Prerequisites for De-Killilization, De-Ethnization, and Democratization of Oropia (Oromummà-led Ethiopia)
By Fayyis Oromia*
It is long overdue that Ethiopia in the form of Amapia (an Amaranet-dominated country) is slowly but surely dying, while Ethiopia in the sense of Oropia (an Oromummà-led country) is rising. At this transitional phase, it may be acceptable to defend and maintain the current Killil-based federation. However, in the long run, Oromo forces must strive to preserve and strengthen the integration and unity of our greater home—Oropia.
To achieve this, de-Killilization, de-ethnization, and democratization of the country are essential. The key prerequisites for this transformation include:
- Consolidation of Oromo power in the Finfinne Palace,
- Promotion of Afàn Oromô as the primary working language of the federation, and
C- reation of a common citizen identity (Ethiopiawinet) defined in Oromo terms—that is, a de facto Oropiawinet—by gradually undermining the overemphasized ethnic identities.
Once these steps are taken, it may be possible to reorganize regional administrations. For example, the Amhara Killilcould be divided into Wolqayit, Agaw, Gondar, Gojjam, and Shoa; and the Oromia Killil into Macca, Tullama, Wollo, Arsi, Barentu, and Borana. These regions, as parts of Oropia, could then each have their own parliament and government.
Currently, both Amhara elites and Prosperitans led by Dr. Abiy Ahmed are calling for the amendment of the Ethiopian constitution and the dismantling of the ethnic federation. The Amhara elites understand very well why this serves their interests. As long as the dominance of Amaranet and Amarigna continues under the guise of “Ethiopiawinet,” these constitutional changes will only help consolidate their power and accelerate Amarization.
Oromos and other nations oppose this hidden agenda, which uses Ethiopiawinet as a pretext to reinforce Amarization. If constitutional change and federation restructuring are truly necessary, they must be preceded by replacing Amarigna with Afaan Oromo as the primary working language across all federal institutions—Palace, Parliament, Government, Judiciary, Military, Security, etc. Only then can we see whether Amhara elites and their pro-Amaranet allies will continue to advocate for Ethiopia and Ethiopiawinet. This is why Oromo republicans must focus on capturing power in the Finfinne Palace and enforcing the language shift to Afaan Oromo, instead of trying to merely defend the existing constitution and federation.
The million-dollar question remains: Is Dr. Abiy committed to maintaining the dominance of Amarigna—thus preserving Ethiopia as Amapia—or is he genuinely dedicated to promoting Afaan Oromo as the primary language of the federation, thereby transforming Ethiopia into Oropia?
If he is aligned with the latter, he will be celebrated by the Oromo as a confident Oropianist, implementing the original vision of Dr. Haile Fida. As I have stated many times, Oromo nationalists initially supported an independent Oromia due to low confidence, later opted for federal union during our transitional phase with growing influence, and now seem ready—with rising confidence—to promote the vision of a united Oropia.
If Dr. Abiy is serious about building Oropia on the grave of Amapia, then transitioning from ethnic to geographic federation poses no threat. In fact, geo-federation within Oropia serves Oromo interests best. Could this be the true meaning behind Dr. Abiy’s statement in Parliament:
“We, the Oromo, will never dismantle Ethiopia, because we need it = Itiyophiyan inifeliggalen”?
Lastly, it is worth noting that most Abyssinians are either of Agaw or Oromo origin. King Theodros, of Agaw descent, committed severe atrocities in Gondar and beyond. Similarly, King Menelik, of Oromo origin, also perpetrated violence—first on the Tulama and then on others. Yet, the Agaw people, despite being victims of Theodros, now lionize him and celebrate his legacy. Conversely, the Oromo largely reject and condemn Menelik and his actions. Why this contrasting interpretation of similar historical figures? Perhaps because Theodros targeted Amharanized Agaws with the backing of non-Amharanized Agaws, while Menelik attacked non-Amharanized Oromos with support from Amharanized Oromos.
Galatoomaa.
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/1 ... -ethiopia/