Amhara and Oromo Political Elites Dialogue Should be Welcomed by All for Peaceful Co-existence.
Posted: 22 Nov 2019, 19:10
Amhara and Oromo Political Elites Dialogue Should be Welcomed by All for Peaceful Co-existence.
But, what should be the key points that need to be discussed and agreed upon in near future?
Now PM Abiy Started the Real Work of Visionary Leader. I have to compliment the work of PM Abiy Ahimed (PhD) in bringing together Oromo and Amhara political elites to negotiate on peaceful co-existence as of Nov 14, 2019. This discussion has to continue at wider level including activists and technocrats. The unity of these two big nationalities is the foundation and sovereignty of this country as recorded in all modern historical document of Ethiopia including bringing an end to Islam and Christian War in Ethiopia (except during Atse Yohannes Reign in North Ethiopia), instituting the first Federal System in North Ethiopia, the Glorious Victory of Adowa and putting an end to Italian invasion and occupation in 1935/6-40/1.
Our common enemy is bad governance (system) not the people. Of course governance is culture and path dependent; and how bad it was and it is, may not be understood equally by all. We have to solve our differences through dialogue on equal footing and putting oneself into the shoes of another. The struggle against bad governance system with full passion, to bring about a change of the system, should not be extrapolated to fighting the people, and by extension, the country.
Key points that needs to be discussed and agreed upon in near future should be:
I. History
a) Both have to acknowledge that the unity of these two big nationalities is the foundation and sovereignty of this country as recorded in all modern historical document of Ethiopia including bringing an end to Islam and Christian War in Ethiopia, the Glorious Victory of Adowa and putting an end to Italian invasion and occupation in 1935/6-40/1.
b) Both have to acknowledge that the joint effort of Menelik and Gobena had brought important positive outcome in bringing together independent but small Kingdoms/ Fiefdoms/ Provinces of Amhara and Oromo, which outweighs the negative incidents and outcome in doing so.
c) Both have to agree and swear for the peaceful co-existence of these people and refrain from working to benefit one at the expense (be it moral, social or economy) of the other. The struggle against the ruling class with fervor to bring about a change of the system should not be extrapolated to fighting the people, and by extension, the country.
d) Both have to agree that the ‘neftegna system’ (governance by gun), which continued to be the case until TPLF era with its various forms, should be considered as old and archaic system which was inherited from old days practiced by several nations, especially in Europe and Arab world; including in some independent Kingdoms (states) of Oromo ethnic group such as Jimma, Leqa Nekemte, Lega Wollega, etc.
e) Both have to agree that, regardless of whatever happened in the past, (1) not to dwell much and spend their time and energy in counting negative incidents and (2) Refrain from defending and glorifying or promoting the negative incidents of old days and historical narratives.
II. Language and Education:
a) Both have to acknowledge that Oromo and Amahra are the dominant ethnic group constituting 35% and 27% of the total population of Ethiopia (2007 est);
b) Both has to acknowledge that Amharic by virtue of historical incidence is spoken in almost all urban centers of Ethiopia, currently by 29.3% of the population of Ethiopia (2007 est), while Afaan-Oromo is widely spoken in all Regional States by much larger population of Ethiopia, currently 33.8% (2007 est)
c) Therefore, both have to agree that, Afaan Oromo and Amharic should be the official working languages of the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
d) Both have to agree that Afaan Oromo, Amharic, and English should be taught in all schools in Ethiopian territory as 'national language' of Education starting from Grade-1.
e) Both have to agree that educational institution, especially higher learning institution, should be free from politics. Involving educational institution in politics or using it as a forum for political intrigue should considered as a treason.
III. Governance and Legal System.
a) Both have to agree that the era of monolithic Ethiopia is over and too much compartmentalization is also not good for the unity of the country and mutual co-existence. Therefore, the government structure should remain ‘Multinational Federal System’ to build the Greater Ethiopia, by harnessing the culture and norms of its multicultural society. The number of States should be decided by the experts (technocrats) in Federalism and Development Economics, based on thorough study and analysis with the involvement of people from both as well as the other ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Previous study during the Derg Era, by Institute of Ethiopian Nationalities Study, can serve as a base. If not they have to agree to amend and adapt the independent Kingdoms/ Gada Administration/ Governorate/ Province/ Territory between 1850-1940, which are about 45 Kingdoms/ Administration Territories.
b) Both have to agree that the Constitution has to be re-written in way it adapts our own Democratic System that exist among and/or practiced by both Oromo (Gada System) and Amhara society, if any as well as other ethnic groups of Ethiopia.
c) Both have to agree that at least to adapt that election period (to take place every 8 years); forbidding formation of dynasty (passing power from a Father to Son or other relatives), forbidding monopoly of government authorities (power) by family, etc.
d) Both have to agree that the power to govern has to be entrusted to a person or group through free and fair election by the People of Ethiopia to form the Federal Government, by the People of the Regional States to form Regional Government.
e) Both have to agree that our legal system should be tuned towards reconciliation, where the person, community, group or institution found guilty has to compensate, and the victim (litigant) get compensated, be it morally and/or financially, and concluded with reconciliation, instead of simply ending with punishment alone or revengeful mentality.
