Paradigm Shift: From an Independent Oromia, Through Federal Orompia, to an Integrative Oropia
By Fayyis Oromia*
Around fifty years ago, at the beginning of the modern Oromo struggle, there was significant discussion regarding the form of sovereignty to pursue after achieving bilisummà—freedom from oppressive, alien domination. While all Oromo nationals have long agreed on this ultimate goal of bilisummà, differences have arisen concerning the form of walabummà (sovereignty) to follow. Today, we recognize three major visions:
- An Independent Republic of Oromia,
- A Genuine Ethnic Federal Orompia (Oromia-led Ethiopia),
- An Integrative Oropia—a transformed Ethiopia led by the principles of Oromummà.
In the early stages of our struggle, when our confidence and influence were limited, the goal was clear: an independent Oromia. Over time, as we gained strength and strategic insight, the vision shifted toward leading a genuine federal union. Now, as our political confidence grows, we begin to envision an even more transformative goal: an Integrative Oropia, where Ethiopia itself becomes a reflection of Oromummà—with Oromia at its heart and Oromic as a central federal working language.
These three visions—independent Oromia, federal union, and integrative Oropia—continue to coexist within Oromo society. What unites them is the unwavering pursuit of freedom from political domination, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression.
The Three Post-Freedom Visions
We can summarize the current spectrum of political aspirations in three pathways:
- Oromia within Oropia – Realizing a federal system, where Oromia is empowered within a restructured Ethiopia.
- Oromia as an Independent State – Establishing Oromia as a sovereign republic, neighboring Abyssinia.
- Oropia as a Transformed Union – Envisioning a rebranded Ethiopia, shaped by Oromummà values and leadership.
Historically, Oromo movements have taken varied forms. Early resistance like the Ràyyà Oromo revolt, the Bàlé uprising, the Maccà Tùluma Association, and even movements like ME’ISON and IC’AT aimed for freedom from subjugation without necessarily demanding a separate Oromia. The formation of the ENLF, later evolving into the OLF, marked a more defined national vision.
Later, some began to recognize Oromia not only as a cultural identity but as a geographic and political entity—acknowledging also Ethiopia’s formation through the actions of both the Habeshanized Tùluma (e.g., Emperor Menelik) and non-Habeshanized Tùluma (e.g., General Gobanà).
From there, the vision evolved again—to liberate Oromia as a distinct republic. Today, some Oromo thinkers and activists have progressed further: to imagine the whole of Ethiopia transformed into Oropia—a nation centered around Oromummà values, language, and inclusive leadership.
Three Interconnected Strategies of Liberation
Though Oromo society debates the preferred post-liberation structure, all factions are united by a common desire to dismantle the oppressive Abyssinianist system. The Oromo movement today can be understood as consisting of two wings and a middle body:
- One Wing envisions a fully integrated Ethiopia (Oropia), with Oromummà leadership and Oromic as a central federal language—but often downplays Oromia’s autonomy.
- The Middle Body pursues a sovereign Oromia—a nation-state with full independence.
- The Other Wing supports a strong Oromia within a reformed Ethiopian federation—leading the union from within.
All three strands reflect distinct understandings of Oromo-Abyssinian history:
- Shared History (e.g., joint victories like the Battle of Adwa),
- Conflicting History (e.g., Menelik’s invasion, Oromo expansion),
A Hybrid View (recognizing both shared achievements and historical injustices).
From these interpretations, three political models arise:
- English-style liberation: Acknowledging both conflict and shared history—leading to a free Oromia voluntarily uniting in a new federal arrangement (Oropia).
- Russian-style liberation: Based on domination and conflict—leading to full independence from a historically oppressive system.
- Indian-style integration: Emphasizing shared pride—leading to a multicultural federation under the name Oropia, with Oromo language and identity playing a central role.
Sovereignty Interpretations of One Goal: Freedom
Three interpretations of the one goal—freedom—emerge:
- Internal Self-Determination: Oromia’s self-rule within a shared, democratic federation (Oropia),
- External Self-Determination: Full sovereignty as an independent republic,
- Referendum-Based Choice: A democratic decision between the two paths.
Three Strategic Factions in the Oromo Movement
Within the broader Oromo political landscape, different organizations represent different strategies:
- OLF Proper: Advocates for self-determination and keeps all options open.
- ONP (Oromian National Party): Emphasizes independence and external self-determination.
- OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress): Advocates for internal self-determination and democratic unity.
Regardless of these distinctions, all Oromo actors—be they rebel forces, opposition parties, or ruling-party officials—share a fundamental commitment to self-determination. Even those who claim “liberation has been achieved” often quietly continue the work of securing Oromo autonomy.
Conclusion
The Oromo people must remain the sole determiners of their future—whether that future lies within a transformed Oropia, as an independent Oromia, or as a leading member of a federal union. National self-determination is non-negotiable.
Unity imposed without free will is inherently unstable. The only sustainable union is one based on mutual respect and recognition of each nation’s right to self-rule.
At this transitional moment, it appears that the Oromo nation has shifted paradigms: from a focus on independent statehood, through a strong federal union, toward a bold vision of an integrative Oropia—an Ethiopia led by Oromummà values and leadership.
Let us rally around unifying symbols, such as the combined Abbà Gadà and OLF flags, and move forward together. May Wàqa guide our journey, and may the Oromo people achieve lasting freedom—whether through independence, federalism, or integration.
Galatômà!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/2 ... ly-oropia/