despite the odds, and how that has shaped who we are today. The song that we share …

In today's episode, your usual co-hosts J/Aangoo and J/Maroo are joined by two marvelous guest co-hosts, J/Waaqoo and J/Meessaa for an enlightening episode. We discuss the status of the ongoing hunger strike of Oromo political prisoners, the Ethiopian regime's threats of genocide, and what we see happening next. You don't want to miss it! We thorou…

This week, as the #StarvingForJustice hunger strike reaches a month in duration, J/Aangoo conducts an interview with Dr Trevor Trueman (aka Obbo Galato) from the Oromia Support Group, about the role of investigative research and report writing in documenting human rights abuses against the Oromo people. J/Hawwii, J/Maroo, and J/Aangoo reflect on wh…

Oromo political prisoners are #StarvingForJustice. Today, two of your usual cohosts -- Jaal Maroo and Jaal Aangoo -- are joined by Jaal Ilillii to discuss the plight of these prisoners of conscience and how we can amplify their voices. Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on o…

This episode is a continuation of the conversation that two of your usual hosts, J/Aangoo and J/Maroo, had with special guest co-hosts J/Hawwinee and for the first time by J/Qaxalee. We discussed and debated the path to independence that J/Qaxalee brought up. Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or…

This week, two of your usual hosts, J/Aangoo and J/Maroo, are joined again by J/Hawwinee and for the first time by J/Qaxalee. Sadly J/Hawwii was not in the studio for this one, but he will be back soon. In this episode the hosts discuss independent journalism in Oromia and Ethiopia, and the role of Oromo media in qabsoo/the struggle. Take a listen …

In this episode, your usual hosts are joined by Jaal Raggaatuu for part 2 of the discussion we started last week (with episode 13) about Oromia's independence and the benefits of a free Oromia. This week we dive deeper. Song credit for "Si Eegeen Dadhabe" goes to Andualem Gosa and Vision Entertainment. Take a listen to this episode and let us know …

In this episode, your usual hosts are joined by Jaal Raggaatuu for a discussion about Oromia's independence and the benefits of a free Oromia. This discussion with J/Raggaatuu is broken into two parts, so come back next week for the follow-up in episode 14. Take a listen and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach u…

In this extra long episode, your usual hosts are joined again by the first guest host we had on the Free Oromia Podcast, the phenomenal Jaal Ilillii, for a discussion on Oromo political prisoners. It's a long one, so grab some tea or a snack and join us. While we did take a bit of a deeper dive in this episode, there is still so much to be said on …