Is Biltsigina Party of Dr. Abiy an Ethio-dictatorship like Derg or an Ethno-dictatorship similar to Woyane?
By Fayyis Oromia*
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Biltsigina Party of Dr. Abiy is neither committed to the liberation of Oromia as envisioned by the OLF nor to the leadership of Ethiopia under Oromummaa, as proposed by the OFC. It appears that this dictatorial party is repeating the patterns of the Derg’s WPE (an ethiofascist Ethiopia under a fake geographic federation) or the Woyane’s EPRDF (an ethnofascist Ethiopia under a fake ethnic federation). It is truly unfortunate to witness Oromo elites sabotaging the Oromo struggle for a third time.
The revolution of 1974, initiated by the Oromo nation, was undermined by Oromo elites led by Mengistu (an Oromo himself). The political shift of 1991 was sabotaged by elites in the OPDO. The 2018 movement is now being sabotaged by Oromo elites under the leadership of Abiy Ahmed. These three major revolutions were achieved through immense sacrifice by the Oromo people, yet each ultimately served to reinforce the dominance of Amharanet/Amarigna at the expense of Oromiffa and Oromummaa.
There is no doubt: Biltsigina is pro-Amharanet, not pro-Oromummaa, as was hoped. The real question now is: Which direction will Biltsigina take? Will it become EPRDF 2.0 by preserving the fake ethnic federation or WPE 2.0 by creating a fake geographic federation? Only time will tell.
Evolution of the Oromo Struggle
It’s interesting to observe how the Oromo struggle has evolved over time. Initially, the OLF envisioned an independent Oromia, grounded in a low level of confidence about achieving power in Finfinne. As the struggle progressed and confidence grew, the OFC proposed a federal union—one that promised self-rule in Oromia and shared rule in Ethiopia. Today, after gaining more political experience and institutional access, some Oromos are beginning to imagine a fully integrated Ethiopia—led on Oromo terms, a kind of Oropia—greater than the initially imagined Oromia.
In this evolving context, the OLF must either adapt its vision from independence to federalism and finally to integration, or risk becoming obsolete. The OFC is well-positioned in this transitional phase but must continue moving toward the vision of a democratic and integrated Ethiopia. Though our current push for the third goal may seem premature given lingering doubts and “intermediate confidence,” we will likely reach this higher level of political maturity in the near future.
The Importance of Unity
It is encouraging to see that Oromo democratic parties are working toward unity. The recent alliance between the OLF and OFC is promising. Hopefully, it will lead to a merger, potentially forming an Oromo Republican Party (ORP) to rival the ruling Prosperity Party. We are approaching the end of our liberation phase and entering a phase of democratization. This demands at least two strong and competitive parties in Oromia.
Since the end of the 19th century, the Oromo people have suffered under various forms of domination—from old Abyssinian warlords to the modern TPLF elite. Today, descendants of both old and new hegemonies seem determined to regain the lucrative power of the Finfinne palace. The question we must ask now is: Should the Oromo continue to fight each other, as our enemies want?
Unity Based on Oromummaa
I write this reflection after reading articles and listening to audios from individuals who oppose Oromo unity. I place “Oromo” in quotation marks when referring to them because their actions suggest they may be either misguided individuals or Afaan Oromo-speaking collaborators working for our “smart foes.”
Their repeated claims include:
- “Unity that dismantles unity is not real unity.”
- “Unity led by Obbo Leenco Lata is fake.”
- “Unity that excludes certain leaders isn’t legitimate.”
- “The Oromo Liberation Army should not be controlled by the OLF.”
Before addressing these points, let’s define key terms: unity, Oromummaa, and liberty.
Unity, from the Latin foedus (covenant), implies a voluntary agreement among diverse individuals or groups to work toward a shared goal—such as the formation of a democratic federal Ethiopia. Oromos of different regions, clans, and religions should be able to enter such a covenant, promoting the common purpose of liberty and refraining from actions that hinder this goal.
Oromummaa (Oromo patriotism) is the shared identity and devotion to the Oromo people’s common good—freedom and dignity. True patriotism, in this context, means devotion not to a state, but to this collective good.
Freedom: National and Individual
Oromo freedom must be understood both in the collective sense (self-determination) and the individual sense (liberty). According to the UN Charter, peoples have the right to form their own states or choose their relationship with other states. Individual liberty—rights such as free speech, equality, and autonomy—emerges from collective struggle.
Both types of freedom require unity built on Oromummaa. Those who oppose this unity are either unaware of its importance or deliberately working against Oromo interests.
Resistance to Unity: Legitimate or Sabotage?
Who are these Afaan Oromo-speaking individuals who write or speak so passionately against Oromo unity? Are they genuinely concerned Oromo patriots with different opinions, or are they paid agents of Biltsigina trying to sow discord?
Their questions, such as:
- “What is unity that dismantles unity?”
- “Why is Leenco’s leadership a problem?”
- “Is excluding certain leaders really a betrayal?”
- “Why separate WBO from OLF?”
…must be answered by readers. But the trend is clear: divide and rule remains the strategy of both old and new oppressors. They have always used Oromo elites—first by brute force, now by political manipulation.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to Waaqa, unity is now taking root within the global Oromo community. We have seen signs of collaboration among previously fragmented liberation forces. We now await a deeper and more strategic union, especially between OLF and OFC, followed by alliances with other non-criminal, genuine Oromo nationalists.
The false narrative that there are “irreconcilable goals” among Oromo forces is weakening. There is only one ultimate goal: Oromo freedom through self-determination, expressed in three ways:
- Tactical Goal: Autonomy within Ethiopia
- Core Goal: Independence of Oromia
- Strategic Goal: Union of free peoples in the region
This isn’t a secret. It’s a legitimate and transparent path forward.
We must unite around Oromummaa for liberty, compel those in power to relinquish control, and encourage other oppressed groups—like the Amhara and Tigray peoples—to also seek freedom and cooperation. The only path to peace and stability in the Horn is through the liberation of Oromia. This will not only benefit the Oromo but all peoples of the region.
Conclusion
Now is the time for Oromo from all walks of life—across clans, parties, and faiths—to enter a covenant grounded in Oromummaa. Our goal must be clear: liberty and democracy. Once we achieve this, no power can stop us from building a union of free nations for mutual prosperity. This unity is not only the right path for the Oromo; it is a solution for the broader regional instability.
Let all stakeholders, friends and foes alike, understand and respect this journey.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2018/11/2 ... e-new-odp/