1. Perceived Ethnic Dominance: Critics argue that the Oromo-led government prioritizes Oromo interests, with key positions in the economy, military, and administration largely occupied by individuals from one ethnic group, sidelining other ethnic communities and leading to perceptions of ethnic favoritism.
2. Loss of Centralized Governance: The shift away from a centralized system has led to concerns that the country lacks cohesive national leadership, resulting in fragmentation and weakened national unity.
3. Cultural Overemphasis: The promotion of Oromo language and culture has been seen as undermining the identities and rights of other ethnic groups, causing resentment.
4. Exclusion of Political Opponents: Political opposition, especially from non-Oromo groups, has faced repression, with accusations of arbitrary arrests and restrictions on freedom of expression.
5. Unbalanced Resource Distribution: Some regions feel that they are not benefiting equally from national resources, as the government may prioritize areas with Oromo majorities.
6. Social Engineering and Displacement: The government’s policies of urban development, which involve destroying city landmarks, displacing ethnic communities, and land grabbing for expansion, have fueled tensions. These actions are often seen as attempts to promote Oromo expansionism at the expense of other ethnic groups.
7. Loss of National Identity and Lack of Security: There is a growing concern over the loss of a cohesive national identity, with ongoing security issues due to arbitrary detention, abductions, corruption, and killings, particularly among political opponents and marginalized groups.
8. Ethnic Hegemony as a Zero-Sum Game: The focus on ethnic hegemony, where one group’s gain is seen as another's loss, risks becoming a zero-sum game, where the future of Ethiopia is threatened by the inability to build a unified, inclusive, and stable society. This system can deepen ethnic divisions and hinder national progress.