The Free Oromia Podcast

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 people from across the world about Ali Birra's legacy, and the impact he has had on the renaissance of Oromo music and culture, as well as the cultivation of Oromo nationhood and national pride. We had the privilege of speaking with renowned scholar and lifelong friend of Ali Birra, Professor Mohammed Hassen, who shared a detailed, contextual, and intimate story of his life. This rich account of Ali Birra's journey is intertwined with some of his marvellous songs, which you can find listed below. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia.Intro/outro song - Nagatti Si JedhaSong 1 - Birraa Dha BariheSong 2 - Maal Ja'aniSong 3 - Awash (1973)Song 4 - Oromiyaa Biyya Abbaa KootiSong 5 - Afaan OromoSong 6 - Bareeda UumaaSong 7 - Falmi Mirga Keetif

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 establishing Oromia Worldwide, and her thoughts on the themes within the OLF-OLA manifesto. Diaspora efforts to advocate for the people of Wollo, as well as the liberation struggle in general, are also discussed. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Visit olacommunique.com to read the OLF-OLA manifesto. Intro/outro song credit: "WBO Malee" by Sabboonaa Tafarraa.

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 on the motivations and intent of the current Ethiopian regime, and the response of domestic and international entities to the abominable crimes suffered by Oromo people. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 life and the struggle of the Oromo Liberation Front”. Abbaa Caalaa shares some eye-opening and grounding truths about the arduous journey of establishing the OLF, and gives perspective to how the Oromo nation has reached the current stage in the liberation struggle. He also shares his thoughts on the new generation of freedom fighters, as well as lessons that can be applied to charting the way forward. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Visit oromiasupport.org for further information and reports on human rights abuses in Oromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 disinformation strategies that have been applied to numerous killings in Oromia, and explains how international institutions have come to possess an obfuscated view of human rights abuses in Ethiopia, which distorts their understanding of what would constitute real accountability and justice. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Visit oromiasupport.org for further information and reports on human rights abuses in Oromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 commemorate the illustrious life of one of Oromia's national heroes. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 and exciting announcement is also shared! Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 in honor of this day, OLA leaders have put out a call to the Oromo nation to strengthen their support for OLA, and to show up in the example of our heroes like never before. Listen in to hear the details of this message, directed at Oromo people at home and abroad.  Let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 this impacts the international perspective on conflict, war, and humanitarian crises in Oromia and Ethiopia. Listen and let us know what you think, you can reach us on our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 African American and Oromo Movements". We discuss the origins and meaning of Black History Month,  and Professor Asafa shares his insightful knowledge on the quests of the African American and Oromo  movements to dismantle colonialism, slavery and racial/ethno-national hierarchies, and the relationship between these movements. Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 and Saudi Arabia.  Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

IJA OROMIA (meaning The Eye of Oromia) is an international organization focused onproviding 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) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 keeping others jailed, the official statement published by the OFC leaders after their release, and the possible implications  of these developments for the Oromo struggle.  Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 working on. 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 formation, and explains why restoring sovereignty to Oromia is an indisputable question of fundamental human rights. 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 OLA. The song played in this episode is "Reebii Loli" by Amin Hussen. Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 full of hope, peace, and reconciliation. Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 festivals globally. Jessica explains the genesis of the film, and we discuss the intriguing themes that emerge from an authentic portrayal of the diverse community in and around the city of Harar. Listen and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @TeamFreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 have support? 53:30: how did deployment of troops into Ethiopia impact Eritrean citizens? 1:15:00: what do Eritreans think of the Oromo struggle? 1:28:30: what's next for Eritrea? 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 strong sentiments. 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 questions about what the ORNTG will mean for Oromia.  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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 on their way to Saudi Arabia, and the inhumane conditions in which detained refugees are held in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 are at freeoromia.org/podcast -- 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 implications in the war on Oromia. We hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did! 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 talk about it's purpose and significance, and share some thoughts on the level of participation in activism work in Oromo diaspora communities.  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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 for economic self-determination under different governance models.” Dr Bedassa shares some astounding insights on what the economic costs of the colonization of Oromia have been, as well as what the economic benefits of decolonization through independence would be. 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 you will, too! Have a 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 under Abiy Ahmed are discussed, with particular attention to the many emerging parallels between Abiy's rule, and the Red Terror of the notorious Derg regime. 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 are "Wal Dhabinaaree" by Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, and "Ijoollee Metta Gamaa" by  Muktaar Usmaan. Take a 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 independent from Spain, and have been involved in executing a landmark referendum that led to a contentious declaration of independence. We discuss this and more, and draw some comparisons between the challenges that our struggles are facing. The song that is played in this episode is the Catalonian national anthem, "Els Segadors".  Listen and tell us what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 “Fired for Speaking Out Against Anti-Blackness and Ethnic Cleansing: Open Letter to Cornell Tech”, and we also discuss important considerations to be made in our visions of liberation from the Ethiopian empire. Listen and tell us what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 indigenous Muscogee scholar Sarah Deer called “sovereignty of the soul”, which Jaal Aagituu has brought into the Oromo context in her work. Listen and tell us what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 misframing of conflict in Ethiopia are used to push harmful political agendas. Listen and tell us what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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. We provide an overview of the crisis and discuss its implications. The song that we share with you in this episode is called "WBO Koo" by the illustrious Aaddee Ilfinesh Qannoo (available on YouTube). Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 March 7. We talk about this devastating tragedy, and how it is part of a vicious pattern of the dehumanizing treatment that Oromo refugees and migrants face. Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 with you in this episode is called "Hawanawa", by Gutu Abera (available on Spotify and YouTube). Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 thoroughly enjoyed this in-depth conversation with these two intelligent young men, and we are sure you will too. Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at (+1) 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 what's said, and share more information about important resources. Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.

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 our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 to this episode and let us know what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 what you think at 430-755-0727 (voicemail or text), or reach us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 us on our Instagram or Twitter @teamfreeOromia. Intro/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

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 this topic which is central to our qabsoo/struggle as a nation. Take a 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal. 

This week your usual hosts reflect on this year's Guyyaa WBO/OLA Day, and discuss support for WBO. Take a 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/outro song credit: "Rosamo" by Yasiin Bouba, OGE_R, and Adill Jamaal.