Adanech Abebe Declaring Afan Oromo as School Language of Finfinne is a Right Step in the Right Direction!
By Fayyis Oromia*
It is truly good news that children in Finfinne will now learn Afan Oromo. This is indeed a right step in the right direction. The final goal, of course, should be the promotion of Afan Oromo as a primary working language of the federation, including Finfinne. This is also the right time for the Amhara region to teach Afan Oromo to its children. Otherwise, there is no reason for the Oromia region to teach Amharic to Oromo children. It should be tlt for tat. Anyone who opposes learning Afan Oromo has no moral ground to demand that Amharic be taught in Oromia, including in Finfinne.
Other national regions (Tigray, Somali, Afar, Sidama, etc.) should have the option to choose from federal languages to teach their children in addition to their mother tongue and English—not necessarily just Amharic. Afan Oromo as a federal language can be an excellent choice for other nations to learn as a third language. In general, Dr. Berhanu’s three-language school policy (1. mother tongue, 2. English, and 3. one federal language) is a good solution to Ethiopia’s language conflict.
Now is the time for Oromo elites to come to their senses. Our people have long suffered under the oppressive yoke of Abyssinian elites. We must be effective and consolidate our Aangoo (power) at the Finfinne palace, while also promoting Afan Oromo as a federal working language. We should empower the Oromo people against the brutal oppressors—those Habesha forces trying to regain power, and the Hybrid elites currently in power who are obstructing our full freedom. One way to empower the Oromo camp is to stop the propaganda each of our organizations directs against the others.
What is Propaganda?
According to Wikipedia: “Propaganda is a communication aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position. Rather than providing impartial information, propaganda often presents facts selectively to encourage a particular synthesis, or uses emotionally loaded messages. The goal is to influence the audience’s attitude to support a political agenda.”
Propaganda is usually emotional, not intellectual. It shares techniques with advertising and public relations, both of which can also be considered forms of propaganda. I believe this is the positive side of propaganda—promoting one’s own agenda and opposing an enemy. The negative side is when it is used against fellow rivals, exaggerating their flaws.
So, what is the purpose of the propaganda between Oromo organizations? Whose cause does it really serve? It’s encouraging that many Oromo organizations now agree to stop attacking each other. But until recently, the propaganda between some OLF factions has been downright disgusting. That’s why I have always opposed such abhorrent infighting.
Instead of negative criticism, they should demonstrate a better way forward. The Oromo people support organizations not based on who makes the most noise but on who leads most effectively. It’s unfortunate to see OLF vs. OLF—as if we need opposition within rebel parties. Are we so naïve that we don’t see the damage we are doing to the Oromo movement? Or are we victims of smart enemies who ride us like horses to do their bidding?
First, it was OLF against OLF, then AWO against OLF, then ODF against OLF, and now OPP against OLF! What a shame for genuine Oromos, and what a win for fake Oromos working subtly against the Oromo cause. Oromos—wake up, watch, and walk! Let’s stop the destructive propaganda and focus our fight on the real enemy: the Abyssinian system of dictatorship.
The positive propaganda should be about promoting our own strengths—not denigrating fellow Oromo rivals who are fighting for the same cause.
What is War?
Wikipedia defines war as: “A reciprocated, armed conflict between two or more non-congruous entities, aimed at reorganizing a subjectively desired, geopolitical outcome. It is the continuation of political intercourse by other means.”
So, what is the geopolitical goal of the Oromo? Who is the main enemy blocking this goal? If war is a “struggle of wills,” can we identify what the Oromo will is—and what our enemy’s will is? Do all Oromo political organizations pursue the same Oromo will, or do they each have different visions?
When we see OLF factions attacking each other, it raises serious concerns: are they truly fighting for the same Oromo cause? Why are they more aggressive toward each other than toward the main enemy? Do they think this benefits the Oromo?
I assure them: the Oromo community is fed up with their bickering. What we now want is vision and wisdom. Even if unity is not immediately possible, mutual respect and cooperation toward our shared goal are essential. The more they attack each other, the more they lose the public’s respect.
One faction has recently minimized its propaganda, which we commend. The other faction’s media, however, remains focused on attacking its rival rather than confronting the Abyssinian dictatorship. If this continues, it will lose Oromo support gradually. I advise all factions: stop the nonsense and be smart—channel your energy toward defeating the true enemy.
I hope this idea is noble and respected by all factions seeking to consolidate Aangoo. Unfortunately, both active OLF factions still rely too heavily on propaganda. Let me offer some advice:
To the first group: Stop crying about the “Boddesa group” and show us you’re the Durressa. Stop attacking “reactionary oldies” and prove you’re the young progressives. Don’t complain about the “divisive Shane”—demonstrate that you are the integrators.
To the second group: Stop mocking the “Gosumma of Micirama” and show us your Oromummaa. Don’t talk about the “enemy’s hand behind Micirama”—show us your own strength and integrity. Instead of cursing the “fake OLF,” work to become the most trusted and respected OLF.
This is the mindset we need. Let’s stop internal propaganda and focus our full efforts on resisting the Abyssinian dictatorship. To succeed in our messaging, we must first empower the Oromo community—give them confidence and strength to preserve and exercise Aangoo.
We should celebrate Irreecha (Irressa, Irénsa) in its dual meaning: thanksgiving and empowerment. Let us give thanks to Waaqaa and empower our nation. This can happen in two ways: by coming together before Waaqaa in unity, and by eliminating anything that divides or weakens us—like infighting and propaganda.
I hope this year’s Irreecha becomes a turning point—where the Oromo people are truly empowered for the struggle ahead.
Finally, let us not forget: Abyssinian dictators are very active in the cyber world, disguising themselves as members of different OLF factions to stir up conflict in forums, Paltalk rooms, and websites. Recently, they’ve introduced a new tactic—dividing Oromos by generation: “Qubee generation vs. Old generation.” They frame it as progress versus stagnation, but we see through their motives. We are ready to confront such tricks.
However, the propaganda we hear from OLF-affiliated media cannot be blamed on them. It is a mistake of our own leaders. Once again, I urge all OLF factions and Oromo organizations: stop the propaganda against fellow Oromos and intensify the fight against our archenemy—Abyssinian dictatorship, including the defeated Habesha elites and the ruling hybrid elites led by Abiy Ahmed.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/01/1 ... direction/