Is OLA a Modern Version of the OLF with High-Confidence Politics of Haile Fida?
By Fayyis Oromia*
It is encouraging to see that the OLA is now in a position to challenge the dictatorial OPP and confident enough to prefer an integrative Oropia (an Oromummà-led Ethiopia) over the pursuit of a smaller, independent Oromia. I believe this is the right time to foster a modern version of the OLF, inspired by the high-confidence politics of Dr. Haile Fida.
Dr. Haile envisioned a transformed Ethiopia—gradually becoming Oropia—where Afaan Oromoo would serve as the primary working language. The OLF’s earlier goal of an independent Oromia reflected a politics of low confidence, understandable under the desperation of Habesha colonization. The OFC’s current pursuit of ethnic federalism represents politics of intermediate confidence—suitable for this transitional phase.
As long as Amharic/Amarannet dominates, and Oromic/Oromummà remains secondary, Oromo nationalists may continue supporting the OFC’s federalist agenda. But for the long-term, we need a modern, high-confidence political vision—one that requires a renewed and genuine nationalist movement under a reimagined OLF.
With such a vision, we can transform Ethiopia into Oropia—a geo-federation of approximately 25 regional states: Tigray, Erob, Kunama, Afar, Wolqayit, Agaw, Gondar, Gojjam, Wollo, Shewa, Macca, Tulama, Arsi-Bale, Barentu, Borana-Guji, Ogaden, Issa, Garre, Sidama, Omo, Kaffa, Gibe, Gambella, Benishangul, and Finfinne.
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/0 ... aile-fida/
Re: Is OLA a Modern Version of the OLF with High-Confidence Politics of Haile Fida?
As I see it, the goal of an independent Oromia belongs to the past. The objective of ethnic federalism is the status quo. The vision of an integrated Oropia, with a pan-Ethiopian geo-federation led by Oromummà, is the future of genuine Oromo nationalism. Is the OLA confident and ready to lead us toward this vision?