Oromo Witness
By Abdul Dire
Recognized with a 2021 Independent Press Award as a Distinguished Favorite in the category of World History
Trade paperback ISBN 978-1-7339763-5-0
eBook ISBN 978-1-7339763-6-7
“Dire traverses at least 120 years of history — from imperial rule to the bittersweet freedom represented by his uncle’s mop bucket in 2006 — with conversational ease.”
“Oromo Witness vividly captures not only the deeds of these freedom fighters but also the hills and valleys they traversed in pursuit of justice and diplomatic support for their struggle.”
“Abdul has written a profile-in-courage of Hangasu and those who inspired, shaped, and molded him. Hangasu’s courage, strength, and endurance are awe-inspiring.”
“Ethiopian historiography is replete with statist narrative and is usually written by conquerors or their sympathizers. Oromo Witness, a subjective memoir of Hangasu’s experiences in the Bale revolt, is the first of its kind written from the perspective of the people....By writing Oromo Witness, Abdul has now honored his ancestors and fulfilled his own and their dreams, too.”
“From the very first page till the end, Abdul Dire’s writing style immediately pulls you in. It puts you on the front lines and in the shoes of the very individuals who experienced these events. You feel for Hangasu and the other figures throughout the book. You see the world through their eyes. You feel their pain and their struggle.”
Independent Press Award release
See an interview with Abdul Dire
See Abdul Dire interview with the East Side Freedom Library on Facebook
The true story of one man’s journey from Ethiopia to Minnesota.
Oromo Witness tells the astonishing tale of Hangasu Wako Lugo, on his journey from his home in Ethiopia, to his fight for freedom for his people, and, finally, to America.
The Bale Revolt, 1963 - 1970, saw Ethiopia descend into civil war as the Oromo people fought for self-determination and liberty. Throughout the conflict, Hangasu Wako Lugo was there. He sat at the side of his father, Wako Lugo, from battlefield to negotiating table. He met—and argued with—emperor Haile Selassie. He was imprisoned in one of the harshest Somalian prisons. He accompanied a military expedition in which he saved the general’s life. In the 1990s, after the communist regime was toppled, he ran for a House seat representing his home district. And finally, in 2000, he landed in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Oromo Witness is truly an American story.
BURQAA GUDDINNAA FOUNDATION
Most of the profits from Oromo Witness are going to the Burqaa Guddinnaa Foundation. The Burqaa Guddinnaa Foundation is dedicated to building the identity of Oromo children by exposing them to Afan Oromo, culture, and history while expanding the educational opportunities in Ethiopia by providing school supplies for students in need.
"Education plays such a pivotal role in fighting poverty, yet many parents can't afford the basic school supplies for their children. Burqaa Guddinnaa Foundation is committed to uplifting children in Ethiopia through education. On behalf of those students and their parents, we would like to thank Flexible Press and Abdul Dire (author of Oromo Witness) for your contributions. More than 750 children received school supplies with your help. It means a lot to us."
—Ahmed Jilo, Burqaa Guddinnaa Foundation Representative
More information can be found at: Burqaa Guddinnaa Foundation
About Author
Visit his website
Abdul Dire is an Ethiopian-born philanthropist, author, and tech leader at a Fortune 500 company.
Abdul honors his connection to his homeland by helping the next generation of Oromo immigrants understand their multidimensional identity through the study of history, culture, and language. He honors the sacrifice of those who came before him with his work to improve access to education in Ethiopia, including building a school, distributing solar electricity to villages, and providing school supplies.
Abdul has a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and an M.S. in the Management of Technology from the University of Minnesota. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and four children.
