Is Dr Abiy’s Ethiopia Like Amapia of President Mengistu Ayàna or Amarpia of Prime Minister Meles Gobena?
By Fayyis Oromia*
We hear Dr. Abiy Ahmed repeatedly emphasizing “Ethiopia.” It is commendable that he attempts to uphold national unity and territorial integrity. But the million-dollar question remains: Which Ethiopia does he hold in his heart and mind?
Is it the traditional Mengistu Ayàna’s Ethiopia, dominated by Amharanet, with Amharic as the sole working language—essentially, Amapia (Amharanet-dominated geo-federal Ethiopia)?
Or is it the more progressive Haile Fida’s Ethiopia, where Oromummà leads, and Oromic becomes the primary federal language, reflecting the demographic reality that the Oromo constitute the majority? That would be Oropia (Oromic-led geo-federal Ethiopia).
Or is he merely continuing the current Amarpia of Meles Gobena—an Amharic-dominated ethnic federation with cosmetic federalism?
Is he considering Confepia of Daud Ibsa (a confederated Ethiopia, a union of free nations)?
Or is he trying to establish Orompia of Léncô Latà—an Oromic-led ethnic federation?
If Dr. Abiy upholds Menelik’s version of Ethiopia, then he is an Amapianist, and it is no surprise that Amhara elites support him. In that case, the Oromo should seriously reconsider their support. Those in OPP (Oromo Prosperity Party) who back him must ask themselves: Are they genuinely serving Oromo interests?
However, if he embodies Haile Fida’s vision of Ethiopia, he might lose the backing of Amhara elites but would rightfully earn support from the Oromo majority. The truth is: he cannot serve both Amapia and Oropia at the same time.
Currently, Ethiopia under Abiy is dominated by Amharanet. So, are the Oromo elites in OPP willing to maintain this status quo? Or are they courageous enough to push for Oromic to become the primary working language of the federation, thereby granting Oromummà its rightful leadership role?
The Attempt to Reconcile the Irreconcilable
I believe the ruling Oromo elites (Prosperitans), led by Dr. Abiy, are trying to reconcile two incompatible visions of Ethiopian identity: Amharanet and Oromummà.
Historically, Ethiopian identity has been synonymous with Amharanet. To be considered a “good Ethiopian,” an Oromo had to deny Oromummà and embrace Amharization. Now, the Oromo Prosperitans are attempting to shift that paradigm. Yet they retain Amharic as the primary working language, relegating Oromic to a secondary position. This tactic is simply another way of sustaining Amharic dominance under the guise of inclusion.
The time for deception is over.
Oromic must be promoted to primary federal status. Anything less is a betrayal. Ethiopia will either continue as a centralized Amharanet empire or transform into a federation where Ethiopianism aligns with Oromummà. Coexistence is only possible in a confederation, where nations like Oromia and Amhara operate as quasi-independent entities. This, however, would practically mean the dismantling of Ethiopia as we know it.
So, which Ethiopia do the Oromo Prosperitans serve?
An Amapia (Amharic-led Ethiopia) or an Oropia (Oromic-led union)?
They cannot serve two masters.
OPP vs. OFC: Two Federations, One Fundamental Difference
Almost every political force in Ethiopia agrees that a federal system is necessary. The difference lies in what kind of federation:
- The OPP under Abiy seems to perpetuate an Amharic-dominated, centralized federation—essentially replacing the TPLF with a new controlling elite.
- The OFC strives for an Oromic-led, democratic, and equitable federation.
If language status were determined democratically, Oromic would logically become the federation’s primary language, reflecting demographic majority. The continued dominance of Amharic is inherently undemocratic. That is why the OPP’s current policies are losing the support of the Oromo majority. In contrast, OFC—along with OLF and other Oromo nationalist groups—are gaining momentum.
The imprisonment of leaders like Jawar and the banning of OMN marked the beginning of the end for Abiy’s Amapia project. The only remaining question is: What comes next? An independent Oromia? Or an inclusive Oropia?
Why Oropia? A Synthesis of Freedom and Unity
Many Amhara elites continue to resist the idea of an inclusive federal Ethiopia (i.e., Oropia—Oromic-led Ethiopia). This is a strategic miscalculation. In an integrative Oropia, many historically marginalized nations (Awi, Qemant, Himra, Shinasha, Kunama, Wolqayit, Raya, etc.) would enjoy genuine self-rule—a long-denied right under Empire Ethiopia.
At a prior Oromo convention in Washington, DC, the vision of a federal union called Oropia was proposed. The key features include:
- Oromic as the working language of the union
- The Cushitic Black-Red-White as the national flag
- Oropia as the new name of the union
This name change reflects identity transformation—just as Oromo replaced “Galla” and Finfinne replaced “Addis Ababa.”
Why keep “Ethiopia”—a Greek term meaning “land of burnt faces” or “Abyssinia,” a foreign label—when we could choose Oropia, meaning “Land of the Brave,” rooted in Oromo identity and open to all Cushitic nations?
Independent Oromia or Integraive Oropia?
The OLF and OFC differ primarily in strategy:
- OLF: Advocates for independent Oromia, but its mission statement still allows for a union with other nations—where possible.
- OFC: Promotes a multi-national federation within Ethiopia, but this could be rebranded as Oropia for broader unity.
By adopting the term Oropia, these visions can be synthesized into a common destination. It allows Oromo nationalists of both camps—pro-independence and pro-union—to rally around a shared objective.
This synthesis can:
- Reduce internal Oromo ideological conflict
- Minimize international concerns over fragmentation
- Present a moderate, inclusive alternative to both secessionism and imperial restoration
A Strategic and Practical Path Forward
In the Indian model of federation, the Hindi people formed the core, named the nation India, made Hindi the working language, and allowed other regions federal autonomy.
Why not follow a similar model? The Oromo—being the demographic majority and cultural center—can lead a voluntary union of nations, with:
- Oromic as the federal language
- Oropia as the name of the union
- Democracy as the governing principle
- Autonomy for all national groups
This “Oropia model” can serve as a middle ground between an exclusive Oromia and a failing Amapia. The flag, the language, and the name should reflect this new consensus.
Conclusion: The Path to Liberation and Justice
Let us be clear: there is no going back to Empire Abyssinia or Amharanet-dominated Ethiopia.
Dr. Abiy’s attempt to preserve Ethiopia under Amharic hegemony will fail. The future belongs to those who offer a genuine alternative—like the inclusive federal union proposed by Jawar and others, leading to either:
- A sovereign Oromia, or
- An integrative Oropia
We, as Oromo nationalists, should unite behind a shared vision—Oropia—as a synthesis of our long struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. As Obbo Baro Tumsa said:
“We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary… and take actions that facilitate fundamental social transformation.”
Those actions can include:
- Freedom for citizens and nations
- Oromic as the primary working language
- Democracy as the foundation of governance
- Oropia as the name of the union
- The Cushitic Black-Red-White as the national flag
If other nations join us, we build a just union. If they reject it, we proceed with an independent Oromia.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2020/07/0 ... at-oromia/