Alemayehu Atomsa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alemayehu Atomsa
Alamaayyoo Atomsaa ዓለማየሁ አቶምሳ |
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| President of the Oromia Region | |
| In office 6 September 2010 – 18 February 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Abadula Gemeda |
| Succeeded by | Muktar Kedir |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alamaayyoo Atomsaa
12 February 1969 Bonaya Boshe, Welega Province, Ethiopian Empire |
| Died | 6 March 2014 (aged 45) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front |
| Other political affiliations |
Oromo People's Democratic Organization |
| Alma mater | Ethiopian Civil Service University (LL.B.) Peking University (M.P.P.) |
Alemayehu Atomsa (Oromo: Alamaayyoo Atoomsaa; Amharic: አለማየው አቶምሳ; 12 February 1969 – 6 March 2014) was an Ethiopian politician. He served as the president of the Oromia Region from 2010 until 2014. Oromia is the largest region in Ethiopia. He resigned from his role in 2014 due to illness. He later passed away in Bangkok, Thailand, on 6 March 2014.
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Early Life and Career
Alemayehu was born on 12 February 1969. His birthplace was the village of Sere in Welega Province. This area is now part of the Bonaya Boshe District in the Misraq Welega Zone of the Oromia Region. He went to school near his home. He attended Gubo Leyo Primary School and Siri Secondary School.
Joining the Political Movement
During the Ethiopian Civil War, Alemayehu was asked to join the government's army. He was meant to fight against rebel groups. However, he was captured by one of these groups, the TPLF rebels. They gave him a choice: stay as a prisoner or become a founding member of the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO). He chose to join the OPDO.
Education and Early Work
Alemayehu studied law at the Ethiopian Civil Service University. He also earned a master's degree in Public Policy from Peking University in Beijing, China.
He began his career as a teacher. Over time, he took on bigger roles. He became the Director of the Information Agency for the Oromia Region. Later, he was the managing director of the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency.
Rising Through the Ranks
Alemayehu joined the fight against the military government of Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1989. After the military government was removed in 1991, he became a leader in the OPDO and EPRDF parties. He led different areas within Oromia. From 1996 to 2002, he was Oromia's chief of security. He also led the OPDO's political department and its main office.
From 2006 to 2010, he was the head of Oromia's Communications Bureau. Then, he became the Director General of the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency. In 2012, Alemayehu became the Chairperson of the OPDO. He also became the President of the Oromia region.
Alemayehu was a father to two daughters and two sons.
Leading the Oromia Region
Alemayehu became the president of the Oromia Region on 6 September 2010. He took over from Abadula Gemeda. Abadula Gemeda became the Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives.
Fighting Corruption
As president, Alemayehu was known for his strong leadership. He took a firm stand against corruption. Corruption means dishonest actions by people in power, like taking bribes. Within months of him taking office, several public officials were arrested. They were arrested for bribery and other dishonest acts.
Building New Roads
During his time as president, an important road was built. This was the Addis Ababa - Adama Expressway. It was the country's first modern motorway. This road connects the capital city of Addis Ababa to Adama. Adama is the largest city in the Oromia Region.
Health Challenges
Soon after becoming president, Alemayehu became very ill. He remained unwell throughout his time in office. He often traveled abroad to get medical treatment. By 2013, he had mostly stopped appearing in public due to his health. He tried to resign in 2012, but his resignation was not accepted at first. His resignation was finally accepted on 17 February 2014.
Illness and Passing
Alemayehu passed away on 6 March 2014. He died from food poisoning at the Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. He had been receiving treatment there for five weeks.
Tributes and Condolences
A memorial service was held for him at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, spoke at the service. He said that Alemayehu was a "fighter and a comrade." He worked very hard for the people of Oromia and Ethiopia until the end.
Flags across the country were flown at half-mast for three days. This is a sign of respect and mourning. The President of Ethiopia, Mulatu Teshome, also shared his sadness. The House of Federation and the House of Peoples' Representatives also expressed their condolences.