IV. Land and Related Resources Administration
a) Both have to acknowledge student movement and ‘Derg’ for abolishing Landlord – Tenant relationship in 1975 (Yekati 1967 EC), which was archaic feudal system implanted in Oromia and Southern Ethiopia.
b) Both have to agree that grabbing of Oromo land, especially within and in the vicinity of Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) by any means, including under the cover of religion and religious institution, investment, urban expansion or rehabilitation, etc., considered as treason.
c) Both have to agree that Oromo community (man and/or women) has unalienable, indisputable, irrefutable and undeniable rights to land and natural resources under Oromo community or individual Oromo man or women. No Oromo man and women in Ethiopia dispossessed his/ her land (land under his/her title) without his/ her will for any purpose including for public purpose or religious services.
d) Both have to agree that Amhara community (man and/or women) has unalienable, indisputable, irrefutable and undeniable rights to land and natural resources under Amhara community or individual Amhara man or women. No Amhara man and women in Ethiopia dispossessed his/ her land (land under his/her title) without his/ her will for any purpose including for public purpose or religious services.
V. Culture and Religion
a) Both have to acknowledge that ‘The Gada System’, as a system of governance, is very unique and extraordinary civilization in Ethiopian history, as well as African and the world. And it should be respected and nurtured as unique inheritance of Ethiopia.
b) Both have to agree to consider ‘Waaqefana’, in which irrecha is a sub-set, as a unique, holy and blessed religion of Africa origin; and annual Irrecha holiday should be celebrated as National Thanksgiving Holiday.
c) Both have to agree that ‘ALL RELIGION: Waaqefana, Christina, Islam, should be respected. And RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS’ should be considered as sacred place. No religion and religious institution is cursed and attacked.
d) Both has to agree that No religious institution, whether it belongs to Waaqefana, Christina, Islam followers, get involved in politics or serve or being used by any group as a forum for political motives.
e) Both have to agree that involving religious institution in politics or using it as a forum for political intrigue is a treason.
I hope these will serve as primary points of discussion and agreement to live in "POVERTY FREE NATION WHERE JUSTICE and PEACE PREVAIL
But, what should be the key points that need to be discussed and agreed upon in near future?
Now PM Abiy Started the Real Work of Visionary Leader. I have to compliment the work of PM Abiy Ahimed (PhD) in bringing together Oromo and Amhara political elites to negotiate on peaceful co-existence as of Nov 14, 2019. This discussion has to continue at wider level including activists and technocrats. The unity of these two big nationalities is the foundation and sovereignty of this country as recorded in all modern historical document of Ethiopia including bringing an end to Islam and Christian War in Ethiopia (except during Atse Yohannes Reign in North Ethiopia), instituting the first Federal System in North Ethiopia, the Glorious Victory of Adowa and putting an end to Italian invasion and occupation in 1935/6-40/1.
Our common enemy is bad governance (system) not the people. Of course governance is culture and path dependent; and how bad it was and it is, may not be understood equally by all. We have to solve our differences through dialogue on equal footing and putting oneself into the shoes of another. The struggle against bad governance system with full passion, to bring about a change of the system, should not be extrapolated to fighting the people, and by extension, the country.
Key points that needs to be discussed and agreed upon in near future should be:
I. History
a) Both have to acknowledge that the unity of these two big nationalities is the foundation and sovereignty of this country as recorded in all modern historical document of Ethiopia including bringing an end to Islam and Christian War in Ethiopia, the Glorious Victory of Adowa and putting an end to Italian invasion and occupation in 1935/6-40/1.
b) Both have to acknowledge that the joint effort of Menelik and Gobena had brought important positive outcome in bringing together independent but small Kingdoms/ Fiefdoms/ Provinces of Amhara and Oromo, which outweighs the negative incidents and outcome in doing so.
c) Both have to agree and swear for the peaceful co-existence of these people and refrain from working to benefit one at the expense (be it moral, social or economy) of the other. The struggle against the ruling class with fervor to bring about a change of the system should not be extrapolated to fighting the people, and by extension, the country.
d) Both have to agree that the ‘neftegna system’ (governance by gun), which continued to be the case until TPLF era with its various forms, should be considered as old and archaic system which was inherited from old days practiced by several nations, especially in Europe and Arab world; including in some independent Kingdoms (states) of Oromo ethnic group such as Jimma, Leqa Nekemte, Lega Wollega, etc.
e) Both have to agree that, regardless of whatever happened in the past, (1) not to dwell much and spend their time and energy in counting negative incidents and (2) Refrain from defending and glorifying or promoting the negative incidents of old days and historical narratives.
