Destiny of Ethiopia on the Grave of Amapia: Becoming Oropia or Birthing Oromia?
By Fayyis Oromia*
I believe that Abiy Ahmed’s regime will be the last dictatorship in Ethiopia—in essence, the final chapter of an Amapia (Amharanet-dominated Ethiopia). What follows will be either the democratization or disintegration of the country. Either outcome will allow the Oromo to achieve sovereignty.
Democratization of Ethiopia would equate to a transformation into Oropia—an Oromumma-led, inclusive, and diverse “rainbow” state. On the other hand, disintegration would lead to an independent Oromia. Between the two, Oropia (a “gross salary” approach) is more advantageous than Oromia (“net salary”). That is why preserving national unity and territorial integrity is in the best interest of the Oromo.
The only path left for those wanting to prevent Oromo sovereignty—either through Oromia or Oropia—is to maintain the dictatorship. But that is increasingly impossible. It’s inspiring to see Oromo nationalists aligning around the vision of transforming Ethiopia into Oropia, rather than seeking disintegration. Let us unite to dismantle this last dictatorshipand build a democratic, inclusive Ethiopia as a shared home for all peoples.
A Clear Line Must Be Drawn
One thing must be clear: there can be no return of the Amhara Naftagna or Tigrayan hegemonists to the palace in Finfinne. Both must be continuously checked, and to do so, all Oromo political forces must cooperate and act in unity.
It is commendable that the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is active across three fronts:
- As a rebel force (OLA),
- As a legal opposition (OFC),
- And within the ruling structure (OPP).
Particularly, infiltrating and influencing the OPP from within to advance Bilisummaa is more pragmatic than external rebellion or legal opposition alone.
The Spectrum of Oromo Political Visions
The future may lead to one of the following outcomes, reflecting current ideological currents:
- Independent Oromia, as originally proposed by the OLF under Ob. Galasa.
- A confederated Oromia, as currently advocated by Jal. Marroo and the OLA.
- An ethno-federal Oromia, envisioned by the OFC and Dr. Merera Gudina.
- A geo-federated Oropia, supported by Oromo elites like Dr. Negasso Gidada, now aligned with Andinet.
- An integrative Oropia, as envisioned by Dr. Haile Fida, promoting Afaan Oromo as the primary national working language.
Ethiopia’s Five Political Directions
- The country is at a crossroads with five competing political forces proposing five different futures:
- Amharigna-dominated geographic federation, promoted by Ezema and Dr. Berhanu Nega.
- Amharigna-dominated multinational federation, championed by EPP and Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
- Confederation of states, advocated by OLF and Ob. Dawud Ibsa.
- Oromiffa-led multinational federation, envisioned by OFC and Dr. Merera.
- Oromiffa-led geographic federation, as proposed by Dr. Haile Fida of Meison.
Which of these will prevail? Time will tell. The first two reflect pro-Amharanet aspirations; the last two are pro-Oromumma. These blocs are fundamentally antagonistic. A compromise appears to be the third option—a confederation—accepted by groups like the OLF, TPLF, ONLF, and other liberation fronts.
Given the deep hostility that pro-Amharanet groups exhibit towards an Oromumma-led Ethiopia, the OLF’s vision may ultimately prove inevitable.
Historical Context and Struggle for Freedom
When President Barack Obama once described the regime in Finfinne as a “democratically elected government,” many Ethiopians—particularly Oromo—disagreed. The Oromo have long resisted external influences and colonialism, whether from the Middle East, Europe, or internal imperial forces.
Historically:
-The Oromo repelled Portuguese and Ottoman invasions in the 16th century.
-They fought against Italian colonialism at Adwa and during WWII.
-They led or participated in numerous resistance movements, coups, and revolutions—including in 1974 and the 2005 mass uprising.
Despite this, Oromo liberation has faced immense obstacles:
-Suppression by Abyssinian elites, backed by global powers.
-Betrayals such as the Sabotage of the OLF in 1992 and the 2006 invasion of Somalia aimed at crushing the OLA.
Nevertheless, the Oromo people continue to chant: “Give me liberty or give me death.” This slogan, historically attributed to Patrick Henry, has become a rallying cry for all oppressed nations seeking freedom.
Time for Unity Against Fascism
The Oromo and other oppressed peoples must unite against fascist regimes, whether they go by the name TPLF, EPRDF, or otherwise. Just as the world united against Nazi Germany, liberation fronts of various ideologies must form alliances to topple the current tyranny.
For too long, opposition groups have been divided by TPLF disinformation, and some “scholars” have posed as unity advocates just to undermine liberation struggles. But genuine groups must now aim their energy at the real oppressors, not at each other.
We must push for a coordinated inclusive revolution—led by legal opposition, rebels, or spontaneous uprisings. No peaceful election process alone will dislodge a deeply entrenched dictatorship. It will take civil disobedience, resistance, and possibly armed struggle.
The slogan must be: “Give me liberty or give me death = Bilisummaa ykn Du’a = Netsanet weyim mot!”
Despite President Obama’s words, the regime in Finfinne was never democratically elected. It ruled by force. And now, Abiy Ahmed’s Biltsiginna continues that oppression. Just as we defeated EPRDF-1, we will defeat EPRDF-2. May Waaqa help us again!
Galatôma!
REad more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/04/0 ... -me-death/