Tadesse Birru
Tadesse Birru | |
|---|---|
Tadesse Birru in 1962 | |
| Native name | Taaddasee Birruu |
| Nickname(s) | Taaddee |
| Born | 1921 Selale, Shewa Province, Ethiopian Empire |
| Died | 19 March 1975 (aged 53–54) Addis Ababa, Socialist Ethiopia |
| Allegiance | Ethiopian Empire (1935–1963) |
| Service | Imperial Ethiopian Army |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Fetno Derash (Special Forces) |
| Battles / wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Work-Abeba Gebre-Medhin |
| Relations | Almaz Tadesse Birru Tsehay Tadesse Birru Belete Tadesse Birru Kassa II Tadesse Birru Muse Tadesse Birru Martha Tadesse Birru |
Tadesse Birru (1921 – 19 March 1975) was an Ethiopian military officer and civil rights activist. Initially a strong proponent of Ethiopian unity, Tadesse eventually became an activist for the empowerment of the Oromo people in the 1960s. His advocacy turned into repeated attempts to overthrow the government through a coup and later through a military rebellion. He was eventually captured and executed by the Derg regime. He is considered to be the father of modern Oromo nationalism.