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The Story of Dr.Gemechu Megersa

 

THE STORY OF 
Dr. GAMACHU MAGARSA

THE TALE OF DR. GAMACHU MAGARSA

Dr. Gamachu Magarsa is a prominent figure in the realm of Oromo nationalism and anthropology, renowned for his research and contributions to the understanding of Oromo history and culture.

Born and raised in Dambi Dollo City, Western Oromia, Dr. Gamachu hails from a lineage tracing back to the local Bokku family. The responsibility of preserving the Bokku, a crucial aspect of the Gada system, fell upon Dr. Gamachu after his elder brother, who had inherited it, found himself less acquainted with Oromo culture. As a result, Dr. Gamachu embraced the mantle, becoming the custodian of the Bokku, akin to a fatherly role.

Throughout his life, Dr. Gamachu has dedicated himself to serving the Oromo people, conducting extensive research, and contributing to their knowledge and understanding. His commitment to his heritage and dedication to scholarly pursuits drew the attention of the authorities during the Dargii regime in 1979, leading to his arrest and sentencing to death. Thankfully, with the help of his friend Takkaa Tulluu, he managed to escape this dire fate. Subsequently, he abandoned his government position and pursued higher education at a university.

While in prison, he encountered Father Birana Jesus, a Catholic priest who was also an anthropologist. Under the guidance of Father Birana Jesus and Lambert Bartels, he delved into the intricacies of Oromo religion, contributing to the publication of a book titled "Oromo Religion: myths and Rites of the Western Oromo of Ethiopia: an attempt to Understand."

Following a scholarship offer from Lambert Bartels, Dr. Gamachu journeyed to Kenya for his studies, focusing on African historical studies. However, he became dissatisfied with the prevailing model for writing African history, including that of the Oromo people. Determined to adopt a different approach, he collaborated with Alexander Travels, collecting historical poems related to the Gada period. This experience reinforced his belief in documenting Oromo history through the Gada system's lens.

While in Kenya, he pursued Political Science and International Relations at USIU (United States International University Africa) and met his future Kenyan wife, who was conducting research on the Oromo people.

Subsequently, Dr. Gamachu earned a postgraduate degree in sociology from the American University in Cairo, thanks to the support of his mentor who admired his study on "Ethnic Relations in Ethiopia." This opened the door for him to study at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), where he completed his master's degree. His master's thesis focused on "Cosmology and Classification of Birds among the Oromo," which impressed his advisor, leading to encouragement for pursuing a Ph.D.

Driven by his passion for knowledge, identity, and the impact of colonization, Dr. Gamachu embarked on his doctoral journey, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Oromo people and their historical experience.

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