The Only Oromo Specific Struggle: Promote Afàn Oromô as the Primary Working Language of Ethiopia!
The only specific struggle for the Oromo is regarding the promotion of Afàn Oromô to the primary working language of all federal institutions like the palace, parliament, cabinet, military, justice and security. Other political themes like federalism, democracy, peace, prosperity, national unity, territorial integrity, etc belong to all nations in Ethiopia. How pitiful it is to see Oromo nationalists—leaders, members, and supporters of the OLF—now serving in the Ethiopian parliament, attempting to speak perfect Amharic instead of respecting and using Afàn Oromô. These individuals once struggled for the promotion of Oromo culture and language, making it hard to imagine they would now aspire to become “better” Amharas.
Where is the difference between the parliaments of the Monarchy, the Derg, the Woyane, and that of Biltsiginna? They all had Oromo rulers—Haile Selassie, Mengistu, Nagaso, and Abiy—and the majority of parliamentary members were Oromos who revered Amharanet/Amharigna rather than honoring Oromummà/Oromiffà. These individuals now strive to outdo native Amharas in promoting Amhara culture and language. Such a slave mentality was not expected from ex-OLF leaders and members now sitting in parliament.
Ethiopia, still using only Amharic in all federal institutions, continues to serve the interests of [ deleted ] Amhara elites—experts in manipulating Oromo rulers in the Finfinne palace. I hope Abiy Ahmed will be the last Oromo to be used in this way. Genuine Oromo nationalists—whether in OFC, OLA/OLF, or OPP—must break this vicious cycle by promoting Afàn Oromô as the primary working language of all federal institutions (palace, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, security, military, etc.). This should be the core purpose of the Oromo struggle, whether we achieve an independent Oromia or a transformed, integrated Ethiopia—Oropia—led by Oromummà.
Oromo Unity and Strategic Clarity
Thanks to the increasingly uncertain situation in the Abyssinian Empire, debates within the Oromo national camp are—slowly but surely—producing beneficial outcomes. The growing tendency of Oromo nationalists to halt internal conflicts and understand each other is an encouraging development. The OLF is now back home. Notably, the step taken by the Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) in opposing negative propaganda against any part of the Oromo national liberation movement was a groundbreaking moment that helped end senseless internal disputes.
We must constantly revisit the unproductive conflicts of the past to learn from them. Only when we refuse to repeat past mistakes can we be sure we’ve grown from experience. Consider, for example, the conflict between IFLO and OLF, which claimed many lives; the fragmentation of the OLF into various factions; and the discord between ODF and OLF—all of which led to unnecessary loss of talent, energy, and time that should have been invested in the national struggle.
Misidentified Conflicts and Foes
When examining the causes of these conflicts, it becomes clear they were often based on misinterpretations—treating reconcilable differences in approach as irreconcilable ideological divisions. Shockingly, some Oromo freedom fighters still fail to grasp this, despite nearly 50 years of active participation in the national struggle.
The false dichotomy of “Ethiopian democratization” versus “Oromian liberation” has been exploited by enemies of the Oromo movement to sow discord and prevent unity. However, as I have argued repeatedly, these goals are complementary, not contradictory.
The two groups in the Abyssinian colonial bloc (seeking either Oromia’s extinction or occupation) are foes to be opposed without compromise. Meanwhile, the two camps within the Oromo liberation movement are rivals with reconcilable strategies—one favoring autonomy as a step to independence, the other demanding immediate independence. These are not enemies.
Evolutionary vs. Revolutionary Approaches
The tension between Oromo groups pursuing autonomy within Ethiopia and those demanding full independence is artificial. The evolutionary approach (autonomy first) and the revolutionary approach (immediate independence) can both serve the same ultimate goal. These paths are not mutually exclusive.
For example, rejecting autonomy as a transitional step is like a refugee in a Kenyan camp refusing a transit visa to London on his way to Washington, choosing instead to suffer indefinitely while waiting for a direct flight. Such logic is self-defeating.
Both paths—genuine autonomy or direct independence—should be used strategically. Their pursuit should not divide us. Let the Oromo people, via referendum, decide the final status.
Strategic Alliances and Missteps
Some Oromo nationalists oppose any alliance with Abyssinian opposition forces. However, such alliances—when done tactically—can weaken the common enemy. Remember, even desperate Abyssinian forces responded positively when one OLF faction opted for autonomy within Ethiopia. Meanwhile, other OLF factions emphasized the continued pursuit of full independence, maintaining pressure. Both strategies—the carrot and the stick (shankoora fi shimala)—are necessary, if used wisely.
In 1974 and 1991, we missed historic opportunities. To avoid repeating this, Oromo forces must engage directly at the center of power—Finfinné palace—not retreat. Diaspora movements should support the cause diplomatically and financially, not replace the home-based struggle.
Let’s not forget how colonial masters remove effective opposition by offering asylum or scholarships. This tactic neutralized the ELF in Eritrea, sidelined the OLF in 1992, and muted the Medrek bloc around 2010. Understanding this manipulation is critical.
The Way Forward: From Ethiopia to Oropia
Victory requires Oromo unity, strategic clarity, and wise use of every opportunity. Whether in alliance or opposition, all forces must prioritize freedom and sovereignty for the Oromo people—either through genuine autonomy within Ethiopian union or through independence in a union of free peoples.
The struggle must aim to replace Amharic domination with a truly inclusive and multilingual federalism—starting by promoting Afàn Oromô as the primary working language. This would mark a genuine transformation of the empire into a democratic union—Oropia.
Let us never forget: “Walī galan, alà galan.” United we stand—divided we fall.
Galatôma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/03/2 ... -struggle/