Oromo’s Best Formula: Own Democratic Ethiopia and Embrace the Pan-African Utopia!
By Fayyis Oromia*
Oromo politics has definitely undergone a paradigm shift—from striving for a sovereign Republic of Oromia to fostering a democratic Ethiopia, i.e., a de facto Oropia (an Oromummaa-led country). In this vision, Ethiopia, shaped by Oromo values, would adopt Afan Oromo as its primary working language, promote the Gadaa system in a modern form across the nation, and consolidate legitimate Oromo leadership at the Finfinne Palace. Opting for this larger territory is more beneficial to the Oromo than limiting the struggle to a smaller Oromia.
Oromo nationalists should follow this strategic vision and aim to become influential not just in the Horn of Africa but across the entire continent. I hope Oromo elites within the OFC, OLA, OLF, and OPP will reach a consensus on this roadmap—one that envisions Ethiopia under Oromo leadership and champions Pan-Africanism. With Finfinne (the heart of the Oromo) as the capital of both Ethiopia and Africa, the Oromo are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in both national and continental politics.
A free Oromo nation, no longer under Abyssinian elite domination, can serve as an example for other African ethno-linguistic groups to claim their freedom and self-rule within a future United States of Africa (USAf), with Finfinne as its capital.
The Finfinne vs. Addis Ababa Dispute: A Redundant Battle?
Currently, a debate between Oromo and Amhara activists over the identity of Finfinne/Addis Ababa is unfolding. But I thought the Oromo were already liberated enough to decide on their own capital city—Finfinne. Neither Amhara nor Tigrayan elites hold power in the Caffé Ararà palace to obstruct Oromo plans—unless, of course, the ruling party OPP is pro-Abesha and anti-Oromo.
Why should Oromo activists waste time battling over Finfinne with the Amhara, instead of implementing a full emancipation plan for Oromia—including Finfinne? Dr. Abiy’s recent visits to Horn of Africa countries seemed to reflect a broader vision: liberating Finfinne from non-Oromo occupation and fostering regional integration—politically and economically.
Yet, paradoxically, the Oromo may still need to struggle for the full liberation of Finfinne—this time, against the OPP itself. Once Finfinne is truly liberated, we can realize the following concentric visions of Oromia, administered from its core: The Five Layers of Oromia
- Greater Oromia = Cushitic Ethiopia
Obbo Leenco Lata envisions a united Horn of Africa as a common Cushitic home. This expansive Oromia includes all areas inhabited by Oromo people throughout the region. Achieving this would represent a high-confidence, long-term Oromo political goal.
- Great Oromia = New Ethiopia
Dr. Merera Gudina advocates for a unified Ethiopia where Oromo culture and language flourish without marginalization. This near-future vision represents a politics of higher confidence.
- Intermediate Oromia = Independent Oromia
Obbo Galasa Dilbo supports an independent Oromo nation-state based on the current Oromia map. This reflects our intermediate-confidence politics for the present.
- Small Oromia = OLF’s Oromia
Obbo Dawud Ibsa’s vision aligns with what many Oromo nationalists accept as a legitimate territory for Oromo self-rule. However, this reflects past low-confidence politics.
- Smaller Oromia = OPP’s Oromia
Whether he believes in it or not, the version of Oromia currently governed by Obbo Shimelis Abdissa is the smallest and reflects the politics of the distant past.
The Core Question: Which Oromia Should We Fight For?
The crucial question remains: How can Finfinne be fully liberated, and for which layer of Oromia should the Oromo struggle? I believed Dr. Abiy’s vision leaned toward realizing the “Greatest Oromia”—the outermost layer of African federal governance—with Finfinne as its core. Unfortunately, we are still unsure whether the OPP will recognize Finfinne as an Oromo city.
This is deeply disappointing. The best guiding principle for Oromo politics should be: liberate and own the smallest Oromia (Finfinne) in order to transform and utilize all greater layers, up to the pan-African level.
Is the OPP standing in the way of this Oromo vision? Why must the Oromo continue to fight to emancipate Finfinne, when Amhara and Tigrayan dominance has already waned? Is the OPP merely continuing the proxy hegemony of the old Abyssinian elites? Are we truly liberated, or is Caffé Ararà just window dressing while Oromo suppression continues?
Now is the ideal moment for genuine Oromo nationalists to unite, consolidate Oromo leadership, and build a democratic Oropia while advancing Pan-African prosperity. I hope to see Dr. Abiy assume the role of liberator of the Oromo and re-Oromize Finfinne—allowing it to radiate the light of Oromummaa across Oromia, Oropia, the Horn, Africa, and the world.
Otherwise, Aluta Continua—the struggle for the total liberation of the Oromo and Oromia, including Finfinne, will continue!
Galatooma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/1 ... an-utopia/