Oromia and Oropia: Two Sides of the Same Freedom Coin
By Fayyis Oromia*
Both clever foes and misguided allies have attempted to frame Oromia and Oropia as opposing visions of sovereignty, aiming to provoke internal conflict among Oromo nationalists. In truth, these two concepts represent viable post-freedom alternatives, from which the Oromo people will choose in due time—or even embrace simultaneously, as the OFC currently aspires to do. Both visions must cooperate toward a shared goal: freedom. Our enemies have long tried to sow division by portraying the OFC and OLF as adversaries. But where is the contradiction? Achieving the OFC’s objective aligns closely with the OLF’s, and vice versa.
At present, two broad political lines oppose the current dictatorship:
- The OFC–OLF Line, which envisions a multinational federation as a prelude to a free Oromia within a federal union.
- The Ezema–NaMA Line, which envisions a multiregional federation leading toward an integrative Oropia (Oromummà-led Ethiopia), provided that Afàn Oromô becomes the federation’s primary working language.
The key step for the second camp is to adopt Afàn Oromo as its primary working language to demonstrate genuine inclusivity. Unfortunately, many politicians in both camps still exhibit “V-minded” behavior—antagonizing and overemphasizing minor differences. In time, we hope they will evolve into “Y-minded” personalities—constructive and democratic.
Understanding V-Minded vs Y-Minded Politics
Let’s use the letters V and Y as metaphors to understand the political dynamics:
The V represents rigid, antagonistic thinking. At the bottom of the V are the Biltsigina dictators (status quo). On the left and right tops are dictatorial OFC–OLF and Ezema-NaMA lines, respectively. These forces aim to achieve their goals unconditionally, refusing compromise. Their mutual hostility benefits the ruling elite, as it prevents a united front against dictatorship.
The Y, in contrast, symbolizes a shared journey toward freedom with space for diverging long-term visions. The bottom of the Y represents the current tyranny. The junction is the shared goal of freedom. The left and right arms represent diverging long-term paths: either independent Oromia via multinational federation or integrative Oropia via multiregional federation.
The message is clear: both camps must walk together until they reach the freedom junction. After that, the people—via referendum—should decide whether to pursue integration or independence. Cooperation now is essential; divergence can come democratically, later.
The Ethiopia Identity Dilemma
Some pro-OLF nationalists remain suspicious of the OFC due to its continued use of the name Ethiopia in advocating for Oropia. But ironically, Ethiopia—a term with Cushitic roots (originally meaning “land of burnt faces”)—is historically more appropriate for the Oromo than for the Semitic-claimed Habesha.
Over time, Habesha elites hijacked the name, transforming it into a tool of domination:
- Recasting Ethiopia as a land of Semitic heritage, erasing its Cushitic roots.
- Marginalizing Cushitic cultures and languages, especially Afàn Oromô.
- Suppressing indigenous systems like Wàqeffanna and Odà, replacing them with Amhara-centric symbols, language, and institutions.
Given this historical abuse, Oromo rejection of the Ethiopia(n) identity is legitimate. If the name Ethiopia is to survive, it must return to its Cushitic identity—its true Ethiopiawinet, centered on Oromo culture, leadership, and language. Otherwise, Oromia has every right to seek a dignified farewell to the Pseudo-Ethiopia and move forward toward sovereignty.
Timing Is Everything: Know Your Allies and Enemies
It is critical—especially for pro-independence Oromo forces—to identify allies and adversaries based on timing and context. The struggle has three main stations:
- Now (First Station): All anti-dictatorship groups—pro-independence (like Jàl Marrô), pro-federalism (like Jawar Mohammed), and pro-integration (like Andargachew Tsige)—must unite against the ruling regime.
- After Freedom (Second Station): Once the dictatorship is defeated, competition will arise between:
Oropianists (integrationists), Unionists (federalists) and Oromianists (independencists)
The conflict must be resolved via consensus, referendum, or as a last resort, force.
Final Phase (Third Station): The struggle will be between federalists and independencists. Ideally, this will be resolved through a democratic referendum.
At each station, enemies and allies change. Right now, pro-independence forces should not label federalists or integrationists as enemies. The true adversary remains the dictatorial regime. Those who refuse consensus or democracy in the future may become opponents—but not before.
Three Paths to Resolving Political Conflict
There are three potential paths to resolving Ethiopia’s political impasse:
- Consensus: All political actors agree on one structure—independence, federation, or integration. This has repeatedly failed in practice.
- Democracy: The people decide via referendum. This is a viable path if all parties are mature and committed to stability.
- Force: The default method so far—irresponsible and destructive. It keeps returning us to square one.
Currently, Ethiopia’s political landscape consists of four camps:
- Dictators (ruling)
- Integrationists (pro-unity through regional federation)
- Federalists (pro-genuine multinational federation)
- Independencists (pro-sovereign Oromia)
Three Phases of Struggle
- Phase One: All three freedom camps unite against dictatorship. Force is necessary because the regime resists both consensus and democracy.
- Phase Two: Pro-sovereignty camps (federalists and independencists) contest with integrationists. Likely to be settled via referendum or, unfortunately, force.
- Phase Three: Final competition between federalists and independencists. A democratic referendum will determine the winner—whether an independent Oromia or an integrated Oropia.
- Conclusion: Unite Now, Compete Later
Let us now focus on uniting all freedom-seeking camps to defeat dictatorship. Future disagreements can and must be resolved phase by phase, preferably through democracy. Failure to build this unity means surrendering our fate to continued dictatorship for the next century.
As long as national sovereignty forces (federalists and independencists) remain divided from integrationists, the Biltsigina regime will continue to exploit and inflame these divisions. Their cadres already pretend to support one side while vilifying the other—causing even genuine freedom fighters to fall into the trap.
May Wàqa guide us to unity, clarity, and victory.
Galatôma.
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/1 ... edom-coin/