By Caalaa Haayiluu Abaataa (via UntoldStoriesOnline.com)
My Experience of the Ethiopian Investigation Centre: Maekelawi
To hold a pen is to be at war!
– Voltaire
My name is Caalaa Haayiluu Abaataa. I am a 27 year-old poet and author. I am an Oromo, and I lived in my homeland, the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia, for the most of my life. On January 3, 2012, I was forced to flee to Sudan in fear for my life. This is my story.
Ever since my teenage years, I have been involved in activities to bring changes in social issues. I brought awareness about HIV and AIDS to towns and in the deep countryside of Oromia. I also volunteered in helping homeless people. I worked with orphans and the disabled – supporting them through Oromo volunteer cultural clubs. I wanted to spread awareness about the Oromian culture and way of living by promoting awareness about the indigenous religion and administrative system called ‘Gadaa and Waaqeffannaa.’ In order to inspire and educate my people, I also organized and performed plays.