The Inclusive Revolution of ATO (Amhara, Tegaru, and Oromo) Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Salisawi Derg, i.e., Biltsigina!
By Fayyis Oromia*
Interestingly, we are back to square one. Ethiopia was once under the brutal rule of the fascist Derg and later under the racist TPLF (Dagimawi Derg). Above all, the Woyane regime specifically targeted the Oromo people and their resources, as well as the Amhara people and their land. In its effort to subdue (“likki le masgebat”) these two major nations and to prolong its exploitation, the TPLF leader Abay Tsehaye once arrogantly boasted of his plans.
We got rid of the EPRDF through an inclusive revolution. Woyane’s hegemony is over, and any attempt by the Naftagna to return is futile. Unfortunately, however, the same pattern of oppression has re-emerged. Thanks to Dr. Abiy, the former dictators have been revived and are now thriving as EPP, i.e., Biltsigina (Salisawi Derg). Today, they are suppressing genuine democrats from Oromo, Amhara, Tegaru, Somali, Sidama, and other communities under the pretext of promoting “Ethiopiawinet.”
The regime is once again instrumentalizing the historical tension between the two major groups to polarize and divide opposition forces. EPP is victimizing both the Amhara and Oromo peoples. To remove this new oppressor, we need an inclusive revolution, and I believe a triangular cooperation between Amhara, Tegaru, and Oromo is now essential.
This idea was sparked by a statement from the OFC during a past election campaign:
“Our plan is to use the opportunity to mobilize millions for the next round of the struggle. To this end, we have already ordered three million leaflets, among others. We call upon all to join us in the all-round struggle of our peoples for freedom and democracy.”
A well-formulated mission, indeed! Motivated by this, I decided to share my reflections, especially in response to a recent threatening message from the leader of Biltsigina.
The Divide-and-Rule Strategy of Biltsigina
Under Woyane rule, elections were just rituals—no one with a sound mind expected them to be free or fair. However, even such a flawed process was useful in mobilizing the oppressed and planting the seeds of inclusive revolution. Yet, there remains a large “elephant in the room” that we must address—the conflict between ‘pro-integration’ Amhara elites and ‘pro-independence’ Oromo elites. Biltsigina has masterfully exploited this division to block a united opposition.
The pro-integration elites dream of a united Ethiopia. The pro-independence elites seek self-determination and freedom from centralized rule. Each side assumes its view is the absolute truth. Meanwhile, Biltsigina knows these groups don’t trust each other and has used this mistrust to stall any joint revolution against the regime in the palace of Café Ararà.
The Urgency of an Inclusive Revolution
Now is the time for an inclusive revolution. Most citizens and nations in Ethiopia are calling for it. But Biltsigina is doing everything it can to prevent us from uniting. We know that as long as Biltsigina stays in power, we will continue to suffer—either as refugees abroad or as captives at home. The face-off between opposition camps has become an opportunity for Biltsigina to rule unchallenged.
We’ve heard it repeatedly: the two camps distrust each other so much that they would rather see Biltsigina continue than allow the other side to gain influence. Yet, a well-coordinated, nonviolent uprising, especially by the Oromo people and other nations, remains the best strategy to remove SD. The Oromo have nothing to lose. If SD falls, Finfinne (Addis Ababa) will likely return to Oromo hands, increasing Oromia’s chances for autonomy or even independence.
This is exactly why Biltsigina, its conservative elite allies, and their Western backers fear such a revolution. A democratic, pro-unity movement is not necessarily a threat to the Oromo cause. Even if full independence is not achieved, a multinational Ethiopian union can ensure autonomy. In fact, an inclusive and democratic Ethiopia could serve Oromo interests better than the assimilationist Ethiopia of the past.
Scare Tactics and Mistrust
Biltsigina manipulates existing divisions with scare tactics:
- “If a revolution erupts, Amhara elites will dismantle Oromia.”
- “If a revolution erupts, Oromo elites will destroy Ethiopia.”
- “The army will massacre civilians.”
- “It’ll become another Rwanda.”
- “There will be civil war and chaos.”
These narratives are designed to scare both camps away from unity. If we are serious about defeating SD, both blocs must be bold and ready to compromise. The pro-independence camp must be willing to risk not achieving full independence, while the pro-integration camp must be ready to risk a multinational federation or even separation.
The ‘Y’ Model: A Path Forward
Imagine the letter ‘Y’:
- The bottom represents the current situation under SD’s tyranny.
- The middle junction symbolizes freedom from oppression.
- The left top is the path toward independence.
- The right top is the path toward integration.
Both camps must move together from the bottom to the middle, even if they split paths afterward. After liberation, let the people decide through a referendum whether they want unity or separation.
Three Paths to Revolution
We have three options:
- Armed Struggle – Used by OLA and other liberation fronts; slow due to lack of external support.
- Electoral Struggle – Chosen by OFC and others, but not viable under this undemocratic regime.
- Popular Uprising – Untested in a coordinated and inclusive way, but potentially the most effective.
A combination of these three—strategically planned and executed—could bring success. That’s why Biltsigina is desperately trying to prevent such a revolution, particularly by using loyalists who speak Amharic and Afaan Oromo to sow division in both communities.
Conclusion: Time for the ATO Alliance
If revolutionaries in both camps truly want change, they must confront the elephant in the room. They must be realistic, embrace compromise, and respect the free will of the people, determined by referendum. Whether through a consensual multinational union or peaceful separation, public choice must be honored.
Let us not repeat the mistakes of Sudan, where two million lives were lost before separation. Dr. Abiy still has a chance to avoid that. But his divisive policies resemble Meles Zenawi’s tactics. To defeat SD, we need the same Oromara (Oromo-Amhara) alliance that helped dismantle Woyane.
Now is the time for an ATO alliance—Amhara, Tegaru, and Oromo—against the Salisawi Derg. Let Wàqa help us all uphold freedom and democracy as our shared values.
Galatoomaa!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/12/2 ... d-of-tplf/