Mereja.Forum

[OPFist]

Paradigm Shift in Oromo Politics: Towards De-Abeshization and Re-Oromization of Abyssinia

By Fayyis Oromia

What a remarkable paradigm shift! Oromo nationalists once pursued the goal of liberating Oromia from Abyssinia, based on the belief that Abyssinians were non-Oromo colonizers. Now, it is becoming evident that Abyssinians are, in fact, Oromo who lost their identity over the past 3,000 years of Solomonization—much like how Eastern Oromo were culturally assimilated over the past 1,500 years through Somalization. We are witnessing the beginning of Re-Oromization for both the Solomonized and Somalized Oromo across the Horn of Africa.

The process of De-Abeshization must start now. It is heartening to hear some Oromo nationalists—who once advocated for an independent Oromia—now speaking about their vision for an integrated Oropia (an Oromummà-led Ethiopia). They are beginning to perceive Abyssinia as part of Oromia, realizing that it is more beneficial to re-Oromize the Abyssinians than to separate from them. For the Oromo, fostering a larger, integrated Oropia (akin to our gross income) is preferable to sustaining a smaller Oromia (our net income).

To achieve this Re-Oromization, it is imperative to promote Afàn Oromô as the country’s primary working language, replacing Amharic. This is possible—whether under the current administration of Dr. Abiy or under a future one.

Truly, the original content of Ethiopiawinet was Kushawinet in general, and Oromummà in particular. Since the false Solomonization of the Ethiopian Christian kingdom in 1270, there has been an ongoing Amharization of this original Ethiopiawinet = Kushawinet = Oromummà. Today, Ethiopiawinet is equated with Amaranet. This falsified version of Ethiopiawinet is what most Oromo nationalists vehemently reject, which is why they advocate for the Re-Oromization of this corrupted identity.

As part of this vision, making Afàn Oromo the primary working language of the federation—replacing Amharic—is essential. However, Oromo Prosperitans, led by Dr. Abiy, are sabotaging this process by clinging to the status quo, revering Amharic instead of respecting and promoting Oromiffa. This tendency to maintain Amhara linguistic dominance aligns the Prosperitan regime with past authoritarian regimes such as the Derg and TPLF. Thanks to the continued efforts of Oromo Republicans, this third anti-Oromummaa dictatorship will eventually fall, and the de-Amharization and Re-Oromization of Ethiopiawinet will prevail.

The power struggle among Ethiopia’s three competing nations—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—is ongoing. With both the ethiofascist Amhara and ethnofascist Tigrayan elites out of power, certain Oromo elites now have a chance to lead after 150 years of struggle. Unfortunately, some Oromo Prosperitans and Republican leaders are mismanaging this rare opportunity. Abyssinian elites are fueling tensions between the two Oromo factions. Amhara elites back the Prosperitans in their campaign to weaken the OLF and its Republican base, while Tigrayan elites encourage the Republicans to confront the Prosperitan regime. Both Oromo blocs have become pawns in this game, attacking each other. May Wàqa open their eyes before they fail the Oromo people in front of the international community.

Ethiopia belongs to whichever nationality holds the key to power in Caffé Aràrà (the Finfinné Palace). Until 1991, that key was held by Amhara elites, making Ethiopia de facto Amapia (Great Amhara = Amaranet-dominated Ethiopia). Today, Amhara elites nostalgically cling to a vision of their assimilative Ethiopia. From 1991, power shifted to Tigrayan elites, making Ethiopia a Great Tigray, which they sought to maintain at any cost. Now, the Oromo struggle has removed this key from Habesha elites. If the Oromo choose to lead Ethiopia rather than merely liberate Oromia, we can build an inclusive Ethiopia—Oropia (Great Oromia = Oromummà-led Ethiopia).

The key distinction lies in the process. Amapia and Great Tigray were built on dictatorial rule. Oropia, by contrast, will be born through democratic transformation. This is why both Habesha groups pay lip service to democracy while actively opposing it. The Oromo people and other marginalized nations must push wholeheartedly to dismantle the Biltsigina system and build a democratic Ethiopia. Any group that opposes this transformation is welcome to exercise its right to self-determination, including secession. Therefore, the question of self-determination should not be Oromo’s burden alone; it should also concern distant nations like the Amhara of Bahir Dar and the Tigrayans of Mekelle.

