Mereja.Forum

Why Is the Transformation of Ethiopia to Orompia or Oropia Simple for the OLF Mindset?

By Fayyis Oromia*

The transformation of Ethiopia from the status quo Amarpia—an Amharic-dominated ethnic federation—into Orompia (an Oromic-led ethnic federation) or Oropia (an Oromic-led geo-federation) is not difficult if genuine Oromo nationalists with an OLF mindset of sovereignty take power from the incumbent OPDO mindset of servitude.

The first step would be to promote Oromic as the primary working language of the federation, replacing Amharic. Secondly, they would need to leverage the advantage that many Oromos speak additional languages, allowing them to significantly influence other regions in favor of this transformation.

The annual celebration of Irréchà in Finfinné signals the legitimate, expected, and natural transformation of Addis Ababa into Finfinné, and of Amapia into Oropia. This transformation, although gradual, is progressing steadily. Oromo nationalists—whether in the rebel front (OLA), the opposition party (OFC), or the ruling party (OPP)—are contributing meaningfully in unison.

The most critical element for ensuring the success of this transformation is the imminent elevation of Oromic to its rightful place as the primary working language of the palace, parliament, and other federal institutions, replacing Amharic. The long-standing practice of equating Amharanet with Ethiopiawinet must come to an end. Instead, all national identities must be acknowledged and celebrated, with Oromic leading the way—justified by the Oromo people’s demographic size and geographic presence.

Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/06/3 ... is-oromia/

Such a diverse and multicultural Ethiopia can emerge as a “rainbow nation” with its real composition as follows:

40% Oromummà
20% Agawinet
10% Amharanet
6% Somalummà
5% Tegarunet
4% Sidamummà
3% Guragenet
2% Afarummá
10% representing the identities of other nations and nationalities.
At the beginning of the 2018 political transition, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s position was ambiguous enough that all three major forces in Ethiopia’s traditional power triangle—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—supported him. He enjoyed widespread popularity rarely seen in Ethiopian politics.

At the beginning of the 2018 political transition, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s position was ambiguous enough that all three major forces in Ethiopia’s traditional power triangle—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—supported him. He enjoyed widespread popularity rarely seen in Ethiopian politics.

Amhara elites believed they could instrumentalize him, much like they did with President Mengistu Ayana.
Tigrayan elites hoped to manipulate him as they had with Prime Minster Hailemariam Desalegn.
Oromo elites cautiously supported him, hoping he would realize the vision of Dr. Baro Tumsa.
However, Abiy proved to be none of the three. Clearly, he is neither Hailemariam Desalegn nor Mengistu Ayana. As for Baro Tumsa’s vision, he has not fulfilled it—at least, not yet. If he still intends to, time will reveal it. In the meantime, a reminder may be appropriate.