Amhara Elites’ Concern Should Not Be an Independent Oromia, But an Integrative Oropia
By Fayyis Oromia*
The recent articles and interviews by Ato Lidetu Ayalew have drawn significant attention. Ato Lidetu’s principal concern seems to center on the potential disintegration of Ethiopia should Oromia attain independence. His fear appears rooted in the belief that an independent Oromia would lead to the collapse of Ethiopia. However, I contend that this concern reflects an outdated perspective on Oromo political aspirations.
Historically, the notion of an independent Oromia was prominent during a time when the Oromo people were politically marginalized and lacked the strength to shape their future. Today, the situation has shifted dramatically. The Oromo population has attained a higher degree of political awareness, organizational capacity, and cultural confidence. As a result, the political discourse has moved away from the desire for an independent Oromia toward a more integrative vision of Oropia—a broader, more inclusive entity encompassing Oromo-led ethnic federalism or Oromic-led geo-federation.
The future now envisions Ethiopia as a polity that reflects Oromo ideals and culture, with Oromic being the principal working language of the federation. In such a future, Oropia will emerge as the de facto reality—an inclusive and expansive political union that transcends the idea of an isolated Oromia. From a rational standpoint, it is difficult to justify an independent Oromia when the prospect of leading a more inclusive, larger Oropia exists. If any region in Ethiopia were to secede, it would likely be the Amhara region, with Bahir Dar, rather than Oromia with Finfinne.
Therefore, Ato Lidetu’s concerns would be better directed towards promoting integration and transformation within Ethiopia, rather than fearing its disintegration.
Oromo Political Objectives: Freedom First, Sovereignty Second
It is widely recognized that Oromo elites are united in their pursuit of bilisummà (freedom) for the Oromo people. However, they hold differing views on the form of walabummà (sovereignty) they envision once freedom has been attained:
- Self-rule within Oromia (for instance, an independent Oromo republic).
- Shared-rule within a federated Oromia or an integrative Oropia.
While the Oromo have secured a degree of freedom from the historical domination of Abyssinian elites, a new form of oppression has emerged. The Prosperity Party, led by Abiy Ahmed, represents a continuation of the same Amharic-centered dominance, albeit under a different guise. This elite group supports a political system that marginalizes Oromo interests, cloaking this marginalization in the language of “Oromo leadership.”
We are now in the midst of a new phase of the Oromo liberation struggle—not against an external oppressor, but against an internal dictatorship that betrays the Oromo cause. Once bilisummà is achieved, the Oromo people will democratically determine the type of sovereignty they prefer: a democratic Oropia, where the modernized Gadà system functions as the native governance structure, or an independent Republic of Oromia.
Personally, I advocate for a democratic Oropia, using Oromic as the primary working language, and envisioning a federated, inclusive Ethiopia that operates essentially as Oropia in practice.
From “National Homelessness” to Political Clarity
The plight of Ethiopian nationals, particularly Oromos, in Saudi Arabia in 2013 was a painful chapter in Ethiopian history. In response, Jawar Mohammed famously declared, “We must take back our homeland to end the Oromo national homelessness.” While conservative pro-unity forces attempted to use this event to promote a forced unity narrative, it ultimately led to a reassessment and clarification of Oromo political objectives.
The Oromo people’s political vision is succinctly expressed as:
“Self-rule of Oromia and/or shared-rule of Oropia, with Oromia and Oropia representing the concept of Orompia.”
This vision accommodates multiple interpretations and strategic directions, allowing for different political paths among Oromo individuals and organizations:
- OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress): Advocates for self-rule within Oromia and shared-rule within Oropia as a multinational federation.
- OLF (Oromo Liberation Front): Supports the self-rule of Oromia as an independent republic.
Oromo members within multinational parties (e.g., Meison): Favor shared-rule within Oropia, conceptualized as a multi-regional federation.
Despite the variations in strategy, all factions are united in the common goal of freeing the Oromo people from historical and structural domination. Disagreements over the post-liberation sovereignty model should be settled via a public referendum once freedom is achieved.
Six Models of Post-Freedom Sovereignty
Oromo political thought has identified six potential models of post-liberation sovereignty:
- Independent Oromia (Gadà Republic).
- Confederation of Free Nations (Union Oropia).
- Multinational Federation (A genuine transformation of the current system)—Orompia.
- Multi-regional Federation (Integrative Oropia beyond ethnic boundaries).
- Dis-federation (Kenyan-style county autonomy within Oropia).
- Integrated Unitary State (Centralized Oropia).
Currently, only the first, third, and fourth models are actively pursued by Oromo political organizations. Regardless of the model chosen, all aim to dismantle the oppressive system established by the Biltsiginna regime and its dictatorial leadership.
Elections Under Oppression: A Futile Ritual
The May 2021 election is another stark example of the authoritarian nature of the Biltsiginna regime. Much like the elections held under Stalin, Saddam Hussein, or Mengistu Haile Mariam, it was more a spectacle of force and manipulation than a genuine democratic process. True democratization is impossible before the dismantling of the colonial political system.
In Ethiopia, electoral politics is not merely a contest of ideas; it is a struggle for survival and control between nations. The system remains one of colonial domination, in which the Oromo, along with other groups, are governed by an alien and imposed political elite.
Attempting to “democratize” an empire without first dismantling its colonial system is akin to expecting an apartheid South Africa to transition to democracy without dismantling apartheid itself.
The Way Forward: Decolonization Before Democratization
The path to freedom for the Oromo and other subjugated nations in Ethiopia involves:
- Civil disobedience.
- Armed resistance.
- Public uprisings.
Elections should not be viewed as a means to power, but as opportunities to expose authoritarianism and rally the populace. True democratization can only follow after decolonization, when nations attain self-rule and exercise popular sovereignty.
Toward a Union of Free Peoples
A potential solution to forge unity among Ethiopia’s diverse nations is the concept of a Union of Free Peoples—a federation based on voluntary participation. This model can serve as a common platform for all opposition movements, whether they are pro-independence, pro-federation, or pro-unity.
The current fascist regime thrives on division, manipulating both nationalist and unionist camps to neutralize meaningful resistance. Therefore, all freedom-seeking forces must unite under the shared goals of decolonization and democracy.
Whether the future involves:
- An Independent Oromia (as envisioned by the OLF),
- An Ethnic Federal Oropia (the OFC’s vision),
- Or an Integrated Oropia (the path pursued by Meison),
All of these paths are valid expressions of Oromo popular sovereignty. Ultimately, a referendum will determine the preferred future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ato Lidetu should not fear the disintegration of Ethiopia. Instead, he should support the transformation of Ethiopia into a just and inclusive polity—Oropia. The Oromo people will ultimately secure one of three futures: an independent sovereign Oromia, an Oromia within a federated Oropia, or an integrated democratic Oropia led by Oromo ideals. May Wàqa guide us toward that future—one built on freedom, justice, and the unity of free peoples.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... ve-oropia/