Why the OLF’s Sovereignty Mindset Hasn’t Yet Defeated the OPDO’s Servitude Mindset
By Fayyis Oromia*
There is no question that Oromo elites are generally divided into two ideological camps: those with the OLF mindset of sovereignty, and those with the OPDO mindset of servitude. The former group are pro-Oromic, striving for the freedom and sovereignty of the Oromo people. The latter group adopt a pro-Amharic stance, often seen as having a servile mentality that prioritizes serving non-Oromo values.
The current Oromo liberation struggle is aimed squarely at the incumbent regime—the “salisawi Derg”, also known as Biltsigina. This regime claims to represent the Oromo while, in practice, trading in their name. The struggles of the past—against the monarchy, Mengistu’s Qedamawi Derg, and Meles Zenawi’s Dagimawi Derg—were clear-cut battles against explicitly Habesha-dominated regimes. Today’s struggle is more complex.
What makes it different is that the current regime is not explicitly Habesha, but rather represents the implicit rule of Amapianists—elites promoting Amharic domination—led by Dr. Abiy Ahmed. This requires a smarter, more adaptive generation of Oromo leaders capable of confronting Amapianist dominance in the Finfinne palace with clarity and strategy.
To achieve this, we need Oropianists—elites who believe in an Oromic-led Ethiopia—rather than just the Oromianists of past generations. The key question is this: Is the OLA the much-needed Oropianist force—an evolved version of the historically Oromianist OLF?
I hope the OLA fighters carry the broader vision of Oropia—an Oromic-led Ethiopia, nearly twice the size of Oromia—capable of prevailing over the current Amapianist regime. This is the right moment to think beyond Oromia alone, to consider the entire Horn of Africa—from Meroë to Mombasa—where the Oromo people live, and to adopt an inclusive, pan-Oromo outlook.
The Evolution of Oromo Nationalist Thought
Over the past 50 years, we have witnessed the ideological evolution of Oromo nationalism:
- 1st Generation (1960s); these nationalists pursued only one of the three major political visions and rejected the other two:
--- Meison under Haile Fida advocated for integrative Oropia.
--- Ichat under Baro Tumsa preferred a federal union.
--- OLF under Galasa Dilbo championed an independent Oromia.
- 2nd Generation (1990s); this generation accepted two of the three goals while excluding one:
--- The ONC led by Dr. Merera supported a referendum between integrative Oropia and federal union, rejecting independence (Ethio-referendum).
--- The OLF under Obbo Daud supported a referendum between federal union and independent Oromia, rejecting integration (Ethno-referendum).
- 3rd Generation (2020s); this generation embraces all three options and supports a dual referendum that includes:
--- Integrative Oropia
--- Federal Union
--- Independent Oromia
Some nationalists in this generation argue that there’s no disadvantage for the Oromo as long as the core pillars of Oromummà—Àdà (culture), Afan (language), and Àngô (power)—are respected and maintained, both in Finfinne and throughout Ethiopia.
The Way Forward: Leadership and Vision
Will the rest of the Oromo—individuals, organizations, and institutions—adopt this democratic and inclusive approachof the third generation? Is the OLA a symbol of this new generation of inclusive Oromo nationalists?
Arguably, the OLF’s failure to evolve from the “Oromo Liberation Front” to something like the “Oropia Leadership Force” is the biggest obstacle to its continued relevance and growth.
While the OPDO (now part of Prosperity Party) at least uses the rhetoric of pan-Ethiopian inclusiveness, the OLF remains focused solely on Oromia. This risks marginalizing the organization in modern political dynamics. If the OLF remains stuck in its old paradigm, it may face extinction like the dinosaurs, due to its inability to adapt to contemporary political realities.
Final Reflection
May Wàq guide the OLF—and all Oromo nationalists—to develop a forward-thinking and inclusive vision for the future.
Galatômà!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/06/0 ... thiopia-2/