Ethiopiawinet for Leadership and Oromummà for Liberation!
By Fayyis Oromia*
There is no question that Oromummà (ethnic nationalism) was effective in awakening the Oromo people to the liberation struggle—and it was successfully employed for that purpose. Now, however, the time has come to consider Ethiopiawinet (Ethiopian nationalism) as a tool for effective political leadership in the country. That is why it is reasonable that some Oromo nationalists who once emphasized Oromummà during the liberation period are now focusing on Ethiopiawinet in this new era of governance.
Yet, I believe that many Oromo elites are too honest to be professional politicians. They tend to speak exactly what they intend to do. In contrast, Amhara elites are experienced in political subtlety, much like their Western enablers. Oromo elites tend to either talk and walk in support of Ethiopia, earning the label “Ethiopianists” (though they often act more like “Amharanists”), or talk and walk solely for Oromia to prove their nationalist credentials. Unfortunately, neither approach is constructive in this transitional period.
Advocating for Ethiopia today, without addressing the structural dominance of Amharic, is essentially sustaining the old imperial model—what some call Amapia. On the other hand, exclusively focusing on Oromia could alienate other groups and hinder cooperative leadership. Amhara elites, by contrast, have mastered the art of talking about Ethiopia while walking for Amapia—ensuring they attract wider support while protecting their own group interests.
Oromo elites must learn to do the same: talk Ethiopia, but walk Oromia—to both lead the federation and serve the legitimate interests of the Oromo people.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2020/04/2 ... -interest/