To retain control over Caffé Aràràa, both pro-independence Oromo and unionist Oromo from OPP should work together. They can use the state power in Finfinne to either realize an independent Oromia or build an integrated Oropia, based on the public will of the Oromo people. This was the vision of Obbo Baro Tumsa 50 years ago when he stated:

“We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. To achieve this, we must clandestinely organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of young, educated Oromo like you to disseminate the spirit of Oromo nationalism when you return to your communities. We can only change the deplorable condition of our people by being tolerant of one another and reestablishing necessary Oromo national unity. In this way, we can build a strong organization, capture state power, and take actions that facilitate fundamental social transformation.”

I once believed this vision had been fulfilled when Dr. Abiy assumed leadership at Caffee Araraa. However, his stance toward the OLF has been disheartening. At times, he has sounded as authoritarian as Mengistu Haile Mariam. It was not due to any favor from him that the OLF returned from Asmara. The Oromo struggle freed both Obbo Dawud from EPLF and Dr. Abiy from TPLF. Thanks to the sacrifices of Oromo youth, Obbo Dawud now sits in his Gullalle office and Dr. Abiy in Caffee Araraa. Neither can claim sole credit for the victory.

My short message to both is this: calm down and resolve the conflict between Oromo Prosperitans and Republicans through ilà fi ilàmé, supported by our Abbà Gadà. Otherwise, you will become mere playthings of Abyssinian elites, working to eliminate one another and failing the Oromo nation. The fact remains: Prosperitans will never destroy the OLF—not even the Derg or TPLF could. Any such attempt will mark the beginning of their own end in Oromia. Likewise, the OLF cannot overthrow its opponents through force, but it can squander the opportunity for cooperation and hinder the Oromo from leading a future democratic Ethiopia—a de facto Oropia.

May Wàqà guide you.

Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/2 ... abyssinia/

[Right]

You are wasting too much time on Ethiopian politics in the hope that it might rescue Eritrea. It doesn’t work like that. The fact is Ethiopia itself is a dysfunctional country that may not survive long term.

A new country isn’t about flag & passport. It is much much more than that.

Eritrea is a dying country. The demographics leaking at an alarming level alone will kill her in the next decade. People upto 4 generations are deserting. No country will survive that let alone a new born nation.

Just think of it that Eritrea has only one leader since it is inception. Just one. Who thinks and acts as if he lives in the 18th century. The only thing he knows is war.

By the way with the experience and longevity Ethiopia is not better.

[OPFist]

My short message to both is this: calm down and resolve the conflict between Oromo Prosperitans and Republicans through ilà fi ilàmé, supported by our Abbà Gadà. Otherwise, you will become mere playthings of Abyssinian elites, working to eliminate one another and failing the Oromo nation. The fact remains: Prosperitans will never destroy the OLF—not even the Derg or TPLF could. Any such attempt will mark the beginning of their own end in Oromia. Likewise, the OLF cannot overthrow its opponents through force, but it can squander the opportunity for cooperation and hinder the Oromo from leading a future democratic Ethiopia—a de facto Oropia.

[OPFist]

I once believed this vision had been fulfilled when Dr. Abiy assumed leadership at Caffee Araraa. However, his stance toward the OLF has been disheartening. At times, he has sounded as authoritarian as Mengistu Haile Mariam. It was not due to any favor from him that the OLF returned from Asmara. The Oromo struggle freed both Obbo Dawud from EPLF and Dr. Abiy from TPLF. Thanks to the sacrifices of Oromo youth, Obbo Dawud now sits in his Gullalle office and Dr. Abiy in Caffee Araraa. Neither can claim sole credit for the victory.

[OPFist]

“We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. To achieve this, we must clandestinely organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of young, educated Oromo like you to disseminate the spirit of Oromo nationalism when you return to your communities. We can only change the deplorable condition of our people by being tolerant of one another and reestablishing necessary Oromo national unity. In this way, we can build a strong organization, capture state power, and take actions that facilitate fundamental social transformation.”

