The Negotiation in Tanzania: An Opportunity for Dr. Abiy to Become a Historic Figure in Oromo History
Dr. Abiy has no choice but to return to his Oromo political constituency. He would be wise to consolidate Oromo power within the Finfinné palace by empowering and uniting all Oromo forces against their adversaries. This is why the ongoing negotiation between the OLA and the OPP is a step in the right direction. His earlier efforts to appease the Amhara elites have proven futile. To them, he was merely an instrument—used and then discarded, much like previous Oromo elites who ruled Ethiopia without properly honoring Oromummaa.
Now, the Amhara elites are disappointed in his minimal support for the Oromo cause and are determined to remove him. According to the well-known principle of Dr. Lencô Lata, “Whoever the Amhara elites curse is surely doing something good for the Oromo.” That may explain why even some radical Oromo nationalists have begun to tolerate Dr. Abiy and his leadership.
The Prime Minister must seize this opportunity to gain greater support from the Oromo people in order to realize his Medemer philosophy—consolidating Oromo self-administration in Oromia and increasing our influence in Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa, and beyond. He must first re-Oromize the Palace, the city of Finfinné, and eventually Ethiopia itself. This re-Oromization—adding the lost Oromo identity back to its original and rightful place—is the true meaning of Medemer(addition). Only then can he be remembered favorably, rather than notoriously, in future Oromo history.
The Hybrid Challenge and the Struggle for Full Oromo Freedom
In our long liberation journey, the Oromo are approximately 75% free. We are no longer subjugated by alien forces from Habesha origins. Today, our oppression comes from so-called hybrids—marital, physical, and mental—like Abiy Ahmed. He is a triple hybrid: married to an Amhara woman, born of mixed ethnic heritage, and mentally aligned more with Amharanet than with Oromummaa.
Many of his supporters share this hybrid identity in one way or another. The current regime, therefore, is not an Oromo administration, as often claimed. It is a brutal dictatorship led by these hybrids, aimed at sustaining Amharic/Amhara cultural dominance at the expense of Oromiffa and Oromummaa. If Dr. Abiy fails to fully refocus on the Oromo cause, it will be time for genuine Oromo nationalists, rallying behind the OLF and OFC, to remove the triple hybrid in order to achieve 100% freedom for the Oromo.
What Kind of Dictator Is Abiy?
It is evident that Abiy Ahmed is as dictatorial as Mengistu and Meles. What remains unclear is the type of dictator he is: is he an Ethio-fascist, like Mengistu, trying to forge a false geo-federation dominated by Amharanet? Or is he an Ethno-fascist, like Meles, preserving a fake ethnic federalism still under Amhara cultural domination?
Regardless, the ultimate goal of the Oromo liberation movement has been national self-determination. That can mean:
- An independent Oromia
- A federal union of free nations
- An integrated Ethiopian state based on equality
Many different Oromo organizations are now operating under this broad umbrella. While I believe one inclusive and accommodating organization would be more effective, the various active factions—including different OLF groups—should still be empowered to work together toward our shared goal of sovereignty and freedom.
Oromo National Pride and Generational Consciousness
Thanks to the sacrifices of our heroines and heroes, the Oromo liberation movement has reached an irreversible stage. Today, nearly all Oromo nationals take pride in our identity. The younger generation, in particular, is deeply conscious of the importance of full liberation from all forms of oppression.
The only differences among Oromo nationalists now lie in our visions of sovereignty: whether we aim for full independence, a federal union, or a reformed Ethiopia. These visions are not mutually exclusive. Achieving one may pave the way to another, as long as we remain firm on the three foundational pillars of Oromo self-rule: Adà (culture), Afàn(language), and Àngô (power) in Finfinné.
Division, Dialogue, and the Role of Team Lemmà
Unfortunately, our progress has been hampered by a lack of unity among Oromo political groups. The beloved OLF itself has splintered into factions, many of which focus too narrowly on their preferred vision of sovereignty rather than working together for Oromo freedom. This infighting has drained our resources, time, and morale. Biltsiginna’s regime has only benefited from this fragmentation.
Recognizing this weakness, some genuine Oromo nationalists have been searching for alternatives. One such initiative is Team Lemmà, which has called for open debate among Oromo nationals about our current challenges and the way forward. This is an encouraging and persuasive step.
However, the initiative has faced criticism. Some have rejected it due to the controversial personalities leading the effort. One major OLF faction has questioned whether this dialogue undermines the existing liberation struggle. These concerns are valid and deserve thoughtful consideration. No true Oromo nationalist would support a move that weakens our current strength or undermines the OLF and the OLA/WBO.
Still, we must remain open to possibilities. Dialogue could be the very means by which we bring disorganized Oromo nationals under a common umbrella, thereby strengthening the existing OLF and OLA.
Redefining Ethiopianism and Embracing Strategic Unity
One recurring criticism is that some elites involved in this new movement oppose full independence in favor of a union of free peoples. They have been labeled as betrayers, capitulators, Ethiopianists, or even Gobanas. But such labels are often applied selectively and unfairly. Both OFC and OLF members have been accused of favoring union, depending on the context.
We must clearly define our terms. If “Ethiopia” is understood as just a territory, then being Ethiopianist is not inherently problematic—as long as the individual supports Oromo freedom and autonomy. But if “Ethiopia” is defined as a system of colonization, then supporting it becomes more problematic.
In my view, pro-union Oromo nationalists are not necessarily defenders of colonial systems. Rather, they support the idea of a federal arrangement among free peoples. As long as they advocate for Oromia’s self-rule, they are allies in the Oromo liberation movement. Pro-independence forces can still campaign for their vision during a future referendum.
I also propose a dialogue forum specifically for pro-independence Oromo forces to improve coordination and cooperation. This forum could later collaborate with pro-union forces on shared objectives.
Unity in Diversity: Eleven Groups, One Team
If structural unity proves impossible, we must at least pursue functional unity. I propose a “Group of 11” model: multiple Oromo liberation groups, like players in a soccer team, working together harmoniously toward a common victory against the forces of oppression. “Walī galan, alà galan” (United, we stand).
Only through such strategic alliances can the Oromo people attain full freedom. There is no viable alternative to unity. Dialogue, even among groups with differing end goals, must be encouraged—not blindly opposed.
Team Lemmà’s call should be welcomed, not rejected. No forum aiming to promote freedom should be dismissed. Our collective future hinges on our willingness to cooperate. As the Oromo saying goes, “Dubbii baha hin dhowwan; galma dhorku malee”—let no one prevent the beginning of a discussion, but all should work to influence its outcome.
Conclusion
There are two universal truths we must embrace: unity is strength, and might is right. The Oromo will not achieve national rights without first building national power. Strength comes from unity among our fragmented political groups.
The initiative by Team Lemmà may help us reach this goal. Despite the concerns voiced so far, we must continue the dialogue constructively. Whether this effort leads to a better future or not is up to us. Let us use it to promote—not prohibit—freedom and democracy in Oromia and beyond.
Sadly, the OPP and Abiy himself have betrayed the Oromo cause. He has chosen to become either Meles 2.0 or Mengistu 2.0.
Galatooma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2018/04/1 ... -ethiopia/