While still in High School, Taye became conscious of the oppression of the Oromo nation by the Abyssinian government. As a result, in 1968, he joined the Mecha-Tulema Development Association and became active member. As a member of the Association, he assisted the Haile Selassie I University student movement, with printing and distribution of opposition leaflets against Feudalism and the Imperial Monarchy and contributed to the struggle that led to the downfall of Emperor Haile Selassie’s monarchy and the subsequent abolition of the feudal system. Due to his active and militant participation in the anti-monarchy struggle, Taye was arrested by Imperial security forces.
Shortly after he was released in 1971, Taye fled Ethiopia and arrived in the Sudan after walking for 8 days. Taye lived in the Sudan as a refugee from 1971-1972. In 1971 he was admitted to Khartoum University as guest student. In 1972, he joined the Pan African Movement in Khartoum University. Once again, Taye’s activism put him at odds with Sudanese authorities.
As his safety became critical, Taye decided to leave Sudan; and went to Bulgaria to seek political asylum there. When he arrived at Sofia Airport, his luggage with all personal belongings and documents were confiscated by security force. The then Bulgarian government, which had good relation with Ethiopia, not only denied Taye refuge, but also via Cairo, deported him back to the Sudan. The Sudanese Government also deported Taye back to Cairo and Cairo upon arrival sent Taye to Syria. Syria sent Taye to Stockholm (Sweden) and from Stockholm he was sent to East Berlin. The next night he was dropped in West Berlin. Then he was brought to the Diakonie (“Morgenländlich Mission”) where he cleaned floor for boarding and meal. During this time Taye applied for a refugee status and was granted 1973.
In Berlin, after he completed the German language courses, Taye worked for Krone and Albrecht KG from 1973-74. In 1975, Taye joined the American University of Maryland in Berlin to study criminology. In the same year he married Aster Gemeda. Taye and Aster, in addition to being a devoted couple to each other, they became a formidable team in the struggle for the liberation Oromia. Taye and Aster have a daughter, Wajeti, 31; a son, Abbichu, 29.
Since he arrived in Berlin, Taye tirelessly worked for justices, equality and Human Rights for all people, in general, and the Oromo people, in particular.
Taye promoted the Oromo national liberation struggle and brought it to the attention of the International community through his contacts, friends in the media, political parties, and political activists in Germany and particularly in Berlin. He collaborated with church and political groups to bring the Oromo refugees issue to the forefront.
Taye passed away on April 04, 2008 in Berlin. Taye is survived by is wife Aster and their two children Wajeti and Abbichu. The funereal ceremony of Taye was held on 12, April 2008 in Berlin.
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