A Brief Biography of the Hero, Jaal Laggasaa Wagii Meettaa

Jaal Laggasaa Wagii was born in 1960 in Kuyyuu Giccii, Shinoo Meettaa Roobii, Mannaa District, in West Shewa. He was the son of Obbo Wagii Meetta and Aadde Buzunaash Ayyaanaa.

His educational journey began with primary school (grades 1-4) in Bakkamee. He then attended Incinnii Primary School for grades 5-8, before moving to Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) to complete his secondary education (grades 10-11). In 1975, he left formal academia to pursue vocational training, qualifying as a mechanic and driver. He used this skill to build a life, working various jobs and eventually establishing a business in Dire Dawa, where he lived for seven years before expanding his trade into Western Oromia.

Jaal Laggasaa married Waynisheet Getahu on December 27, 1987, and together they were blessed with three daughters: Bilisummaa, Firehiwet, and Nestaannet.

Driven by a profound love for his people and an inability to stand idle in the face of their oppression, Jaal Laggasaa made a pivotal decision in 1990. He left his beloved family and journeyed to Western Oromia to join the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). In 1991, he completed the 18th round of political and military training and officially became a member of the OLF, deploying to the western front.

Recognizing his dedication and intellect, the OLF sent him to Beelmuuguu in 1991 for political education (dabballummaa). After graduating, he was assigned as a political organizer in the Begi Zone. He served there until the fall of the Derg regime. The party, acknowledging his capability, then appointed him as an administrator for the Qaaqee area. In this role, he tirelessly taught the objectives of the OLF, earning great respect and deep affection from the population.

As the OLF transitioned from the Transitional Government, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) was strengthened and engaged the enemy with fierce resistance. Jaal Laggasaa was part of the forces that, after continued conflict until mid-1993, crossed into Sudan and Ethiopia to reorganize. In 1994, he was among the reorganized forces that returned to Western Oromia. He continued the relentless struggle and was part of the contingent that strategically withdrew back across the border in 1997 when the Ethiopian army captured the Sudanese towns of Kurmuk and Geizan.

From 1993 to 1998, Jaal Laggasaa rose steadily through the ranks, from an ordinary member to a high-ranking military commander, demonstrating unwavering commitment and valor on the battlefield.

In 1998, he was among the OLF members sent abroad for specialized training. After completing this training, he was tasked with mobilizing the Oromo diaspora. True to his assignment, he worked diligently and, in the year 2000, successfully established the “Oromo Community Association in Eritrea,” ensuring it maintained a strong connection with the OLF.

Jaal Laggasaa consistently excelled in every responsibility entrusted to him by the struggle. From 1998/99 onwards, he served as the head of the OLA’s General Training Center, a testament to his leadership and reliability.

Starting in 2000, after furthering his military, political, and security training, he was appointed under the command of J/Irreessaa Caalaa as the Chief of Operations and Liaison for Western Oromia. In 2002, he took on a party leadership role and returned to the western front, where he established a general training center. He led historic political and governmental initiatives. Throughout 2002, he provided distinguished military and political leadership for OLA operations in the Qeebbe, Dambii Dolloo, Gidaamii, Beegii, and Mandii areas of Western Oromia.

Following the martyrdom of Commander Irreessaa Caalaa, Jaal Laggasaa assumed command of the OLA in Western Oromia until his own martyrdom on November 5, 2008. During this period, he led a relentless and heroic struggle against the enemy, providing exemplary military and political leadership.

At every stage of his service, Jaal Laggasaa was defined by his heroism, intellect, and perseverance. He became a role model for OLF members, leaders, fighters, and the entire Oromo people.

Due to his responsibilities in the Western Zone, he was elected as a member of the OLF’s General Assembly (GS) in absentia during the 3rd Central Committee (KS) meeting in 2004. He fulfilled all the duties and immense responsibilities placed upon him with utmost competence and self-sacrifice, ultimately proving his heroism by giving his life.

Jaal Laggasaa Wagii was immensely loved and respected by the Oromo people for his wisdom, strategic acumen, and bravery. Conversely, he was feared by the enemy, who bore witness to his heroism and tactical genius, albeit unwillingly.

The Ethiopian regime repeatedly launched massive attacks involving tens of thousands of troops, heavy weaponry, and air power against the Western Zone. Under Jaal Laggasaa’s command, the OLA provided strong leadership, repelling enemy forces on the battlefield and demonstrating the army’s unwavering resolve. Together with his comrades, he led victorious battles that defeated the enemy.

There is an Oromo proverb: “A person dies only once.” A coward dies many times, but a hero dies but once. However, a life given for truth and justice, a life sacrificed for the freedom of one’s people and the dignity of one’s nation, is a life remembered throughout history.

The ultimate sacrifice, the precious gift of one’s life for the rights of one’s nation and country, is a monumental sacrifice that history never forgets. Heroism is what ultimately secures the respect for a people’s rights and affirms their ownership of their homeland. The highest level of heroism is the sacrifice of one’s own life for the rights of one’s nation and country.

By making this precious sacrifice for the rights of his people and Oromo sovereignty, Jaal Laggasaa secured his eternal place in history. He fulfilled his national duty without succumbing to hunger, thirst, fatigue, or the immense challenges of mountains, forests, deserts, valleys, rain, or sun. For all these years, he played a paramount role for this noble cause, ensuring his elevated place in the history of the Oromo liberation struggle. He remains a towering figure for all freedom fighters.

The blood of Jaal Laggasaa that was shed has not, and will not, dry up in vain.

In the words of Maammoo Mazammir: “A Fighter May Fall, But The Struggle Continues!!!”