The OLF-Mindset of Bilisummaa Is Doing a Good Job in the Ruling OPP of Dr. Abiy!
By Fayyis Oromia*
It is encouraging to see that OLF-minded individuals within the ruling party are making significant efforts and working effectively to persuade anti-Oromummaa elements. Slowly but surely, Oromo nationalists — active as rebels in the OLA, as opposition in the OFC, and as leaders in the OPP — are aligning their efforts toward the common goal of liberating Oromia and the Oromo people from Abyssinian elites’ manipulation and repression.
The Amhara elite’s attempt to manipulate Dr. Abiy for their own benefit appears to have failed miserably. Despite his efforts to satisfy their insatiable demands, Dr. Abiy has only earned their continued hostility and smear campaigns. It now seems that both parties have grown disappointed with one another, prompting Dr. Abiy to fully re-align with the pro-Oromummaa camp, distancing himself from the pro-Amharanet bloc.
To complete this shift, Dr. Abiy should promote Afaan Oromo as the primary working language of the federation, replacing Amharic. If implemented, this would allow all institutions — including the palace, parliament, cabinet, courts, military, and security apparatus — to operate primarily in Afaan Oromo. Encouragingly, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has already begun listing information first in Afaan Oromo, followed by Amharic, and then English. This order of priority should be adopted by all institutions and organizations.
The mindset of OLF-Bilisummaa is playing a guiding role in this transformation, inspiring genuine Oromo nationalists across the OFC, OLA/OLF, and OPP. I’m pleased to see this mindset encouraging unity of purpose among these diverse Oromo political actors. It is evident that some Oromo elites within the OPP are finally freeing themselves from the constraints of serving Amharanet at the expense of Oromummaa.
A Mindset of Unity and Purpose
Across Oromo communities, debates continue about the necessity of unity grounded in Oromummaa (Oromo nationalism) to consolidate our freedom. As I have highlighted in previous writings, a faction — including some Oromo and Afaan Oromo-speaking individuals — vehemently resists any cooperation among Oromo political forces. It’s difficult to understand how any rational Oromo could oppose such unity, yet this reality persists in both the online and real-world Oromo community.
Some actors deliberately attempt to portray Oromo political organizations as being in conflict with one another, insisting the divisions are irreconcilable. But the truth is quite the opposite. Contrary to what our foes claim, the OLF is no longer just a structured organization — it has become a mindset, a symbolic representation of the Oromo people’s desire for freedom and democracy.
What Is the OLF-Mindset?
A mindset is a mental framework — a set of assumptions or attitudes that shapes behavior and perception. The OLF-mindset is thus a freedom-oriented paradigm that motivates Oromo patriots across different political arenas. Even those Oromo individuals politically active in opposing camps or geo-federalist circles are often unknowingly influenced by this freedom-centered mindset.
According to this understanding, the OLF-mindset drives the struggle through a multi-tiered approach:
- OPP (bad, yet containing OLF-minded individuals preserving past victories)
- OFC (good, striving for Oromia’s autonomy within Ethiopia)
- OLA (better, pushing for Oromia’s independence)
- OLF (best, envisioning a union of free peoples across the region)
Each of these stages can be seen as steps in a journey from oppression to full emancipation. Just as I’ve metaphorically described before — moving from Djibouti (symbolizing oppression) to Dire Dawa (autonomy), then to Adama (independence), and finally to Finfinne (the ultimate goal).
Parallel vs. Series Frameworks
Some mistakenly adopt a parallel framework — seeing the goals of these organizations as contradictory. However, a series framework reveals that these goals are sequential and complementary. Recognizing this progression allows Oromo patriots to support each stage of the struggle without contradiction.
Unfortunately, our foes — particularly Habesha elites — deliberately create divisions among Oromo groups, using every possible line of fracture:
- Democratizers vs. Decolonizers
- Religious affiliations
- Regional identities (e.g., Wollaga vs. Arsi)
- Generational gaps (new vs. old)
- Even newer schisms like OLF vs. OLA or ABO vs. WBO are being exploited. But the Oromo movement’s strength lies in overcoming these artificial divisions through the unifying power of the OLF-mindset.
Unity for Liberty at All Levels
The OLF-mindset offers a strategic vision for Oromo liberation at four levels:
- National level – Securing Oromia’s independence and unity, with Finfinne as its undisputed capital.
- Federal level – Supporting an Ethiopian union as a voluntary and conditional framework of free nations.
- Regional level – Establishing a Horn of Africa union based on mutual respect and independence.
- Continental level – Embracing an African federation, with Oromia playing a central, symbolic role.
We must not compromise on Oromia’s liberty and unity, but we can remain open to broader unions as long as they respect the sovereignty and identity of the Oromo people.
Conclusion
Despite internal disagreements and external manipulations, the OLF-mindset continues to unify and inspire the Oromo liberation struggle. Our foes want us to dwell on past mistakes and divisions, but we must learn from the past without letting it paralyze our present and future. The future lies in coordination, mutual respect, and visionary leadership grounded in Oromummaa.
Now is the time for all Oromo patriots — across OPP, OFC, OLA, and OLF — to unite under the OLF-mindset and intensify a peaceful and inclusive struggle for liberation and democracy. Our collective strength is the only antidote to the divisive tactics of Biltsigina and its supporters.
To all Oromo activists working toward this vision — including figures like Jawar — I say: Well done! May Wàqa bless your efforts and guide all of us toward unity, freedom, and justice.
Galatooma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/02/1 ... f-dr-abiy/