II. Language and Education:
a) Both have to acknowledge that Oromo and Amahra are the dominant ethnic group constituting 35% and 27% of the total population of Ethiopia (2007 est);
b) Both has to acknowledge that Amharic by virtue of historical incidence is spoken in almost all urban centers of Ethiopia, currently by 29.3% of the population of Ethiopia (2007 est), while Afaan-Oromo is widely spoken in all Regional States by much larger population of Ethiopia, currently 33.8% (2007 est)
c) Therefore, both have to agree that, Afaan Oromo and Amharic should be the official working languages of the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
d) Both have to agree that Afaan Oromo, Amharic, and English should be taught in all schools in Ethiopian territory as 'national language' of Education starting from Grade-1.
e) Both have to agree that educational institution, especially higher learning institution, should be free from politics. Involving educational institution in politics or using it as a forum for political intrigue should considered as a treason.
III. Governance and Legal System.
a) Both have to agree that the era of monolithic Ethiopia is over and too much compartmentalization is also not good for the unity of the country and mutual co-existence. Therefore, the government structure should remain ‘Multinational Federal System’ to build the Greater Ethiopia, by harnessing the culture and norms of its multicultural society. The number of States should be decided by the experts (technocrats) in Federalism and Development Economics, based on thorough study and analysis with the involvement of people from both as well as the other ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Previous study during the Derg Era, by Institute of Ethiopian Nationalities Study, can serve as a base. If not they have to agree to amend and adapt the independent Kingdoms/ Gada Administration/ Governorate/ Province/ Territory between 1850-1940, which are about 45 Kingdoms/ Administration Territories.
b) Both have to agree that the Constitution has to be re-written in way it adapts our own Democratic System that exist among and/or practiced by both Oromo (Gada System) and Amhara society, if any as well as other ethnic groups of Ethiopia.
c) Both have to agree that at least to adapt that election period (to take place every 8 years); forbidding formation of dynasty (passing power from a Father to Son or other relatives), forbidding monopoly of government authorities (power) by family, etc.
d) Both have to agree that the power to govern has to be entrusted to a person or group through free and fair election by the People of Ethiopia to form the Federal Government, by the People of the Regional States to form Regional Government.
e) Both have to agree that our legal system should be tuned towards reconciliation, where the person, community, group or institution found guilty has to compensate, and the victim (litigant) get compensated, be it morally and/or financially, and concluded with reconciliation, instead of simply ending with punishment alone or revengeful mentality.
IV. Land and Related Resources Administration
a) Both have to acknowledge student movement and ‘Derg’ for abolishing Landlord – Tenant relationship in 1975 (Yekati 1967 EC), which was archaic feudal system implanted in Oromia and Southern Ethiopia.
b) Both have to agree that grabbing of Oromo land, especially within and in the vicinity of Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) by any means, including under the cover of religion and religious institution, investment, urban expansion or rehabilitation, etc., considered as treason.
c) Both have to agree that Oromo community (man and/or women) has unalienable, indisputable, irrefutable and undeniable rights to land and natural resources under Oromo community or individual Oromo man or women. No Oromo man and women in Ethiopia dispossessed his/ her land (land under his/her title) without his/ her will for any purpose including for public purpose or religious services.
d) Both have to agree that Amhara community (man and/or women) has unalienable, indisputable, irrefutable and undeniable rights to land and natural resources under Amhara community or individual Amhara man or women. No Amhara man and women in Ethiopia dispossessed his/ her land (land under his/her title) without his/ her will for any purpose including for public purpose or religious services.
V. Culture and Religion
a) Both have to acknowledge that ‘The Gada System’, as a system of governance, is very unique and extraordinary civilization in Ethiopian history, as well as African and the world. And it should be respected and nurtured as unique inheritance of Ethiopia.
b) Both have to agree to consider ‘Waaqefana’, in which irrecha is a sub-set, as a unique, holy and blessed religion of Africa origin; and annual Irrecha holiday should be celebrated as National Thanksgiving Holiday.
c) Both have to agree that ‘ALL RELIGION: Waaqefana, Christina, Islam, should be respected. And RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS’ should be considered as sacred place. No religion and religious institution is cursed and attacked.
d) Both has to agree that No religious institution, whether it belongs to Waaqefana, Christina, Islam followers, get involved in politics or serve or being used by any group as a forum for political motives.
e) Both have to agree that involving religious institution in politics or using it as a forum for political intrigue is a treason.
I hope these will serve as primary points of discussion and agreement to live in "POVERTY FREE NATION WHERE JUSTICE and PEACE PREVAIL