Tributes pour in for Ethiopian Opposition leader and business icon Bulcha Demeksa
Bulcha Demeksa will be remembered as a visionary, a statesman, and a tireless advocate for justice, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Tributes have been pouring in for Bulcha Demeksa, a prominent Ethiopian opposition leader and business figure, who passed away on Monday in Addis Ababa at the age of 94.
Renowned for his wit, eloquence, fearless debates, and unwavering convictions, Bulcha was the founding chairperson of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) in 2005, one of Ethiopia’s most notable opposition parties. From 2005 to 2010, he served as a vocal and principled member of the Ethiopian Parliament, tirelessly advocating for justice and equality.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali paid homage to Bulcha, describing him as “an elder statesman and true public servant.”
“He dedicated his life to his country and Africa, stood firm in his beliefs, worked tirelessly to unite people, and always spoke his truth, regardless of the time or place,” he noted.
President Taye Atske Selassie also honoured Bulcha, calling him a “statesman of courage” and praising his “integrity and political wisdom.”
As a politician, economist, and businessman, Bulcha championed the political and economic empowerment of the historically marginalised Oromo people. In an interview, he once stated, “The primary objective of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement is to reclaim the rights that the Oromo people have lost.”
At that time, many Oromos were silent and hidden away, so we formed the party to declare, ‘There’s an Oromo cause that needs attention.”
Prominent Ethiopian political activist and commentator Jawar Mohammed offered a heartfelt tribute to Bulcha, describing him as a visionary leader and a pioneer: “Obbo Bulcha was a champion of social and economic justice in Ethiopia. As an economist, he leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazing figure in Ethiopia’s financial and economic landscape, spanning over half a century.”
He was the founder of the Awash International Bank in 1994, one of Ethiopia’s top private banks, and left an indelible mark on the nation’s financial and economic sectors. The former General Manager of Awash International Bank Leykun Berhanu noted that Bulcha played a crucial role in advancing the country’s economy, particularly during a time when private sector banks were limited.
In his tribute, Jawar stated that Bulcha, as a politician and founder of the OFDM— which later merged with the Oromo National Congress to form the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC)—had profoundly raised the political consciousness of millions of Oromo people.
“Bulcha used his parliamentary platform to amplify the voices of the economically and socially marginalised and fought tirelessly for justice,” Jawar noted. “He employed his intellectual rigour and moral clarity in unwavering advocacy for equality, human rights, and federalist ideals—principles that are under immense strain today.”
Bulcha’s influence extended beyond politics and business; he was a staunch defender of Oromo culture, language, and identity, dedicating himself to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Oromo people at every opportunity.
Born on July 9, 1930, in Bodji, Wollega, in western Ethiopia, Bulcha pursued higher education at Addis Ababa University, where he earned a BA in Economics. He later obtained an MA in Public Finance from Syracuse University in the United States. Before returning to Ethiopia in 1991, he worked for years at the World Bank and the United Nations, gaining invaluable experience that he would later use to serve his country.
Bulcha Demeksa will be remembered as a visionary, a statesman, and a tireless advocate for justice, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
