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Abba-Biyya
One of the largest ethnic groups in east Africa with an ancient history, Oromia has not had its own homeland since the end of the 19th century. Conquered by the Abyssinians aided by modern European arms, the Oromos now mostly live under Ethiopian rule. Many of those who have joined the struggle have died or left the country fearing for their lives. Born in July 1967 in Jimma, in the region of Africa where coffee was devised, Abba-Biyya was the middle child of a large family. When he was 11 years old his father, uncle and two older brothers were killed because of the role they played in Oromia's struggle for independence. This left a large impact on Abba-Biyya and during his university days in the Ethiopian capital Addis-Abbeba he joined the struggle while completing a four-year degree in Educational Psychology. During this time the civil war in Ethiopia escalated and persecution of the Oromos intensified. Through his activities, Abba-Biyya faced constant persecution, and was arrested twice. Aware of the danger of staying, he fled to Egypt with two friends. Many people helped him survive in Egypt, the local Oromo community went out of their way to assist him with food and accommodation. His life in Egypt did not have the threat of danger Ethiopia had. He knew he had to decide where to live permanently. In Canada his brother had set up home and in Australia his sister had married and was bringing up a family.
When his sister and brother-in-law picked him up at the airport he didn't know what to expect. A priority was to learn English and understand the lifestyle of his new country. To survive in the beginning he relied on the dole, some of his first jobs included picture framing and factory work. Today he is at university studying Information Technology, with the aim of working in the computer industry. In Melbourne there are approximately one thousand ethnic Oromos. Abba-Biyya is an active member of this community and is involved in the fight for a free Oromia. In 1997 Abba-Biyya went back to Ethiopia to visit his family. He made sure that it was safe and stayed for about four weeks visiting family and friends. The visit made him realise that moving back is not an option at the moment.
Abba-Biyya believes that Oromia will be independent one day, but is not sure if he will move back when it happens as he thinks that Australia is the best country to live in the whole world. * Abba-Biyya changed his name for this story, he chose the Oromo words 'father of country' symbolising his peoples' struggle and longing for a homeland. "
Thankyou to the Ethnic Communites' Council of Victoria for providing these stories. |
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"Abba-Biyya*
has been living in Melbourne for seven years and loves it. He feels
safe here, even identifying himself as an 'Afro Aussie'. In his
homeland he was afraid for his life after spending many years struggling
for self-determination.
After
5 months Abba-Biyya went to the Australian Embassy for an interview.
They accepted his application for refugee status and within two
months he was on a plane to Australia with his family's financial
assistance. In total it took seven months before Abba-Biyya left
for Australia.
