Federal Ethiopia as a Transitional Solution Toward Either Independent Oromia or Integrative Oropia
It seems that Ethiopia’s ethnic federation is now widely accepted as a transitional compromise for the historically troubled Abyssinian empire, once dominated by Amaranet/Amarigna. Transforming the empire into a union of free nations is not a bad idea. However, the pressing question remains: How stable is such an ethnically-based federal union? And more importantly, Is this union strategically beneficial to the Oromo people?
Let’s abandon the outdated notion that Oromia should separate from Ethiopia. In truth, Oromia is the stem from which others—like Amara and Tigray—may separate, not the reverse. Is it truly in the interest of the Oromo to offer peripheral regions like Somali, Amara, and Tigray the option to break away? I don’t believe so. This is why I advocate for Oropia—a geo-federated Ethiopia led by the principle of Oromummaa—which is inherently more stable than an ethnic federation.
The Oromo people should strive to foster a stable Oropia, thereby dismantling the current ethnically-fragmented federation. Specifically, the three largest regions—Amara, Somali, and Oromia—should be reorganized into smaller, more manageable federal states. I propose the following divisions:
Amara: Welqayit, North Amara (Gondar), West Amara (Gojjam), South Amara (Shoa), East Amara (Lasta)
Somali: North Somali (Issa), West Somali (Fiq), East Somali (Ogaden), South Somali (Gàrre)
Oromia: North Oromia (Wallo), West Oromia (Wallaga), South-West Oromia (Ilu-Jimma), Central Oromia (Tullama), East Oromia (Hararge), South-East Oromia (Arsi-Bale), South Oromia (Guji-Borana), and Finfinne/Shagar city
Having these as federal states within Oropia would provide a more stable and inclusive political structure. If Oropia cannot be established, then secession of these regions from Oromia is inevitable, and the Oromo will be left with a diminished Oromia rather than a unified Oropia.
Historical and Political Context
This article is based on discussions among various political groups within the former Abyssinian empire. These were sparked by an open letter written by Dr. Fikre Tolassa to Dr. Bayan Asoba, presenting a relatively new perspective on Amhara-Oromo historical relations. The letter prompted us to consider a win-win solution to the conflict between Oromo and Amhara elites—one that could foster cooperation against the current authoritarian regime.
Many readers asked me to elaborate on my concept of a “federal union as a common home,” which I first introduced in a brief response to Dr. Fikre’s letter. I am not a historian, geologist, politician, anthropologist, or ethnologist. I am simply an Oromo individual committed to understanding and advancing the Oromo cause. Let me now share the two major perspectives I’ve encountered among Oromo thinkers, along with their implications.
Two Perspectives on Oromo History and Destiny
The Historical-Renaissance Perspective
This view links the Oromo to Egypt, Cushitic civilization, and the ancient city of Meroe. It emphasizes the Oromo as the “stalk” of all Cushitic nations in Northeast Africa. According to this view, the Oromo destiny includes a pan-Cushitic or Oromo renaissance, in which even Semitized Cushitic peoples—the Habesha—are considered Oromo progeny.
The Liberation-Oriented Perspective
Genuine Oromo nationalists in this camp focus on liberation of the Oromo people, particularly from Tigrean domination. They emphasize colonial narratives and stark differences in origin—Amhara as “Semitic,” Oromo as “Cushitic.” For them, the liberation and independence of Oromia is non-negotiable.
The former is history-oriented; the latter is destiny-driven. One digs into roots and origin; the other pushes toward freedom and self-determination.
Implications for Today and Tomorrow
The historical-renaissance view promotes the concept of Oropia—a union of nations where Oromo-proper and Oromo-progeny coexist and thrive. This vision includes changing the name Ethiopia to Oropia, with Afaan Oromo as the working language.
The liberation-oriented view aligns more with the OLF (Oromo Liberation Front), advocating for complete independence of Oromia as demarcated by the OLF, through a referendum.
I believe these two perspectives are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. Both support the fundamental right of Oromo-proper to self-determination, and both seek an end to external domination. We can unite behind true federalism (e.g., OFC’s vision) as a transitional phase, which then allows us to choose between:
- Independent Oromia (Adama)
- Union of free peoples in Oropia (Finfinne)
This vision requires clear political will and courage, particularly among those Oromo who now identify more with Ethiopia than with Oromia.
From Self-Destruction to Self-Determination
Modern Oromo history suggests that our people have long been manipulated by external and internal forces—often leading to self-destruction. Abeshanized Oromos (e.g., Emperors Menelik and Haile Selassie) have historically undermined Oromo identity and resistance. Even the term Gàllà may have originated from the Arabic Qallà, meaning “those who said NO”—a testament to our ancestors’ refusal to convert or conform.
The key question now is: How do we, as Oromo-proper, achieve liberation from the “ignorantly arrogant” Habesha elites?
Let’s be clear: Oromummaa is not about blood or language alone. It is a psychological and political identity. An Oromo with true Oromummaa supports Oromo interests, speaks Afaan Oromo with pride, and champions Oromo culture and values.
Are the so-called Oromo progeny ready to reclaim this identity? Will they, like Dr. Fikre suggests, accept the idea of Oropia?
Conclusion: Choose Between Oropia or Independent Oromia
Regardless of historical interpretations, our priority is the future. The Oromo people must push together toward freedom and sovereignty, either through an independent Oromia or an integrated Oropia.
If Amhara and other nations truly care about national unity, they must accept a federal union renamed Oropia and led by principles of equality and justice. If not, independence is inevitable.
After all, the city they call Addis Ababa is our Finfinne, and the country they call Ethiopia is our Oromia. The choice is theirs: live with us in Oropia, or become good neighbors to an independent Oromia. May Waaq give us the wisdom to choose the better path.
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2018/06/1 ... on-amhara/