New Oromo Republicans’ Coalition for Democratic Oropian Federalism!
By Fayyis Oromia*
Genuine Oromo nationalists—i.e., Oromo republicans in OFC, OLA, OLF, and even in OPP—are now working together effectively. Their cooperation is essential at this time, as the cvnning forces of the Naftagna are actively trying to sabotage Oromo power. We must support this united effort of Oromo republicans.
It was encouraging to hear and read that the leadership of all Oromo forces is coming together to address Ethiopia’s current crisis. They have formed the Coalition for Democratic Federalism (CDF). We have long advocated, written, and struggled for such unity among Oromo forces—and now, we are beginning to see the fruits of that effort.
These leaders have agreed on a common goal: to consolidate and democratize ethnic federalism (language-based federalism) for the benefit of all nations and nationalities in Ethiopia. We thank Waaqa that the Oromo were finally in control of the Caffé Aràrà palace after 150 years of struggle. Unfortunately, Dr. Abiy betrayed the Oromo cause and handed power in Finfinne back to pro-Amhara forces. Now, despite opposition from anti-Oromo elements, we must reclaim Finfinne—the heart and brain of the Oromo nation.
We believe Oromo republicans will once again rise to the occasion.
It is time for the Oromo people to embrace all five layers of Oromia as our collective home:
- Oromia – our core homeland, where we consolidate Gadà, promote Àdà Oromo, and preserve Afàn Oromo.
- Ethiopia (Oropia) – a country led by the values of Oromummaa, where we live in harmony with Oromo people who have assimilated and with other Cushitic peoples.
- The Horn of Africa (Hornoromia) – a broader region influenced by Oromummaa, integrating Oromo communities from southern Egypt to northern Tanzania.
- Africa (Africoromia) – a federal continent potentially administered from Finfinne, unifying Black Hamitic peoples with the Oromo playing a central role.
- The World (Globoromia) – a democratic global vision where the Gadà principle of governance becomes a universal model.
A few years ago, an Oromo-American conference in Minnesota initiated valuable dialogue among Oromo communities—including supporters of ethio-federalism, fake federalists from the TPLF, and genuine ethno-federalists. It became clear that these groups must determine who should lead post-TPLF Ethiopia: ethio-federalists or ethno-federalists?
Thanks to the Oromo struggle, nearly all political groups in Ethiopia now claim to support federalism. No longer do they openly advocate for unitary rule or “Abbay Tigray.” They know that without embracing federalism, they cannot gain Oromo support. Even TPLF elites now realize that surviving without the resources of Oromia is unsustainable.
So, who will take power during the next democratic transition led by Dr. Abiy? Will it be the ethio-federalists or the ethno-federalists? Or will the fake federalists try to revive themselves by pitting these two camps against each other?
The best solution would be for ethio-federalists to evolve—to support genuine ethno-federalism, which acknowledges Oromia’s right to exist and the Oromo nation’s right to self-determination. This would unite all democratic forces into a single, strong opposition to future authoritarianism.
In past elections (2005, 2010, 2015), we saw shifts: from unitary state advocacy to calls for federation and referendum. By 2020, many previously unitarist elites had accepted some form of ethno-federalism. They are learning—slowly but surely.
Currently, Oromo elites are active in the following political camps:
- Ethio-federalist parties, like ECS (Dr. Berhanu)
- Ethno-federalist parties, such as OFC, OLF, and others
- Fake federalists, namely the declining TPLF
With the TPLF fading, and Dr. Abiy expected to oversee the transition, the key question remains: who will lead? If ethio-federalists continue to resist ethno-federalism, history may repeat itself—as in 2010—when they aligned with the TPLF and weakened the opposition.
That is why Oromo people supporting ethio-federalists or working with fake federalists must now decide: what is best for the Oromo nation? The politically conscious Oromo appear to have already chosen—to move toward true federalism and Oromia’s full autonomy.
This transition period is not the end but a phase in our liberation journey. As discussed in the Minnesota conference, the answer to “What’s next for the Oromo?” is clear: a coordinated campaign to secure true ethnic federalism, followed by a democratic referendum to determine our final destination.
In summary, the regional union of free peoples following national independence should be the shared long-term goal—not only for Oromo nationalists but for all oppressed nations in the Horn of Africa. Each group must let go of their narrow aims:
- Amhara federalists must abandon geography-based federation
- Tegaru hegemonists must drop their dream of fake federalist dominance
- Some Oromo parties must look beyond autonomy or isolation
And all should embrace a voluntary union based on self-determination
We must also clarify our terminology. Terms like abbàbiyyummà (self-rule), bilisummà (freedom), and hiree-murtefannà (self-determination) are broad ideals, not concrete political goals. Instead, organizations should choose between:
- Walabummà (independence) – as the outcome they advocate
- Walfànummà (union) – a voluntary union of free peoples
In conclusion, Oromo nationalists supporting geo-federalists or working with fake federalists must change course. They should join the federalist forces in OFC, OLF, ONP, and others who are forming a united front under the Oromo Leadership Council (OLC). Smaller Oromo organizations should also realign and consolidate votes around a strong, unified Oromo party—possibly through the CDF (Coalition for Democratic Federalism).
Importantly, recent discussions and the Minnesota conference proved there are no major ideological differences preventing Oromo unity. With traditional ilà fi ilàmè (mutual understanding), Oromo organizations can coordinate, strategize, and move forward together.
Such unity will not only influence Ethiopia’s future but also shape the future of the Horn of Africa and beyond. With visionary leaders like Jawar and support from the people, we can make the five layers of Oromia our enduring home.
The formation of the Coalition of Democratic Federalists was truly encouraging. May Jawar return with another unifying project. May Waaqa bless the Oromo!
Galatômà!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2018/12/0 ... of-oromia/