Integrative Oropia as a Goal (Kaayyo) of High Confidence, and Independent Oromia as That of Low Confidence
By Fayyis Oromia*
From the very beginning, Oromo elites have pursued three different goals (kaayyoo) regarding the future sovereignty of Oromia after achieving freedom from Abyssinian elite oppression. While all three share the common goal of securing the Oromo people’s bilisummaa (freedom), they differ on the kind of sovereignty (walabummaa) they envision for Oromia after liberation.
Now, it seems we are free from the classical Abyssinian elites—both Amhara and Tigrayan. Unfortunately, we remain under the control of “hybrids” (biologically or psychologically mixed individuals). These hybrids are characterized by reverence for Amarigna/Amarannet rather than respect for Oromiffaa/Oromummaa. Even when biologically Oromo, they are mentally enslaved by a psychological Amhara identity. Their commitment to maintaining Amarigna as the dominant language, relegating Oromiffaa to a secondary role, demonstrates this.
In fact, Afaan Oromo should rightfully be the primary working language of all federal institutions. Now is the time to get rid of these hybrids. Hopefully, genuine Oromo nationalists within the OPP will prevail and eliminate these internal obstacles in order to address the Oromo people’s key demands—making Afaan Oromo the federal working language, reintegrating Wollo into Oromia, and placing Finfinne under Oromia’s administration.
After that, we can choose from the following three types of sovereignty:
- Haile Fida’s vision: High confidence in transforming Ethiopia into Oropia—an Oromummaa-led state with a geography-based federation, without a distinct Oromia.
- Lencho Lata’s vision: Intermediate confidence in forming a democratic, language-based federal Ethiopia led by Oromummaa—Oromia within Oropia.
- Galasa Dilbo’s vision: Low confidence, focusing on liberating only Oromia, ignoring the parts of the Oromo nation already Habeshanized or Somalized—Oromia without Oropia.
In summary, Oromo elites are exploring three models of sovereignty to be implemented after achieving full freedom from the current dictatorial regime of Biltsiginna. Over the past 50 years, they have been fighting for bilisummaa. After the first revolution that ended the monarchy, we achieved about one-fourth of our freedom. With the defeat of the Derg, we gained half. The fall of the Woyane brought us to three-quarters. Once we overcome the Biltsiginna dictatorship, we will achieve full bilisummaa—100%.
At that point, it will be up to the people’s will to determine which model to implement: a con-federation (OLF), an ethno-federation (OFC), or a geo-federation (OPP—if that is indeed the party’s goal, as often alleged).
If Afaan Oromo becomes the primary working language of federal institutions, then the OPP’s approach may be a promising path of high-confidence politics, favoring Oropia over the smaller Oromia pursued by the OLF. However, in this transitional phase—where Amarigna/Amarannet still dominates—OFC’s intermediate approach may be more realistic. The OLF’s low-confidence goal of confederation could serve as a fallback option if the other two paths are not viable.
Regardless, Oromo forces must act in unity to prevent the return of Abesha forces to power in Finfinne. Oromo nationalists should consolidate Angoo Oromo (Oromo power) in Finfinne, return the city to Oromia’s administration, and promote Afaan Oromo as the primary working language of the federation.
If you have followed Oromo politics closely, you would notice that all Oromo elites and organizations are pro-union. Labeling them as separatists was a tactic used by the TPLF to drive a wedge between Oromos and the centralist anti-TPLF Amhara elites. The TPLF itself was centralist (pseudo-federalist) while in power and only turned separatist after losing power.
Eritrean elites were separatists; Amhara forces remain centralist. The Oromo, historically and currently, are federalists (unionists). During the Zemene Mesafint, Oromo rulers applied federalist principles. The five Odaa of Oromia during the Gadaa system also reflected federalism. Today, almost all major Oromo organizations remain pro-union.
For example:
- OFC is explicitly federalist.
- OLF, according to its mission, is also unionist:
“The fundamental objective of the Oromo liberation movement is to exercise the Oromo people’s inalienable right to national self-determination to end a century of oppression and exploitation, and to form, where possible, a political union with other nations on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and voluntary association. The OLF’s commitment is based on democratic principles—the right of the Oromo people to choose their preferred form of sovereignty and political union.”
Even the pro-independence fronts are not opposed to union in principle; they simply prioritize independence first, leaving union as a secondary option. In contrast, OFC prioritizes union while keeping independence as a fallback. Political values such as freedom, unity, and democracy are not just political goals—they are rooted in Oromo tradition. That’s why Oromo elites today are converging around the common denominator of bilisummaa.
At this juncture, it is crucial that both the ruling Oromo Prosperitans and opposing Oromo Republicans come together to negotiate a path forward and maintain Oromo leadership in the future Cushitic Ethiopia. The two Habesha oppressors—the assimilationist Amhara elites and hegemonist Tigrayan elites—must not be allowed to reclaim power in the Finfinne palace.
Especially now, Oromo Republicans must be cautious not to fall into the traps of these Abesha forces. If Dr. Abiy’s Oromo-led government loses power, we must ensure that Oromo Republicans are prepared to fill the power vacuum and block the return of Abesha domination.
In general, for the future union to truly serve Oromo interests, all Oromo elites must agree on implementing five key principles:
- Freedom from systems of domination
- Afaan Oromo as the primary language of the union
- Democracy as the political framework
- Renaming Ethiopia to Oropia
- Adopting the black-red-white Cushitic flag for the union
If these principles guide the future democratic Ethiopia, then a geo-federated, predominantly Afaan Oromo-speaking democratic Ethiopia—de facto Oropia—will be a smart and advantageous political outcome.
If OPP can become the agent of this noble vision first articulated by Dr. Haile Fida, we will know in the near future. One fact remains clear: Oropia, in scale and vision, is nearly twice the size of Oromia. Therefore, Oromo nationalists of high confidence should strive for Oropia, while those of low confidence may settle for Oromia.
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/1 ... onfidence/