Ethiopian Orthodox Church Achieves Symbolic Victory for Pro-Amharanet Bloc and Systematic Victory for Pro-Oromummà Camp!
By Fayyis Oromia*
We have heard about the current resolution to the conflict within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Superficially and symbolically, it appears to be a victory for the pro-Amharanet bloc. The previously established Oromia synod has surrendered to the Ethiopian synod, disappointing its Oromo supporters and providing an opportunity for anti-Oromummà forces to further exploit Oromia’s resources. However, beneath the surface, this solution marks a systematic takeover of the entire Ethiopian Orthodox Church by the pro-Oromummà camp.
The conservative, anti-Oromummà church is now compelled to officially use Afaan Oromoo as its working language. This was signaled by the recent press release issued in Afàn Oromô for the first time in the church’s nearly 2,000-year history. The Church will now serve the Oromo people in their own language, and a change in leadership is expected—from the current 85% Amhara composition to the demographically appropriate 60% Oromo. This slow and systematic “Oromization” of the Church may prove more beneficial in the long term, much like the ongoing subtle Oromization of Ethiopia as a whole, gradually moving towards the formation of a Oropia rather than a smaller Oromia.
The Ideological Conflict in Ethiopia
The central political conflict in Ethiopia has long been between two elite camps: Amharianists, camouflaged as “Ethiopianists,” and Oromianists, who reject an Ethiopiawinet defined by Amharanet. The former promote Amharic language and culture under the guise of national unity, while the latter respect Oromummaa and advocate for true democracy and the right of nations to self-determination.
Within the Amharianist bloc, we see:
Great Amharianists – represented by elites in parties like EZEMA, who promote Amharic dominance under the label of Ethiopianism.
Republican Amharianists – like NAMA, who explicitly advocate for the self-determination of the Amhara people and for the establishment of a Republic of Amaria.
Within the Oromianist camp, there are:
Republican Oromianists – such as the OLF, who fight for an independent Oromia.
Great Oromianists – like the OFC, who envision transforming Ethiopia into a democratic state led by Oromummaa.
At present, both Republican and Amhapianists have allied with Abiy Ahmed’s ruling party (EPP), marginalizing Oromo voices by continuing to prioritize Amharic in governance. Though Afàn Oromô is the language of the majority, it remains secondary to Amharic in state institutions. Abiy Ahmed, like Mengistu and Meles before him, functions as a Trojan horse—maintaining Amhara dominance while claiming inclusivity.
The Nature of Ethiopianism
Ethiopia is a multi-national state where the Oromo (40%) and Amhara (25%) make up the majority. Historically, Ethiopian statehood has been dominated by Amharanet and Amarigna. This dominance has been preserved through dictatorial systems—the naftagna system. Any movement toward democracy challenges this status quo, as true democracy would likely result in Oromo leadership due to demographics. Therefore, the conflict can be reframed as a struggle between dictatorship (Amharanet in disguise) and democracy (Oromummà).
There are two competing definitions of Ethiopianism:
- Amharianist Ethiopianism – synonymous with Abyssinianism and Habeshanism, often anti-Cushitic, colonial, racist, and dictatorial.
- Oromianist Ethiopianism – rooted in Cushitic heritage, Afrocentric, democratic, egalitarian, and pro-self-determination.
This ideological distinction is essential for understanding not just historical oppression but also the path forward for genuine unity and democratic governance in the Horn of Africa.
Conflict and Its Resolution
Conflict is often more than just a disagreement—it’s a clash of interests. In Ethiopia’s case, the conflict is ideological, not ethnic or biological. It is not a typical class-based political controversy as seen in mono-national states. Rather, it is a struggle between distinct national identities: Habeshism/Amharianism, characterized by authoritarianism and cultural domination, versus Oromianism/Cushitism, characterized by self-determination, liberty, and democracy.
The Abyssinian system has long repressed Oromo culture, language, and religion (Waaqeffannaa). However, Oromo nationalism is rising. The ideology of Oromummaa is being embraced as a counter-force to Habeshism. This struggle will not be won by military force alone, but through persistent advocacy for democratic values and respect for national rights.
Even as some Abyssinian elites speak the language of democracy, their refusal to support the right to self-determination exposes their true allegiance to Habeshism. Genuine democratic forces must support this right unequivocally.
The Oromo Liberation Struggle
Internal division among Oromo nationalists over independence versus integration is counterproductive. These concepts are more relevant to peripheral minorities like the Tigrayans. For a majority group like the Oromo, the real question is whether to pursue an independent Gadaa Oromia or an integrated Great Oromia (democratic Ethiopia). Both options must be decided by the Oromo people through informed debate and democratic processes.
The accusation that Oromo forces are “anti-Ethiopia” is a misleading tactic used by defenders of Habeshism. In reality, true Ethiopianism and Oromianism are intertwined. The Oromo struggle is about reclaiming and redefining Ethiopian identity in its original Cushitic context.
Final Reflections
We must cleanse the name “Ethiopia” of its Habeshist contamination and restore its Cushitic roots. A future democratic Ethiopia—Oropia—should be represented by a new symbol: a mixed flag featuring the Odà surrounded by golden rays, reflecting both the OLF’s heritage and the aspirations of a united, free Ethiopia.
The battle between Habeshism and Cushitism is indeed irreconcilable, and it must end in a victory for Cushitism. This will only be possible through unity among Oromo nationalists and inclusive solidarity with other oppressed nations. Whether Oromia becomes an independent state or leads a new democratic Ethiopia, the struggle must remain focused on dismantling authoritarianism and promoting freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Galatôma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/02/1 ... umma-camp/