Paradigm Shift in Oromo Politics: Towards De-Abeshization and Re-Oromization of Abyssinia
By Fayyis Oromia*
What a remarkable paradigm shift! Oromo nationalists once pursued the goal of liberating Oromia from Abyssinia, based on the belief that Abyssinians were non-Oromo colonizers. Now, it is becoming evident that Abyssinians are, in fact, Oromo who lost their identity over the past 3,000 years of Solomonization—much like how Eastern Oromo were culturally assimilated over the past 1,500 years through Somalization. We are witnessing the beginning of Re-Oromizationfor both the Solomonized and Somalized Oromo across the Horn of Africa.
The process of De-Abeshization must start now. It is heartening to hear some Oromo nationalists—who once advocated for an independent Oromia—now speaking about their vision for an integrated Oropia (an Oromummaa-led Ethiopia). They are beginning to perceive Abyssinia as part of Oromia, realizing that it is more beneficial to re-Oromize the Abyssinians than to separate from them. For the Oromo, fostering a larger, integrated Oropia (akin to our gross income) is preferable to sustaining a smaller Oromia (our net income).
To achieve this Re-Oromization, it is imperative to promote Afaan Oromoo as the country’s primary working language, replacing Amharic. This is possible—whether under the current administration of Dr. Abiy or under a future one.
Truly, the original content of Ethiopiawinet was Kushawinet in general, and Oromummaa in particular. Since the false Solomonization of the Ethiopian Christian kingdom in 1270, there has been an ongoing Amharization of this original Ethiopiawinet = Kushawinet = Oromummaa. Today, Ethiopiawinet is equated with Amaranet. This falsified version of Ethiopiawinet is what most Oromo nationalists vehemently reject, which is why they advocate for the Re-Oromization of this corrupted identity.
As part of this vision, making Afaan Oromoo the primary working language of the federation—replacing Amharic—is essential. However, Oromo Prosperitans, led by Dr. Abiy, are sabotaging this process by clinging to the status quo, revering Amharic instead of respecting and promoting Oromiffa. This tendency to maintain Amhara linguistic dominance aligns the Prosperitan regime with past authoritarian regimes such as the Derg and TPLF. Thanks to the continued efforts of Oromo Republicans, this third anti-Oromummaa dictatorship will eventually fall, and the de-Amharization and Re-Oromization of Ethiopiawinet will prevail.
The power struggle among Ethiopia’s three competing nations—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—is ongoing. With both the ethiofascist Amhara and ethnofascist Tigrayan elites out of power, certain Oromo elites now have a chance to lead after 150 years of struggle. Unfortunately, some Oromo Prosperitans and Republican leaders are mismanaging this rare opportunity. Abyssinian elites are fueling tensions between the two Oromo factions. Amhara elites back the Prosperitans in their campaign to weaken the OLF and its Republican base, while Tigrayan elites encourage the Republicans to confront the Prosperitan regime. Both Oromo blocs have become pawns in this game, attacking each other. May Waaqaa open their eyes before they fail the Oromo people in front of the international community.
Ethiopia belongs to whichever nationality holds the key to power in Caffee Araraa (the Finfinne Palace). Until 1991, that key was held by Amhara elites, making Ethiopia de facto Amapia (Great Amhara = Amaranet-dominated Ethiopia). Today, Amhara elites nostalgically cling to a vision of their assimilative Ethiopia. From 1991, power shifted to Tigrayan elites, making Ethiopia a Great Tigray, which they sought to maintain at any cost. Now, the Oromo struggle has removed this key from Habesha elites. If the Oromo choose to lead Ethiopia rather than merely liberate Oromia, we can build an inclusive Ethiopia—Oropia (Great Oromia = Oromummaa-led Ethiopia).
The key distinction lies in the process. Amapia and Great Tigray were built on dictatorial rule. Oropia, by contrast, will be born through democratic transformation. This is why both Habesha groups pay lip service to democracy while actively opposing it. The Oromo people and other marginalized nations must push wholeheartedly to dismantle the Biltsigina system and build a democratic Ethiopia. Any group that opposes this transformation is welcome to exercise its right to self-determination, including secession. Therefore, the question of self-determination should not be Oromo’s burden alone; it should also concern distant nations like the Amhara of Bahir Dar and the Tigrayans of Mekelle.
To retain control over Caffee Araraa, both pro-independence Oromo and unionist Oromo from OPP should work together. They can use the state power in Finfinne to either realize an independent Oromia or build an integrated Oropia, based on the public will of the Oromo people. This was the vision of Obbo Baro Tumsa 50 years ago when he stated:
“We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. To achieve this, we must clandestinely organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of young, educated Oromo like you to disseminate the spirit of Oromo nationalism when you return to your communities. We can only change the deplorable condition of our people by being tolerant of one another and reestablishing necessary Oromo national unity. In this way, we can build a strong organization, capture state power, and take actions that facilitate fundamental social transformation.”
I once believed this vision had been fulfilled when Dr. Abiy assumed leadership at Caffee Araraa. However, his stance toward the OLF has been disheartening. At times, he has sounded as authoritarian as Mengistu Haile Mariam. It was not due to any favor from him that the OLF returned from Asmara. The Oromo struggle freed both Obbo Dawud from EPLF and Dr. Abiy from TPLF. Thanks to the sacrifices of Oromo youth, Obbo Dawud now sits in his Gullalle office and Dr. Abiy in Caffee Araraa. Neither can claim sole credit for the victory.
My short message to both is this: calm down and resolve the conflict between Oromo Prosperitans and Republicans through ilaa fi ilaamee, supported by our Abbaa Gadaa. Otherwise, you will become mere playthings of Abyssinian elites, working to eliminate one another and failing the Oromo nation. The fact remains: Prosperitans will never destroy the OLF—not even the Derg or TPLF could. Any such attempt will mark the beginning of their own end in Oromia. Likewise, the OLF cannot overthrow its opponents through force, but it can squander the opportunity for cooperation and hinder the Oromo from leading a future democratic Ethiopia—a de facto Oropia.
May Wàqa guide you.
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/2 ... abyssinia/
Re: Paradigm Shift in Oromo Politics: Towards De-Abeshization and Re-Oromization of Abyssinia
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” Bertrand Russell
It is not enough that they should aspire to live as equals, dumb Oromos now want to dominate! Intelligent Oromos like Jawar see the danger in that idiotic dream! When Ethiopia crumbles, everyone will lose but the biggest losers will be Agames and Oromos!
It is not enough that they should aspire to live as equals, dumb Oromos now want to dominate! Intelligent Oromos like Jawar see the danger in that idiotic dream! When Ethiopia crumbles, everyone will lose but the biggest losers will be Agames and Oromos!