Opinion: Hin Gaabbu: How Jawar Mohammed’s memoir inspires Ethiopian youth amid political divides
By Hussien Biru Berisso
Addis Abeba – Since his emergence in the public sphere, Jawar Mohammed has become a highly controversial yet influential figure in Ethiopian political discourse. Both his critics and supporters eagerly anticipate his every word; his social media posts attract hundreds of thousands of engagements, and his videos garner millions of views. For more than fifteen years, he has undoubtedly been one of the most impactful political figures to emerge in the country.
Recently, Jawar’s memoir has taken center stage in political discussions across both public and private media, both in Ethiopia and within the diaspora. Released in November 2024, his book has sparked both praise and criticism. Written in Afaan Oromo and Amharic, with the English version currently in translation, this memoir marks Jawar’s first book in sharing his personal story. It chronicles his journey from childhood to his political awakening, ultimately leading to political engagements, particularly the Oromo protests. Titled Hin Gaabbu in Afaan Oromo and “አልፀፀትም” in Amharic, translated as “I Will not Regret.” The book is structured into eleven parts, offering a detailed narrative of his life and political evolution.
In delving into the intricacies of Jawar’s memoir, I found myself particularly captivated by the first five chapters. This section stands out not only for its narrative significance but also for its insightful portrayal of Jawar’s humble beginnings, the challenges he faced in pursuing education, and his evolving search for purpose, belonging, and a larger cause. As I reflect on this part, I am struck by how it illuminates the journey of a child born in the rural Arsi region of the Oromia region, who faced formidable obstacles from an early age due to his ambition and thirst for knowledge and justice.
This part of the book offers fresh perspectives on the current political figure of Jawar, insights that, in my view, have not been widely discussed or shared. Through this reflection, I aim to explore both the emotional and intellectual impact this part of the memoir has had on me while also considering how it enriches the broader message for the younger generation, especially for Ethiopian youth. The first four chapters of the book focus on Jawar’s life from childhood to high school, while chapter five delves into his journey to the United States for higher education.
Jawar’s path to education was filled with challenges. Born and raised in rural Oromiya, his community had limited access to educational resources, and Jawar’s early ambition to pursue learning often put him at odds with local expectations. As the memoir vividly depicts, and later proven, Jawar emerged as a naturally gifted and talented student at an early age. While pursuing his primary education and part of his secondary schooling in various parts of Oromiya, his education was frequently interrupted by limited access to schools and early political persecution, often simply for his active involvement in school activities. Despite these setbacks, his determination to continue learning never wavered.
Overcoming the many challenges he faced for the above reasons, his exceptional academic performance ultimately earned him a place at one of the most prestigious high schools in the world, where he competed alongside both national and international students. He attended United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) in Singapore, a prestigious international school.
Jawar Mohammed’s high school years were particularly formative, playing a crucial role in shaping his intellectual and political development. This period marked the beginning of his engagement with broader political ideas, especially those related to the Oromo movement. Exposed to a range of ideologies, his intellectual curiosity sparked a desire to challenge the political and social systems he witnessed growing up. It was during this time that he began to develop the sense of purpose and commitment to justice that would later propel him into the Ethiopian political arena.
Also demonstrated in the book, Jawar’s high school experience in Ethiopia and abroad was pivotal in shaping his future trajectory. It was a time of both academic achievement and personal transformation, laying the groundwork for his later influence as a political activist. This section of the memoir offers a deeper understanding of the person behind the political figure, shedding light on the values and struggles that have guided his life and activism.
Following his academic success at UWCSEA, Jawar Mohammed earned a full scholarship to attend one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, Stanford University, a member of the Ivy League in the United States. As of recent data, Stanford’s acceptance rate is typically around 4-5%, making it one of the most difficult universities to get into. With an acceptance rate of under 5%, gaining admission to Stanford is a significant achievement, underscoring the exceptional nature of Jawar’s accomplishment. At Stanford, he intentionally pursued his political ambitions by enrolling in political science, graduating with a political science degree. He then went on to earn a master’s in human rights from another Ivy League institution, Columbia University.
Jawar’s journey, from growing up in rural Oromia to attending a prestigious international high school and later earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from two Ivy League universities, stands as an extraordinary achievement in its own right and deserves recognition. For many students born in rural areas of Ethiopia, the pursuit of education becomes a personal endeavor from an early age, driven by a lack of resources, limited access to education, and the inability of families to offer support and guidance. Therefore, Jawar’s accomplishments were the result of his own relentless determination.
In sharing this reflection, my goal is to encourage the younger generation to read his memoir without being distracted by the polarized political narratives that often surround it. This book serves as an inspiration to anyone with big dreams, showing that with determination, anything is possible.
It also reflects a commitment to justice and causes greater than personal ambition. While one could easily enjoy the privileges associated with degrees from such prestigious institutions and the comfort of a stable life in a host country, Jawar’s path demonstrates that true impact comes when one has a purpose beyond oneself. In conclusion, it’s hard to make that commitment unless there is a larger mission at heart. It’s important to recognize someone’s work and track record, rather than engaging in political attacks that miss the deeper value of their achievements, sacrifices, and contributions. AS
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Editor’s Note: Hussien Biru Berisso, MSc, P.Eng., is a registered professional engineer in the province of British Columbia, Canada, and co-founder of A&H Engineering LTD. He’s based in Vancouver, BC.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer’s and do not necessarily reflect the editorial of Addis Standard.
