Mereja.Forum

Dr. Abiy is neither Mengistu H/Mariam nor H/Mariam Desalegn, Also not Baro Tumsa!

As Dr. Abiy came to power, he got a triangular support from the three major ethnic camps (Amhara, Tegaru and Oromo). Amhara elites saw in him Mengistu H/Mariam, whom they could use in the name of Ethiopiawinet. Tegaru elites thought that they can manipulate him as a puppet, just as they did to H/Mariam Desalegn. For certain Oromo elites, he just came to implement what Dr. Baro Tumsa once envisioned. Slowly, all the three corners saw that he is neither of the mentioned personalities. At least, it is clear that Amhara elites can not instrumentalize him like Mengistu H/M and Tegaru elites could not use him as H/M Desalegn. Not yet clear is wether he can be considered the same to Dr. Baro Tumsa or not. Up to now, he is rather an anti-thesis of Baro. If his attempt to comeback to Oromo camp recently will change the vector can be seen in the near future.
Read more: https://fayyisoromia.wordpress.com/2023 ... aro-tumsa/

At that time, also I wrote: “Baro’s message is already done and the Oromo are in power, but are we ready to fulfill Fayyis’ idea of keeping Oromo’s power in Caffee Araaraa by any means?”. Now, after two years, I doubt if Dr. Abiy is the right person to realize Dr. Baro’s vision. Obbo Baro Tumsa (1938–1978), pharmacist, lawyer, Oromo nationalist and political leader in Oromia was said to be one of those mainly responsible for formation of the OLF. He was one of the revolutionary students in 1960s – who once spoke: “We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. In order to do this, we must clandestinely organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of the young educated Oromo like you, to disseminate the spirit of Oromo nationalism when you return to your respective communities. We can only change the deplorable condition of our people by being tolerant to one another and reestablishing a necessary Oromo national unity. In this way, we can build a strong organization, capture state power and take actions that facilitate fundamental social transformation.”