[OPFist]

To retain control over Caffé Aràràa, both pro-independence Oromo and unionist Oromo from OPP should work together. They can use the state power in Finfinne to either realize an independent Oromia or build an integrated Oropia, based on the public will of the Oromo people

[OPFist]

The key distinction lies in the process. Amapia and Great Tigray were built on dictatorial rule. Oropia, by contrast, will be born through democratic transformation. This is why both Habesha groups pay lip service to democracy while actively opposing it. The Oromo people and other marginalized nations must push wholeheartedly to dismantle the Biltsigina system and build a democratic Ethiopia. Any group that opposes this transformation is welcome to exercise its right to self-determination, including secession. Therefore, the question of self-determination should not be Oromo’s burden alone; it should also concern distant nations like the Amhara of Bahir Dar and the Tigrayans of Mekelle.

[OPFist]

Ethiopia belongs to whichever nationality holds the key to power in Caffé Aràrà (the Finfinné Palace). Until 1991, that key was held by Amhara elites, making Ethiopia de facto Amapia (Great Amhara = Amaranet-dominated Ethiopia). Today, Amhara elites nostalgically cling to a vision of their assimilative Ethiopia. From 1991, power shifted to Tigrayan elites, making Ethiopia a Great Tigray, which they sought to maintain at any cost. Now, the Oromo struggle has removed this key from Habesha elites. If the Oromo choose to lead Ethiopia rather than merely liberate Oromia, we can build an inclusive Ethiopia—Oropia (Great Oromia = Oromummà-led Ethiopia).

[OPFist]

The power struggle among Ethiopia’s three competing nations—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—is ongoing. With both the ethiofascist Amhara and ethnofascist Tigrayan elites out of power, certain Oromo elites now have a chance to lead after 150 years of struggle. Unfortunately, some Oromo Prosperitans and Republican leaders are mismanaging this rare opportunity. Abyssinian elites are fueling tensions between the two Oromo factions. Amhara elites back the Prosperitans in their campaign to weaken the OLF and its Republican base, while Tigrayan elites encourage the Republicans to confront the Prosperitan regime. Both Oromo blocs have become pawns in this game, attacking each other. May Wàqa open their eyes before they fail the Oromo people in front of the international community.

[OPFist]

As part of this vision, making Afàn Oromo the primary working language of the federation—replacing Amharic—is essential. However, Oromo Prosperitans, led by Dr. Abiy, are sabotaging this process by clinging to the status quo, revering Amharic instead of respecting and promoting Oromiffa. This tendency to maintain Amhara linguistic dominance aligns the Prosperitan regime with past authoritarian regimes such as the Derg and TPLF. Thanks to the continued efforts of Oromo Republicans, this third anti-Oromummaa dictatorship will eventually fall, and the de-Amharization and Re-Oromization of Ethiopiawinet will prevail.

[OPFist]

Truly, the original content of Ethiopiawinet was Kushawinet in general, and Oromummà in particular. Since the false Solomonization of the Ethiopian Christian kingdom in 1270, there has been an ongoing Amharization of this original Ethiopiawinet = Kushawinet = Oromummà. Today, Ethiopiawinet is equated with Amaranet. This falsified version of Ethiopiawinet is what most Oromo nationalists vehemently reject, which is why they advocate for the Re-Oromization of this corrupted identity.

[OPFist]

To achieve this Re-Oromization, it is imperative to promote Afàn Oromô as the country’s primary working language, replacing Amharic. This is possible—whether under the current administration of Dr. Abiy or under a future one

[OPFist]

The process of De-Abeshization must start now. It is heartening to hear some Oromo nationalists—who once advocated for an independent Oromia—now speaking about their vision for an integrated Oropia (an Oromummà-led Ethiopia). They are beginning to perceive Abyssinia as part of Oromia, realizing that it is more beneficial to re-Oromize the Abyssinians than to separate from them. For the Oromo, fostering a larger, integrated Oropia (akin to our gross income) is preferable to sustaining a smaller Oromia (our net income).

[OPFist]

What a remarkable paradigm shift! Oromo nationalists once pursued the goal of liberating Oromia from Abyssinia, based on the belief that Abyssinians were non-Oromo colonizers. Now, it is becoming evident that Abyssinians are, in fact, Oromo who lost their identity over the past 3,000 years of Solomonization—much like how Eastern Oromo were culturally assimilated over the past 1,500 years through Somalization. We are witnessing the beginning of Re-Oromization for both the Solomonized and Somalized Oromo across the Horn of Africa.