A Message of Condolence from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) on the Passing of Professor Hamdeessaa Tusoo

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) expresses its profound grief and sorrow upon learning of the passing of the esteemed Oromo scholar, historian, and human rights advocate, Professor Hamdeessaa Tusoo.

Professor Hamdeessaa Tusoo was born and raised in Nageellee Arsi, West Arsi Zone, in the southeastern region of Oromia.

From his youth, Professor Hamdeessaa was a witness to the oppression and resistance of the Oromo people under successive Ethiopian imperial regimes. His personal history reveals that he grew up amidst the struggles of his people, developing from an early age into a resolute individual who refused to be a tool of the enemy’s oppression.

After completing his primary and secondary education, Professor Hamdeessaa pursued advanced studies abroad. He earned a B.A. in History from Avondale College, Australia (1972), an M.A. in Conflict Resolution from Andrews University, USA (1974), and a Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding from Michigan State University, USA (1981). His doctoral research focused on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the role of Oromo cultural traditions.

Leveraging his academic expertise, he conducted various research projects and served as the Director of International Student Services and Oromo Cultural Affairs at George Mason University (1982–1990), where he engaged deeply with the Oromo diaspora.

His distinguished academic career also included positions as a Professor in the Department of Conflict Resolution at Nova Southeastern University (1998–2004), the Esau Distinguished Visiting Professor of Conflict Resolution at Menno Simons College, University of Winnipeg (2006–2007), and a Professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba (2011–2019).

Among his numerous scholarly publications is the work Creating The Third Force: Indigenous Processes of Peacemaking, which presents the Oromo Gadaa system as a model for other nations.

Professor Hamdeessaa also played a significant role in the Oromo liberation struggle. He collaborated with Oromo activists, both living and deceased—such as Luba Guddinaa Tumsaa, Jaal Baaroo Tumsaa, Professor Muhaammad Hasan, Professor Asaffaa Jaallataa, and others—on matters concerning Oromummaa (Oromo national identity).

Furthermore, he initiated the “Shanachaa Jaarsummaa” (Elders’ Mediation) process (2001–2004) in a long-standing effort to resolve political conflicts within the Oromo liberation movement.

His contributions extended to international advocacy, including his involvement in the “Immigration and Refugee Forum” during the 1980s, which helped secure refugee status for Oromos in the USA, and his participation in the London Peace Conference (1991) aimed at transforming Ethiopia’s political system.

He was also instrumental in founding the Oromo Studies Association (OSA), through which he promoted extensive research and scholarship.

Moreover, as a professor to countless university students, he planted the seeds of peace, human rights, and social change, inspiring many to become advocates and achievers in these fields.

Professor Hamdeessaa Tusoo was an Oromo intellectual born into the Oromo struggle, who matured within it, and strived tirelessly to see the fruits of Oromo liberation. He passed away on November 22, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) shares in this irreplaceable loss and extends its deepest condolences to his family, relatives, and the entire Oromo nation, wishing them patience and strength.

A fighter falls, but the struggle continues!

Victory to the Masses!

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)

November 23, 2025

Finfinnee