Time for the Transformation of the OLF into OPF (Oropian Patriotic Force)?!
By Fayyis Oromia*
I believe the time is approaching for the transformation of the vanguard Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) into a pan-Ethiopian political force. Fifty years ago, during a dark and oppressive era, a liberation front like the OLF was necessary. The liberation of the Oromo from centuries of subjugation required such an organization. At that time, the OLF was indispensable for the struggle.
However, in order to adapt, remain relevant, and avoid extinction—like the dinosaurs—it must now evolve.
From Liberation to Leadership
Today, the OLF must position itself to take on a leadership role in Ethiopian politics. The one remaining issue that the Oromo should push for specifically is the elevation of Oromic to the primary working language of the Ethiopian federation, replacing Amharic. A country led in Afàn Oromô would gradually transform into Oropia—an Ethiopia guided by Oromummà.
To govern such a nation, the OLF must evolve from a liberation front into a capable national political force. It must transform into the Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF)—a party not just for liberation, but for inclusive national leadership. OLF was the right vehicle for the past. OPF is the optimal force for the future.
Encouraging Shifts Among Oromo Parties
It is encouraging to see major Oromo organizations—OFC, OLA, OLF, and even OPP—beginning to collaborate in pursuit of full liberation from a system historically rooted in Amharanet and Amarigna dominance. Recent press statements from the OFC and OLF highlight their intentions to reclaim cities like Finfinné, Dire Dawa, Wallo, Moyale, Madda Walabu, and Metekel for Oromia.
This has naturally triggered backlash—especially from the Amhara bloc and Somali politicians. Still, while these organizations are gaining confidence, they have yet to fully articulate a vision for a united Oropia—a federal, Oromummaa-led Ethiopia—rather than a narrowly defined Oromia.
Rather than making provocative territorial claims, Oromo parties should instead prioritize the promotion of Oromic as the federal working language and focus on democratizing the Ethiopian state.
In a democratic Ethiopia where Afàn Oromô is the central working language, contested regions would lose some of their tension, as Oromo identity would be naturally integrated at the federal level. As I have written before:
“An independent Oromia is a goal of low confidence. A federal union is an objective of intermediate confidence. An integrative Oropia—based on geo-federation—is a vision of high confidence.”
It is my hope that Oromo elites will embrace this high-confidence vision and work toward building a united Oropia, which would provide far greater benefits than isolating Oromia.
On the EPP, OLF, and Political Transformation
The transformation of ODP into the more inclusive EPP under Dr. Abiy was not entirely negative. It aimed to broaden political participation. However, EPP suffers from a fundamental flaw: it lacks authentic commitment to Oromo interests and to Oromummà. It remains loyal to the dominant Amharic-centric political order.
In response, the OLF should advocate for the creation of a new, inclusive party—perhaps called the Ethiopian Republican Party (ERP)—led by true Oromo republican nationalists, i.e practically the OPF. This party could replace the existing Amapia (Amharanet-dominated Ethiopia) with Oropia.
Such an ERP would be a strong democratic contender against the EPP and capable of implementing a transformative national agenda.
The Strategic Imperative: From OLF to OPF
The most strategic move for the OLF is to evolve into an inclusive Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF). This would allow Oromo republicans to:
- Take power from the ruling Oromo Prosperitans
- Promote Oromic as the federal working language
- Democratize the country on Oromo terms
Such a transformed Ethiopia would be a de facto “Great Oromia”—or Oropia—twice as large and more powerful than an isolated Republic of Oromia.
Why Not Secession? The “Stem Nation” Perspective
One reason to support a democratic Ethiopia over outright secession is the belief that the Oromo are the “stem nation” in the Horn of Africa, with other nations being branches. This analogy suggests that the Oromo have a historical and civilizational responsibility to lead, not separate.
A democratic Ethiopia that embraces the indigenous Gadà system as a model could influence not just Ethiopia, but the entire Cushitic Horn—Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Kenya—creating a modern Greater Oromia (Oromummà-led Horn of Africa.
This is why I urge Oromo nationalists to focus on the “Triple-A” of Oromo aspirations:
- Àngô (Power) – taking leadership in the Finfinne palace
- Afàn Oromô – becoming the federal working language
- Àdà (Culture) – Oromo values as the moral compass of Ethiopia
A democratic Ethiopia governed by this framework would become Oropia, removing the need for an independent Oromia.
Challenging the “Stem and Branch” Analogy
Recently, some elites—Oromo and Habesha alike—have claimed the Oromo are the origin of other Ethiopian groups. Whether this is true or not, the political usage of this analogy is problematic. It is often used to discourage Oromo independence.
In my view, this is misleading. While shared ancestry may exist, today’s Oromo, Amhara, and Tigray peoples are distinct nations with unique languages, cultures, territories, and histories.
To me, each nation is a separate tree in a shared garden. Shared soil (history) doesn’t mean one tree should overshadow the others. When one plant (like Amhara political elites or Biltsiginna) grows invasively, the diversity of the garden suffers.
The Body Analogy: Cancer vs. Harmony
Let us imagine Ethiopia as a human body. In this analogy, Habesha elites who suppress Oromo identity act as cancer cells—spreading where they don’t belong and destroying healthy tissue. While all cells originate from one stem cell, each organ has a function. You don’t want brain cells growing in the liver.
Likewise, non-integrative elites in Oromia who don’t respect Afàn Oromô or Oromo culture act like malignant cells. They must either integrate or be politically neutralized. In contrast, ordinary Amhara or Tigrean individuals who live respectfully within Oromo society are benign—and welcome.
Conclusion: A Union of Free Peoples
The healthiest future lies in a union of distinct nations—not an empire of domination. Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and even neighboring countries like Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan must cooperate under principles of self-determination, mutual respect, and federal democracy.
If such a vision is denied, history teaches us that oppressed nations will inevitably rise up. But if we embrace a democratic Ethiopia based on **ÀAÀ—Àdà, Afàn Oromô, and Àngô—**we will witness the emergence of Oropia: a transformed, inclusive Ethiopia that serves all of its peoples.
No wonder the OLF has now chosen to pursue a democratic Ethiopia over a separate Republic of Oromia.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... ic-oromia/