750 Years Ideological Conflict in Ethiopia: Authoritarian Amaranet vs Egalitarian Oromummà!
Introduction and Historical Context
There is no doubt that Amhara identity and the Amharic language began to develop significantly around 1270, when Yekuno Amlak seized power from the Zagwe Dynasty. Since then, Amaranet (Amhara-ness) and Amharic have expanded, largely at the expense of Agawinet (Agaw identity/language) and Oromic/Oromummà (Oromo language and identity). Amaranet, often masked as “Ethiopianism,” assimilated various peoples and nationalities into speaking Amharic and identifying as Amhara. Among those assimilated identities, only Oromummà has continuously challenged the dominant Amaranet.
Today, Amaranet and Oromummà are not merely ethnic identities; they have evolved into distinct political ideologies. Historically, the first Derg regime focused on the ideological divide between capitalism and communism. The second Derg, also known as Woyane, emphasized centralism vs. separatism. The third Derg—symbolized by the Biltsigina regime—appears to be exploiting the emerging ideological divide between Amaranet and Oromummà for its own “divide-and-rule” strategy.
Amaranet vs. Oromummà as Ideologies
Amaranet, disguised as “Ethiopianism,” has dominated the political and cultural landscape of Ethiopia until recently. Thanks to the fierce Oromo struggle, this ideology has now been unmasked and is asserting itself more explicitly as a political force opposing Oromummà. The Fano movement, for example, openly identifies Oromummà as its primary adversary.
Amaranet represents an authoritarian, assimilationist ideology, seeking to dismantle the self-administration rights of various nations and nationalities. Oromummà, on the other hand, symbolizes an egalitarian and emancipatory ideology advocating for legitimate self-determination and proportional representation in a multi-lingual, multicultural Ethiopia.
Crystallizing Political Camps: Amapianists vs. Oropianists
The political struggle in Ethiopia appears to be crystallizing into a battle between two elite camps:
- Amapianists: Pro-Amaranet elites striving to maintain the status quo of an Amhara-dominated Ethiopia.
- Oropianists: Pro-Oromummà elites promoting an Oromummà-led Ethiopia with Oromic as the primary federal working language.
Virtually all political elites in Ethiopia, whether consciously or subconsciously, fall into one of these camps. Neutrality is rare. Parties like NaMA and EZEMA represent nostalgic Amapianism, seeking to sustain the status quo through alliance with hybrid ruling forces like EPP. These Neo-Naftagna elites are focused on halting the democratization process to ensure Amaranet’s continued dominance.
On the other side, both the independence-oriented OLF and integrationist Oromo elites within OFC now support Oromummà-led multinational federalism for pragmatic reasons. While Amapianists claim there is only one Ethiopian nationalism—essentially Amhara nationalism—Oropianists recognize Ethiopia as a multinational state that must be led by an inclusive and egalitarian vision rooted in Oromummà.
Historical Context of Amhara-Tigray Power Dynamics
Historically, Amhara and Tigrayan elites have vied for control of the Ethiopian empire. Until 1991, Amhara elites dominated, while Tigray elites played a junior, cooperative role. After 1991, roles reversed: Tigray elites took the lead, and Amhara elites supported them. In both scenarios, Oromo and other marginalized peoples suffered exploitation and oppression.
Today, this dual hegemony is being challenged. Even impoverished Abesha (northern) populations are joining forces with other nationalities to oppose the ruling EPP and the elite groups—both Amhara and Oromo—who still benefit from the status quo.
The Oromo Factor and the “Shocking” Handshake
The infamous handshake between TPLF’s Meles Zenawi and Derg’s Hailu Shawel shocked many Ethiopians. What did these two dictators have in common? They shared a goal: to suppress any genuine movement for freedom and democracy, especially from the Oromo. For many conservative Amhara elites, the prospect of Oromummà-led leadership is more frightening than prolonged Tigrayan dominance. Their motto seems to be: “Better to be ruled by Tigrayans for 100 years than by Oromos for one day.”
The handshake symbolized an implicit alliance to maintain Abyssinian hegemony, whether by Amhara or Tigrayan elites, and to stifle Oromo aspirations.
Alliances for Democracy and Freedom
On the other side, democratic forces from both Amhara and Oromo communities have been working toward finding common ground. This alliance focuses on two core values:
- Unity, as emphasized by Amhara democrats
- Freedom, as emphasized by Oromo liberation movements
This led to the formation of alliances such as:
- AFD (Alliance for Freedom and Democracy)
- Medrek
- ENM (Ethiopian National Movement)
These alliances represent efforts to unite various nationalities around a shared goal of justice, autonomy, and democratic governance. Their formation was deeply disturbing to fascist and authoritarian elites who rely on division to maintain control.
Modern Nefxenya and the Path Forward
Today’s Nefxenya (gun-based domination) may wear modern clothes, but its mission remains the same—suppressing self-determination and democracy. The 21st-century Nefxenyas, whether Dergist or Woyanist in nature, have used divide-and-rule tactics to prevent coordinated resistance by Oromo freedom fighters and Amhara democrats.
Thanks to the vision of OLF leaders and Amhara democrats, a united struggle for democracy and freedom is emerging. Medrek and PAFD offered frameworks based on consensual union and self-determination. These were the antidotes to both 20th- and 21st-century fascist Nefxenyas.
Conclusion: Amapianist vs. Oropianist Ethiopia
The ideological struggle has come to a clear point: Ethiopia will either continue under the authoritarian dominance of Amaranet or evolve into a democratic, inclusive federation led by Oromummà. There is likely no middle ground. Once the current hybrid regime loses power, genuine Oropianist forces may finally assume leadership in Finfinnè. In such a future, Oropia—an Oromummà-led Ethiopia—will likely emerge.
The handshake between Meles and Hailu was not a reconciliation—it was a last-ditch effort to preserve the dying empire. But time is on the side of the pro-democracy, pro-freedom Oropianists, who are poised to prevail over the remains of Amaranet’s domination.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/1 ... opianists/