Did Dr. Abiy Ahmed Disappoint Amhara Elites Who Wanted to Use Him as They Did Mengistu Hailemariam?
By Fayyis Oromia*
It is refreshing to observe the current tension between Dr. Abiy’s hybrid regime and the Amhara elites of the Habesha camp. As Dr. Lenco Lata once remarked, “When Amhara elites support me, I ask myself: did I do something wrong? Conversely, when they oppose me, I know I am doing the right thing.” When we observe the conflict between the Habesha-Amhara elites and the hybrid Prosperity Party, it appears that Dr. Abiy is attempting to realign himself with the Oromo bloc—perhaps tactically, or out of genuine conviction. He may finally realize that his fate resembles the proverbial dog that eats from two homes but gets devoured by a hyena while wandering between them.
Dr. Abiy’s attempt to satisfy two diametrically opposed camps will surely cost him both power and possibly his life. Initially, he enjoyed the support of both Amhara and Oromo elites, each hoping he would champion their respective causes. Over time, however, he disappointed both groups and lost significant support. He now seems to be favoring the Oromo side, a move that has naturally disillusioned his Amhara supporters. If he is sincere in this shift, he is finally taking a step in the right direction. I would advise him to go further by promoting Oromic as the primary federal language, replacing Amharic, so institutions such as the palace, parliament, cabinet, courts, military, and security apparatus can begin using Oromic as soon as possible. Doing so would pave the way for reconciliation with the Oromo, ending the Amhara elites’ attempts to manipulate him as they did Mengistu Hailemariam.
History seems to repeat itself: Amhara elites have long sought an Oromo figure to serve their interests and weaken genuine Oromo nationalism. Menelik (himself Oromo) betrayed Gobana; Haile Selassie persecuted Iyasu; Mengistu executed Haile Fida; and now Abiy has imprisoned Jawar Mohammed and others. No Amhara force has ever directly defeated the Oromo. Instead, they have relied on Oromo collaborators who venerate Amharanet over their own Oromummà. During the 1974 revolution, despite the Oromo’s significant role, we lost out due to Mengistu—an Oromo by birth, but hybrid in mind and marriage—who persecuted true Oromo nationalists. The crafty and cowardly Amhara elites stood behind him to destroy all things Oromo.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/01/1 ... -h-mariam/