Is There a Rconciling Middle Position for Amhara and Oromo Nationalists?
By Fayyis Oromia*
The current conflict between Amhara nationalists and Oromo nationalists presents a significant opportunity for the dictatorial regime of Biltsigina to remain in power for a longer time. Dr. Abiy’s regime is a friend to neither the Amhara nor the Oromo people; it is simply a power-hungry clique of dictators. The elites of these two major nations must come to their senses. In particular, the Amhara elites’ fight against Oromummaa (the Oromo identity), and their use of the derogatory “G-word” to refer to the Oromo, is the height of insanity in the 21st century. They must stop this madness and learn to respect Oromia and the Oromo people if they want to live in peace—especially in Finfinne and generally throughout Ethiopia.
Attempting to reverse the Oromo people’s recent gains is a futile exercise. Amhara elites must adopt a reconciling middle position: accepting the current federal structure and working alongside Oromo republicans to democratize the country. A future democratic federal Ethiopia can be a true common home for both the Amhara and the Oromo, who should be the twin pillars of the nation and the wider Horn of Africa.
To build such a democracy, we must first understand the current political landscape. Presently, Ethiopia’s political spectrum can be categorized into five distinct positions:
1. Derg-Style Unitarist Amharanists
These individuals claim to be Ethiopianists and advocate for “geo-federation.” They seek to preserve the longstanding dominance of Amharigna and reject ethnic-based politics. Parties like Ezema fall into this category.
2. Woyane-Style Pseudo-Federalists
These support a centralized system that maintains Amharigna’s dominance under the guise of federalism. The EPP is an example of such a dictatorial party, which aims to suppress Oromiffa and ensure the continued primacy of Amharigna.
3. Pro-Independence Forces
Groups like the OLF advocate for the complete self-determination of nations. According to them, Amhara and Oromia can coexist as peaceful neighbors, with neither dominating the other.
4. Democratic Multinational Federalists
Parties such as the OFC believe that in a truly democratic Ethiopia—where the rights of all nations are respected—Oromiffa and Oromummaa will naturally occupy a leading position. They view federalism as more beneficial than outright independence.
5. Revolutionary Oromo Nationalists
Individuals like Fayyis Oromia argue that, in a genuine democracy, Oromiffa and Oromummaa will inherently rise to primary status. They even propose that dismantling the current ethnic federation in favor of a geo-federation may be acceptable if Oromo interests are guaranteed.
To understand this better, consider the political context during the 2010 election. That period was the right moment for Medrek to appoint Birtukan Mideksa as its chairperson by allowing Andinet to lead the alliance, rotating leadership from OPC of Merera Gudina. Birtukan was widely seen as a moderate by most citizens, nations, and even some members of the ruling party. Merera Gudina even described her as “Ethiopia’s Mandela.” The critical question was whether Medrek could be to Ethiopia what the ANC was to South Africa in 1994. If Birtukan was like Mandela, could Meles Zenawi be Ethiopia’s de Klerk?
Many Ethiopianists, including Ethiopianist Oromos and even Oromianists (federalists and liberators), supported Medrek. At the time, I attempted to answer why.
The first two groups (Ezema and EPP) represent Amharanists who aim to maintain the dominance of Amharigna and Amharanet, often under the banner of “Ethiopiawinet”—a concept practically synonymous with Amharanet. The last three groups represent the alternative political goals (Kayyoo) of Oromianists or genuine Oromo nationalists.
On Being Biologically, Psychologically, and Ideologically Oromo
We must ask: who are the Ethiopianist Oromos? These are individuals who prioritize Ethiopiawinet (Ethiopian nationalism) over Oromummaa (Oromo nationalism). An Ethiopianist Oromo is not someone who is ethnically Oromo but psychologically dissociates from the Oromo identity. True Ethiopianist Oromos recognize their Oromo origin and identify as such, but ideologically champion Ethiopian unity.
Interestingly, many Amharigna– or Tigrigna-speaking individuals, who may not identify with the Oromo, are biologically of Oromo descent.
Understanding the Ethiopianist Camp
Ethiopiawinet is more than identity; it is an ideology that views Ethiopia as a 3,000-year-old nation—whether mythical or factual. Ethiopianists aim to preserve its national unity and territorial integrity at any cost. Within this ideology, there are two subgroups:
1. Conservative Unitarists
These oppose ethnic federalism and seek to establish a unitary state, fearing disintegration. They often target Gadaa Oromia, viewing it as a “state within a state.” Some even advocate for reestablishing the monarchy or creating a “Shoa-kilil” to divide Oromia.
2. Democratic Federalists
This group accepts the Oromo region’s existence and seeks to maintain unity by respecting the rights and identity of all nations. These include figures like Birtukan Mideksa and parties like AG7 and former UDJ. Though they believe in unity, they understand it must be inclusive and democratic.
It’s important to note that OFC-style Oromo federalists are Oromianists, not Ethiopianist Oromos. They firmly uphold Oromia’s right to autonomy, unlike Ethiopianist Oromos in Ezema who may only support Oromia’s autonomy as a compromise, not as a right.
Why Ethiopianist Oromos in Semayawi Should Have Joined Medrek
Semayawi Party’s refusal to join Medrek was a strategic mistake. Had they united, the opposition would have posed a serious challenge to the ruling regime. Ethiopianist Oromos within Semayawi and similar groups must reconsider their alliances and support a unified democratic struggle against authoritarianism.
Can There Be a Helen Suzman in Ethiopia?
Among Habesha unitarists, is there anyone like Helen Suzman of South Africa—a white woman who defended the rights of Black South Africans for 36 years in parliament?
Until recently, it seemed unlikely. But writings by Fekade Shewakena and testimonies from Berhanu Nega and Siye Abraha after their release from prison showed a growing empathy for the Oromo cause. Despite lingering resentment against ethnic federalism among some Habesha elites, many have come to respect the legitimacy of the Oromo struggle.
Oromianist Ethiopians and the Need for Unity
Since the 2005 election, a new group has emerged: Oromianist Ethiopians—non-Oromo citizens who support Oromo rights and recognize Oromia as a legitimate federal state. These individuals contrast sharply with conservative unitarists, who still refer to Oromia as “so-called Oromia.”
We hope Ethiopianist Oromos, currently serving conservative and authoritarian camps, will learn from these allies and join the democratic movement.
Medrek and ENM: Unity Against Divide-and-Rule
The divide between Amhara and Oromo elites has long served authoritarian regimes like the TPLF. But the formation of AFD, and later Medrek, helped break this cycle. Medrek brought together:
- Amhara unitarists (UDJ)
-;Tigrayan federalists (ATSD)
- Somali nationalists (SDFC)
- Southern federalists (UEDF)
- Oromo unionists (OFC)
This alliance recognized that Ethiopiawinet does not have to be exclusive of Oromummaa, and vice versa. Both can coexist in a democratic federal state.
Conclusion: Rally Behind Medrek
Ethiopia’s future depends on two phases of struggle:
Freedom from authoritarianism and ethnic domination.
Building democratic institutions for a fair multi-national federation.
We must all unite—Oromo and Amhara, Ethiopianist and Oromianist—behind democratic forces like Medrek. The unity of these groups can pave the way for a democratic transformation similar to South Africa in 1994.
Sadly, Ethiopia still lacks a true de Klerk—a partner for dialogue. But with leaders like Birtukan, and widespread support for justice, that moment may yet come.
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... ionalists/