What Does Self-Determination Mean for the Oromo (Majority at the Center)?
By Fayyis Oromia*
As the Oromo people were historically marginalized from the center (specifically, Finfinne Palace), it was legitimate to talk about self-determination in the sense of Oromian autonomy or even Oromian independence. At the time, we lacked the confidence to claim the center and influence not only the country but also the region and the continent. But now, although we may not yet fully believe it, the two historically oppressive Abyssinian groups—the Amhara and Tigrayan elites—are no longer in control of the center. Oromo forces have claimed it, and they will remain there, unless we sabotage ourselves.
It is natural that different Oromo factions may compete for influence in the Caffé Aràrà (parliament), but we must ensure that the [ deleted ] Abyssinian elites never return. For me, self-determination means guaranteeing the flourishing and respect of our AAA—àdà (culture), afàn (language), and àngô (power)—within Oropia (Oromummaa-led Ethiopia), without limitation or restriction.
Is the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) under Dr. Abiy Ahmed prepared to realize this noble vision of Oromo self-determination? Can OPP, OFC, OLA, and OLF agree on this form of self-determination for our people?
Self-Deception and the Oromo Liberation Movement
A few years ago, a “breaking news” report from Ethiopia declared that 2010 (E.C.) marked the end of the armed struggle for Oromo liberation—implying the OLF was finished. Was that fact or fiction? Were the media deceiving themselves, or were they ignoring reality? Did their audience fall into a trap, celebrating with the TPLF camp while ignoring the truth?
Here, I highlight how nearly all stakeholders have lived in self-deception when it comes to the Oromo liberation movement:
- International power players, like the UK and USA, believed they could maintain stability in the Horn by supporting the TPLF and suppressing Oromo liberation. This strategy, however, clearly works against their long-term strategic interests.
- Unitarist forces in Ethiopia continue to romanticize a single, centralized nation while ignoring the legitimate demand of the Oromo for self-determination. They deny Oromo national aspirations, insisting that only individual freedom in a unitary Ethiopia matters.
- TPLF leaders, arrogant after their military success against the Derg, wrongly assumed they could rule over Oromia indefinitely. They failed to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.
- Collaborating Oromo individuals in the ruling party falsely claimed that the Oromo were already liberated and developing economically—an example of self-deception at its worst.
- Democratic federalists, who sincerely believe that Oromian autonomy within Ethiopia is the ultimate goal, also live under self-deception if they think the Oromo will never seek more.
- Some liberation fronts, who want to restrict the goal to an isolated, independent Oromia, also misjudge the broader vision of Oromo nationalism and regional integration.
Oromo groups who surrendered and joined TPLF, claiming that the Oromo question was solved, lived in the worst form of self-deception.
As long as Oromia remained under occupation, the OLF stayed alive—and grew. The only way to truly dissolve the OLF is by achieving genuine liberation for the Oromo, making such a movement unnecessary. Until then, the OLF has the potential to mobilize millions, even those within the ruling party.
The Gradual Rise of Oromo Nationalism
Oromo nationalism is like a rising sea level—slow but inevitable. Stakeholders may continue to deny or ignore it, but in time they will be overwhelmed. This movement is also like water slowly heating to a boil; its opponents may enjoy the warmth, unaware that they will be consumed when it reaches boiling point.
The Oromo liberation journey will continue—by any means—towards full self-determination. Stakeholders must acknowledge this reality and adjust for their own long-term interests. Even the oppressed masses within Amhara and Tigray should join this struggle for national self-determination, whether in parallel or alliance with the Oromo and other subjugated nations.
One Nation, One Goal – Through Multiple Paths
My call to OLF factions and Oromo liberation fronts has always been unity. Our people largely agree on the final goal; the paths differ, but the destination remains the same:
- Short-term: Oromia’s autonomy within a genuine federal system.
- Mid-term: Full independence of Oromia.
- Long-term: A union of free nations, possibly including or excluding Abyssinian states.
Some have tried to present only the immediate aim (federalism) as the final goal, portraying the OLF as being against it. But such misinformation, often spread by TPLF sympathizers, only seeks to divide us. No Oromo opposes true federation and democratization in Ethiopia as an interim step. Conflicts between short-, mid-, and long-term goals are manufactured; in reality, they are complementary steps.
The Path Forward: Oropian Union
Eventually, the Oromo people will decide whether autonomy is enough, or whether independence is necessary. Later, they may choose to form a union of free nations—Oropia—either with other oppressed nations or even with reformed Abyssinian states. Our journey is:
From subjugation → to federation → to independence → to voluntary union.
By framing our struggle this way, we:
- Help Oromo liberation movements coordinate rather than compete.
- Persuade unitarist Oromo individuals to accept a just union of free peoples over an imposed unity.
- Offer a sense of inclusion and reassurance to other oppressed nations.
- Address fears of rational Habesha elites who wrongly assume Oromo independence means exclusion.
- Reassure regional neighbors and the international community of our peaceful, inclusive intent.
Toward Success: Break the Vicious Cycle
To succeed, we must break cycles of regional, religious, and political division; overcome inaction; and reject negative subcultural distractions. Instead, we must embrace:
- Dedication to Oromummaa and national service
- Practical action over abstract theorizing
- Patience and perseverance
- Constructive criticism over blame
We must stop unfairly blaming our leaders for every failure while taking credit for their successes. Leading the Oromo liberation struggle is difficult—opponents include internal divisions, Abyssinian rulers, neighboring governments, and foreign powers. Yes, our leaders make mistakes, but our criticism should be constructive, respectful, and timely.
Final Thoughts: From Deception to Reality
Nations like England and Israel endured long occupations. Oromia’s 150-year subjugation is not unique. What is paradoxical is the global view that Ethiopia was “never colonized,” while one of Africa’s largest nations—Oromia—has been under internal occupation. Declaring Finfinne a “free African capital” while it remains occupied is a dangerous self-deception.
Time will reveal the truth. Whether others awaken or not, the Oromo will unite and move forward—from self-deception, through self-administration (OFC), to full self-determination (OLF). As the majority at the center, we have the moral responsibility to lead with justice and offer autonomy or independence to minority nations at the periphery, including the Amhara and Tigray.
Galatooma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/3 ... at-center/