The Lion (OLF) Has Fatally Wounded the Hyena (Naftagna) and the Fox (Woyane) — Now It’s Time to Kill the Wolf (Shabiya)!
By Fayyis Oromia*
It’s encouraging to observe that both the Fox and the Hyena are already severely injured. Now, it seems to be the right time to kill the Wolf. Lately, I have been hearing and reading that the three historical enemies of the Oromo in general, and of the OLF in particular, are trying to cooperate in order to fight Dr. Abiy and his administration. However, under the pretext of opposing Dr. Abiy, their real intention is to reconquer Oromia and reoccupy Finfinné.
Even though Dr. Abiy is not entirely loyal to the Oromo cause, when it comes to the three beasts (the Hyena – Naftagna, the Fox – Woyane, and the Wolf – Shabiya) trying to take him down, I advocate that the entire Oromo people and other oppressed nations support him in order to prevent these forces from regaining control of Finfinné.
In particular, the neo-Naftagnas are bragging about a potential victory over the OLF, similar to what they claim they achieved against the TPLF. They are comparing their struggle against the Fox to the current fight against the Lion (OLF) and the Oromo people in general.
They claim that their primary enemies are the “16th-century migration of Galla” and the now-thriving Oromummaa(Oromo identity). By framing it this way, they are clearly targeting the Oromo people as a whole—not just the ruling party—as their enemy. This is equivalent to a real Hyena declaring war against a real Lion. Expectedly, the Lion is now biting the Hyena mercilessly. The Hyena has no chance of escaping, unlike its past survival against the Fox. This marks the beginning of the end for the Hyena and its oppressive system. Farewell to the poor Hyena that foolishly provoked the Lion. The next target is the Wolf.
I hope Dr. Abiy will soon conclude negotiations with the OLA and enable the formation of a transitional government in Oromia, where OPP can share power with OLA, OFC, and the OLF. That would give him a stable power base to confront the current main enemy of the Oromo—Shabiya, which supports the extremist Naftagnas.
One thing is clear: the OLF (the wounded Lion) has already defeated the Fox and the Hyena, but is now keeping an eye on the Wolf. Is now the right time to destroy the Wolf too? The OLF appears to be doing an impressive job in three directions—as the rebel OLA, the opposition OFC, and the ruling OPP. I have always advocated for the OLF to pursue the path of regime infiltration through Biltsigina, rather than limiting itself to opposition (OFC) or armed struggle (OLA). It seems genuine Oromo nationalists, with the OLF mindset of Bilisummaa (freedom), are influencing Biltsigina under Dr. Abiy, enabling it to support the Oromo cause and undermine the three [ deleted ] forces of Abyssinia: the Naftagna, Shabiya, and Woyane.
It appears that the OLF is successfully working through Biltsigina to eliminate these three oppressive forces, one by one. A new, inclusive Cushitic Ethiopia—with Afaan Oromoo and Agawigna as federal languages and access to the Red Sea—is a vision that is coming into focus. A Horn of Africa led by Oromia is a real and attainable future. If Dr. Abiy is committed to realizing this modern Oromo vision, he will be welcomed by genuine Oromo nationalists. I believe the time has come to return the Assab coast to its rightful owners—the Afar people—and to ensure their autonomy in the future federal system of the Horn.
After eliminating the three beasts, the peoples of the region—especially the Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—can finally coexist in long-term peace and mutual respect.
Reflections on Ethiopia’s Revolutions and Elites:
What a tragedy for the peoples of Ethiopia! We paid a huge price during the last three revolutions—1974, 1991, and 2018. Yet each time, we were betrayed by dictatorial elites from three dominant groups: the Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo, respectively.
- The 1974 revolution was hijacked by the Amhara-dominated Derg.
- The 1991 revolution was exploited by the Tigrayan-led Woyane.
- The 2018 movement has been reversed by the Oromo-colored Biltsigina.
All three elite factions have governed with brutal authoritarianism. During the Derg, Amhara elites ruled while Tigrayan and Oromo elites rebelled. Under Woyane, Tigrayans enjoyed privilege while Amhara and Oromo elites were sidelined. Today, Biltsigina favors a specific Oromo elite faction at the expense of Amhara and Tigrayans. The common thread among all three regimes is their fascist nature.
To be fair, there were democratic Amharas who stood against the Derg, some genuine Tigrayans who opposed Woyane, and now many just Oromo nationalists fighting against Biltsigina. Hopefully, the next revolution will lead to a democratic system that respects the God-given rights of all nations and peoples in Ethiopia.
Why Did Democratic Leaders Turn into Dictators?
It’s ironic that the leaders of all three revolutions—Mengistu, Meles, and Abiy—began as reformers but ended as oppressors.
- Mengistu was a well-intentioned officer during the 1974 revolution.
