Toward a Republican Coalition: the Struggle Against Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party
By Fayyis Oromia*
Introduction
At a critical juncture in Ethiopia’s political history, genuine Oromo nationalists—particularly Oromo republicans within the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), and even reform-oriented elements within the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP)—are increasingly coordinating with democratic forces from other nations and nationalities. This emerging cooperation represents a vital response to the authoritarian consolidation of power by the Prosperity Party (Biltsigina), which continues to undermine popular sovereignty, national rights, and democratic governance across Ethiopia.
The formation of a united republican front is not merely desirable but essential. Only through coordinated action can democratic forces dismantle the entrenched authoritarian order and restore power to Ethiopia’s diverse peoples.
The Case for a Coalition for Democratic Federalism
Recent developments indicating closer collaboration among Oromo and allied democratic leaders are encouraging. Ethiopia’s protracted crisis demands a unified political framework, best articulated through a Coalition for Democratic Federalism. Such a coalition must be grounded in a shared commitment to consolidating and democratizing ethnic (language-based) federalism, ensuring equality, self-rule, and mutual respect among all nations and nationalities.
For decades, Oromo intellectuals and activists have advocated unity among Oromo political organizations and other oppressed national forces. The present moment reflects the early realization of that long struggle. However, unity must be anchored in a clear and principled objective: the defense and deepening of genuine ethno-federalism as the foundation of a democratic Ethiopian state.
Betrayal, Power, and the Question of Finfinné
The Oromo people once celebrated the symbolic and political significance of regaining influence over the Caffé Arara palace after more than 150 years of marginalization. That achievement, however, was short-lived. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration ultimately reversed Oromo political gains, re-empowering pro-unitary and assimilationist forces in Finfinné.
Despite sustained resistance from anti-Oromo actors, reclaiming Finfinné remains central to Oromo national aspirations. As the political, cultural, and strategic heart of the Oromo nation, Finfinné cannot be separated from Oromia’s future. Oromo republicans are once again called upon to rise to this historic responsibility.
The Five Conceptual Layers of Oromia
A comprehensive Oromo political vision encompasses five interrelated layers:
- Oromia – The core homeland, where the Gadà system is strengthened, Àdà Oromo is promoted, and the Oromo language and culture are preserved.
- Oropia – A reimagined Ethiopian polity shaped by Oromummà, fostering coexistence among the Oromo, assimilated Oromos, other Cushitic peoples, and democratic partners.
- Orohorn – A Horn of Africa influenced by Oromummà, connecting Oromo communities from southern Egypt to northern Tanzania.
- Orofrica – A future federal Africa, potentially administered from Finfinné, in which the Oromo play a unifying role.
- Oroglob – A global vision where the democratic principles of the Gadà system inspire governance beyond Africa.
This framework reflects not expansionism, but a layered political imagination rooted in democracy, inclusivity, and shared values.
Federalism, Leadership, and the Post-TPLF Order
Dialogue initiated at an Oromo-American conference in Minnesota several years ago brought together Oromo supporters of Ethio-federalism, self-described federalists aligned with the TPLF, and genuine ethno-federalists. A central question emerged: Who should lead post-TPLF Ethiopia—Ethio-federalists or Ethno-federalists?
Due largely to the Oromo struggle, nearly all major political actors now publicly endorse federalism. Open advocacy for a unitary state has become politically untenable. Even TPLF elites eventually recognized that political survival without Oromia’s cooperation and resources was impossible.
This raises a renewed question in the current context: Who will lead Ethiopia after Dr. Abiy Ahmed? Will leadership emerge from genuine ethno-federalist forces, or will a “fake federalist” elite attempt to maintain power by manipulating divisions between Ethio-federalists and Ethno-federalists?
Toward Genuine Ethno-Federalism
The most viable path forward requires Ethio-federalists to evolve—specifically, to accept genuine ethno-federalism that fully recognizes Oromia’s existence and the Oromo nation’s right to self-determination. Such a shift would unify democratic forces and create a formidable opposition to authoritarian rule.
Historical experience underscores this necessity. In the elections of 2005, 2010, and 2015, political discourse gradually shifted from overt unitarism to acceptance of federation and referendums. By 2021, even many formerly unitarist elites had reluctantly embraced versions of ethno-federalism. Political learning, though slow, is occurring.
Oromo Political Camps and Strategic Choice
Today, Oromo elites and activists operate within three broad political camps:
- Ethio-federalist parties, such as the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (ECS);
- Fake federalists, primarily the OPDO/Prosperity Party;
- Ethno-federalist parties, including the OFC, OLF, and allied organizations.
With the TPLF weakened and Ethiopia facing a possible political transition, the Oromo people must make a strategic choice. Continued alignment with Ethio-federalists who resist genuine federalism risks repeating past failures, as occurred in 2010 when opposition forces were fragmented and neutralized.
Politically conscious Oromo increasingly recognize that true federalism and full autonomy for Oromia best serve national interests.
From Ideals to Political Outcomes
Concepts such as abbàbiyyummà (self-rule), bilisummà (freedom), and hiré-murtefannà (self-determination) are foundational ideals rather than final political destinations. Oromo political organizations must ultimately decide between two legitimate outcomes:
- Walabummà – full independence and national sovereignty;
- Walfànummà – a voluntary union of free and self-determining peoples.
Either option must be pursued through democratic processes, including referendums conducted under genuine self-rule.
Conclusion: Unity and the Republican Future
Oromo nationalists currently aligned with geo-federalists or collaborating with fake federalist structures must reassess their political position. Alignment with genuine ethno-federalist forces—OFC, OLA, OLF, and allied organizations—is essential. The emerging Oromo Leadership Council and a broader Coalition for Democratic Federalism provide a viable framework for unity.
Recent discussions, including those at the Minnesota conference, demonstrate that no irreconcilable ideological divisions prevent Oromo unity. Guided by the Oromo values of ilà fi ilàmé (mutual understanding), organizations can coordinate strategies and advance together.
The potential formation of an Ethiopian Republicans’ Coalition, reportedly led by Dr. Lemma Megersa, is particularly promising. Such leadership could offer a renewed unifying project capable of reshaping Ethiopia’s future—and, by extension, the future of the Horn of Africa.
With principled leadership, grassroots mobilization, and unity of purpose, the vision of the five layers of Oromia can be realized: a democratic republic where all citizens and nations live together in fraternity, equality, and liberty.
May Wàqa guide this endeavor.
Galatômà.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2018/12/0 ... of-oromia/