Transformation of Addis Ababa to Finfinne and Ethiopia to Oropia
By Fayyis Oromia*
The annual celebration of Irreechaa in Finfinne signals the legitimate, expected, and natural transformation of Addis Ababa into Finfinne, and of Amapia (Amhara-dominated Ethiopia) into Oropia (an Oromummaa-led Ethiopia). This transformation, although gradual, is progressing steadily. Oromo nationalists—whether in the rebel front (OLA), the opposition party (OFC), or the ruling party (OPP)—are contributing meaningfully in unison.
The most critical element for ensuring the success of this transformation is the imminent elevation of Afaan Oromo to its rightful place as the primary working language of the palace, parliament, and other federal institutions, replacing Amharic. The long-standing practice of equating Amharanet with Ethiopiawinet must come to an end. Instead, all national identities must be acknowledged and celebrated, with Oromummaa leading the way—justified by the Oromo people's demographic size and geographic presence.
Such a diverse and multicultural Ethiopia can emerge as a "rainbow nation" with a composition such as:
- 40% Oromummaa
- 20% Agawinet
- 10% Amharanet
- 6% Somalummaa
- 5% Tegarunet
- 4% Sidamummaa
- 3% Guragenet
- 2% Afarummaa
- 10% representing the identities of other nations and nationalities.
At the beginning of the 2018 political transition, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s position was ambiguous enough that all three major forces in Ethiopia’s traditional power triangle—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—supported him. He enjoyed widespread popularity rarely seen in Ethiopian politics.
Amhara elites believed they could instrumentalize him, much like they did with Mengistu Haile Mariam.
Tigrayan elites hoped to manipulate him as they had with Hailemariam Desalegn.
Oromo elites cautiously supported him, hoping he would realize the vision of Baro Tumsa.
However, Abiy proved to be none of the three. Clearly, he is neither Hailemariam Desalegn nor Mengistu Haile Mariam. As for Baro Tumsa’s vision, he has not fulfilled it—at least, not yet. If he still intends to, time will reveal it. In the meantime, a reminder may be appropriate.
Baro Tumsa (1938–1978)—pharmacist, lawyer, Oromo nationalist, and political leader—was one of the key figures behind the founding of the OLF (Oromo Liberation Front). A revolutionary student in the 1960s, he once declared:
"We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. To do this, we must clandestinely organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of young, educated Oromos like you to disseminate the spirit of Oromo nationalism when you return to your communities. Only by being tolerant of one another and reestablishing Oromo unity can we build a strong organization, capture state power, and enact true social transformation."
The central question remains: Has the Oromo truly captured state power?
If yes, why have we not yet achieved the fundamental social transformation Baro envisioned?
If this transformation does indeed happen, Addis Ababa will fully become Finfinne, and Ethiopia will evolve into Oropia—an Oromummaa-led state both in form and content. Is it Dr. Abiy’s historic task to accomplish this vision? If he misses this opportunity to be the “Baro Tumsa in action,” history will judge him accordingly. If not by him, then genuine Oromo nationalists in OFC and OLF may fulfill this vision when they take over leadership from the OPP in the Finfinne palace.
We must remember: Northeast Africa has long been the homeland of the Oromo. The Greeks once referred to this land as Ethiopia, the Arabs as Al-Habesh, and the Jews as Cush. The Oromo, as a stem nation, have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years. Over time, the Oromo differentiated into various Cushitic-speaking nations. For the past 3,000 years, a process of Habeshanization has influenced many of these groups, causing some to lose their original identities and adopt the Ge’ez language and culture. This process eventually impacted even the Oromo and Oromia—leading to the renaming of their capital to Addis Ababa and the nation to Ethiopia.
Now is the time for the Oromo to reclaim both the city and the country. The city is already being reclaimed under its rightful name, Finfinne. It is time to begin reimagining the entire country as Oropia—not just the Oromo region—because in a truly democratic future, Ethiopia will be de facto Oropia.
To solidify this transformation, we must:
- Promote Afaan Oromo as the primary federal language,
- Adopt the Cushitic black-red-white flag as the national flag, and
- Rename the federal union as Oropia.
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/06/3 ... is-oromia/