Ato Lidetu’s Concern Should Not Be an Independent Oromia, But an Integrative Oropia!
By Fayyis Oromia*
I read and listened to Ato Lidetu Ayalew’s recent articles and interviews with great interest. His main concern appears to be the possible disintegration of Ethiopia should Oromia gain independence. His fear is rooted in the belief that an independent Oromia equates to Ethiopia’s collapse. However, I believe his concern stems from an outdated view of Oromo politics.
The vision of an independent Oromia was prominent during a time when the Oromo were politically powerless and insecure. Today, the situation has evolved. The Oromo people have gained a level of political consciousness, strength, and organizational confidence. Consequently, there has been a paradigm shift — away from the pursuit of an independent Oromia towards a more integrative vision of Oropia (Oromummaa-led Ethiopia).
We now envision an Ethiopia led by Oromo ideals and culture, where Afaan Oromo is elevated as the primary working language of the federation. In this future scenario, Oropia will be a de facto reality — a more inclusive and larger entity than an isolated Oromia. It makes little sense for a rational Oromo to choose a smaller Oromia over the potential of leading a greater Oropia. If any region were to secede, it would likely be areas like Amhara from Bahir Dar, not Oromia from Finfinne.
Thus, Ato Lidetu’s worry would be better placed in the context of promoting integration and transformation — not fearing separation.
Oromo Political Objectives: Freedom First, Sovereignty Second
It is a widely accepted truth that Oromo elites are united in seeking bilisummaa (freedom) for the Oromo people. However, they hold two broad positions regarding walabummaa (sovereignty) after achieving bilisummaa:
- Self-rule of Oromia (e.g., as an independent republic).
- Shared-rule within a federated or united Ethiopia (Oropia).
Although we have achieved some level of freedom from the dominance of old Abyssinian elites, a new form of oppression has emerged. The Prosperitan Oromo elites, led by Abiy Ahmed, represent a continuation of the same Amharanet (Amhara-centric domination) under different labels. This elite group supports a system that continues to marginalize Oromo interests under the guise of Oromo leadership.
We are now engaged in a new phase of the liberation struggle — not against a foreign oppressor but against internal dictatorship and betrayal. Once bilisummaa is achieved, the Oromo will democratically decide the type of sovereignty we prefer: either a democratic Oropia, where the modernized Gadaa system becomes the native governance structure, or a sovereign Republic of Oromia.
Personally, I support a democratic Oropia, using Afaan Oromo as its primary working language — a federated and inclusive Ethiopia, essentially Oropia in practice.
From “National Homelessness” to Political Clarity
We all remember the painful suffering of Ethiopians — especially Oromos — in Saudi Arabia in 2013. In response, Jawar Mohammed famously stated, "We must take back our homeland to end the Oromo national homelessness." While conservative pro-unity forces tried to use the incident to push their forced unity narrative, it motivated Oromo nationalists to reassess and clarify their political goals.
The Oromo people’s political vision is best summarized as:
“Self-rule of Oromia and/or shared-rule of Oropia.”
This objective allows for different interpretations and strategic directions by various Oromo individuals and organizations:
OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress): Self-rule of Oromia + shared-rule of Oropia (multinational federation).
OLF (Oromo Liberation Front): Self-rule of Oromia (independent republic).
Oromo members within multinational parties (e.g., Ezema): Shared-rule of Oropia (multi-regional federation).
Despite these differences, all share a common foundation — the pursuit of Oromo freedom from historical and structural domination. Political disagreements about the form of post-freedom sovereignty can and should be settled via public referendum after liberation.
Six Models of Post-Freedom Sovereignty
Oromo political thought has outlined six theoretical post-freedom sovereignty models:
- Independent Oromia (Gadaa Republic).
- Confederation of Free Nations (Oropia).
- Multinational Federation (genuine transformation of the current system).
- Multi-regional Federation (beyond ethnic lines).
- Dis-federation (Kenyan-style county autonomy).
- Integrated Unitary State (centralized Oropia).
From these, only models 1, 3, and 4 are being actively pursued by organizations. Regardless of the preferred model, all seek to end the current oppressive system led by Biltsiginna and its dictator.
Elections Under Oppression: A Futile Ritual
The May 2021 election was another demonstration of Biltsiginna’s authoritarian nature. Like elections under Stalin, Saddam, and Mengistu, it was a show of force and manipulation, not democracy. Genuine democratization is impossible before decolonization.
In Ethiopia, electoral politics is not just a battle of ideas; it's a struggle between nations for survival and control. The system remains one of colonial domination — where the Oromo, among others, are governed by an imposed and alien political elite.
Trying to “democratize” an empire without first dismantling the domination system is like expecting Apartheid South Africa to become democratic without first removing Apartheid.
The Way Forward: Decolonization Before Democratization
The path to freedom for the Oromo and other subjugated nations in Ethiopia involves:
- Civil disobedience
- Armed resistance
- Public uprisings
Elections should be viewed not as a path to power, but as opportunities to expose authoritarianism and mobilize the public. True democratization can only occur after decolonization, when nations gain self-rule and exercise popular sovereignty.
Toward a Union of Free Peoples
A potential solution for forging unity among Ethiopia’s diverse nations is a Union of Free Peoples — a federation based on voluntary participation. This middle ground can serve as the common platform for all opposition movements: pro-independence, pro-federation, and pro-unity.
The current fascist regime benefits from divisions between left and right, nationalist and unionist camps. It manipulates both sides to neutralize effective resistance. Thus, all freedom-seeking forces must come together on the shared agenda of decolonization and democracy.
Whether we achieve:
- An Independent Oromia (OLF’s path),
- A Federal Oropia (OFC’s vision), or
- An Integrated Democratic Ethiopia (Ezema’s route),
...all three are valid expressions of Oromo popular sovereignty. In the end, a referendum can determine the preferred outcome.
Conclusion
In summary, Ato Lidetu should not fear the disintegration of Ethiopia, but instead support the transformation of Ethiopia into a just and inclusive polity — Oropia. The Oromo people will ultimately achieve one of three possible futures: a sovereign Oromia, an Oromia within a federal Oropia, or an integrated democratic Oropia led by Oromo ideals. May Waaqa guide us toward that future — one shaped by freedom, justice, and unity of free peoples.
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... ve-oropia/