- Meles had a clear vision when he seized power in 1991.
- Abiy was almost seen as a messiah when he began ruling in 2018.
But why did they all become fascists? I believe they were infected by the “Naftagna virus,” under the guise of promoting “Ethiopiawinet,” which in practice is just Amaranet. This virus is subtle but powerful. It slowly manipulated these leaders into serving Amhara interests, often at the expense of their own people.
The manipulation followed five steps:
- Gaining the leader’s attention.
- Brainwashing them with the cause of “Ethiopiawinet.”
- Romanticizing Amaranet.
- Enslaving their minds.
- Using them to implement the Naftagna agenda.
This psychological control extends to many Oromo elites currently serving the interests of Finfinné palace under Abiy Ahmed. Thus, the three Ms—Mengistu, Meles, and Meshrefet (Abiy)—started as democratic revolutionaries but became dictatorial reactionaries.
On Oromo Unity and the Struggle Ahead
Dr. Meshrefet (Abiy Ahmed) has cracked down on the OLF, to the celebration of Oromophobic Abyssinians. Historically, no force from the north has been able to defeat the Oromo; it was always internal betrayal that weakened us. The last three dictators—Mengistu, Meles, and Abiy—each used Oromo collaborators to subjugate their own people. The OLF resisted all three regimes but was repeatedly undermined by Oromo traitors.
All three leaders promised freedom, equality, and democracy:
- Mengistu said “Yaleminim dem” (bloodless revolution), but massacred hundreds of thousands.
- Meles preached “Ye biher netsanet” (ethnic self-rule) but centralized control.
- Abiy declared “The Oromo are finally free,” but betrayed Oromummaa to preserve the status quo of Amaranetdisguised as Ethiopiawinet.
Their shared enemy? The OLF and its call for Bilisummaa (freedom). To weaken the Oromo liberation movement, these regimes exploited the internal division between two main ideological camps among Oromo nationalists.
The Two Main Oromo Perspectives:
- The Unity-Oriented Perspective:
This group believes that the Oromo are original Cushites, and that many modern Ethiopians (Amhara, Tigrayans, etc.) are assimilated descendants of Oromo ancestors. Based on this historical interpretation, they argue for staying united with Abyssinians and envision a liberated Oromia within a united Ethiopia. Some even advocate for broader Oromo-led regional integration, including a revival of Oromo identity among those who have lost it.
- The Liberation-Oriented Perspective:
This group acknowledges potential ancient ties with Abyssinians but focuses on the more recent colonial history—specifically the late 19th-century subjugation of Oromia by Abyssinian rulers during the Scramble for Africa. Their goal is full liberation of Oromia from Abyssinian domination, possibly followed by voluntary regional cooperation among free nations.
- The Ambivalent Middle Group:
These individuals shift between the two views based on personal background and political pragmatism. Many of them support a federal Ethiopia with limited autonomy, but without demanding full Oromo self-determination. However, this moderate mindset is increasingly losing ground as the Oromo struggle becomes clearer and more radicalized.
Habesha Historical Narratives as Tools of Control
Some Oromo nationalists warn that accepting the narrative that “Abyssinians are Oromo in origin” can undermine the liberation movement. Habesha elites use this theory to argue against the separation of Oromia by saying, “We are one people.” This rhetorical move dilutes the momentum for full self-determination. Whether or not these claims about history are true, they have been strategically weaponized to pacify the Oromo struggle.
My position is clear: Leave history to historians. We must act based on our current reality, not ancient origins. Today, the Oromo are marginalized and oppressed. That’s what matters. We don’t need to accept or deny any historical claims to pursue freedom. What’s important is the Oromo people’s will, as expressed through a public referendum. Freedom is our goal—regardless of history.
What Is Oromummaa, Really?
Oromummaa isn’t just about ethnic origin or language. It’s about identifying with the Oromo people, our liberation struggle, our language (Afaan Oromoo), and our culture. Many biological Oromos have turned against their people. For me, a true Oromo is someone who embraces this identity and dedicates themselves to the cause of Oromo freedom.
Conclusion: Onward Toward Freedom
Regardless of the version of history one accepts, we must unite around our shared goal: a free, sovereign Oromia, within a possible future union of free peoples in the region. Our journey has made real progress:
- The monarchy was dismantled — one step forward.
- Mengistu and the Derg were overthrown — two steps.
- Meles and the Woyane were removed — three steps.
- Now, whether we confront or co-opt Meshrefet/Abiy, the fourth step will complete our journey.
As long as Dr. Abiy is undermining the three scavengers—the Hyena (Naftagna), the Wolf (Shabiya), and the Fox (Woyane)—he can be strategically supported by Oromo nationalists. Let these three beasts destroy each other. And may Waaqaa help the Lion.
Galatooma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/2 ... ne-by-one/