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Message to Dr. Abiy Ahmed: Abay Dam is Meles Z. Gobena’s Legacy — Make Your Own History by Reclaiming Assab

Posted: 17 Jan 2026, 21:18
by OPFist
Message to Dr. Abiy Ahmed: Abay Dam is Meles Z. Gobena’s Legacy — Make Your Own History by Reclaiming Assab

By Fayyis Oromia*

Dear Dr. Abiy,

The Abay Dam stands as a testament to the legacy of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. Now, the moment has arrived for you to forge your own historical legacy — one that transcends your predecessors — by reclaiming the port of Assab for Ethiopia. More specifically, this port must return to Oropia, a modern Ethiopia guided by the ideals of Oromummà.

It appears that you are beginning to align yourself more with the Oromo cause, but much remains to be done. Two major battles lie ahead: the ongoing struggle against the armed group Fano, and the inevitable confrontation with the Eritrean regime, or Shabiya, to secure Assab as a vital port for Oropia.

Today, Ethiopia’s political landscape has crystallized into a clear dichotomy: the forces of Amhara elites and Oromo elites, with other national groups positioning themselves in alignment with these two blocs. Meles Zenawi successfully neutralized the Naftagna forces when they posed a challenge to his leadership. Why, Dr. Abiy, have you not done the same?

There are two possible reasons:
You initially sought to keep the Naftagna forces within your fold, using them as a counterbalance against true Oromo nationalists who might pose a real challenge to your power.

Unlike Tigreans — who are ethnically Semitic and thus somewhat acceptable to the Amhara elite — Oromos are still viewed as inferior, incapable of leading. Consequently, your administration has been branded as inept, largely due to its Oromo leadership.
In many ways, you have trusted the scorpion, believing it will not sting. Yet, the scorpion’s nature remains unchanged.

Had you truly embraced an unwavering commitment to Oromo nationalism, dismantling the Naftagna camp would have been far easier than Meles’ own efforts. This, however, requires more than tactical maneuvering — it requires a full and genuine return to the Oromo cause.

Once you neutralize the Fano threat, securing Assab will be paramount to ensuring Oropia’s access to the sea. This act will define your legacy, distinguishing it from that of Meles Zenawi.

Oromo Rule — Or Merely an Oromo Mask?
Jawar Mohammed once described the conflict between the OLA and Biltsigina as “a quarrel within the Oromo family.” Yet, Dr. Abiy, does your administration truly represent Oromo governance? Many within the Oromo community disagree.

The Derg was characterized by direct Amhara rule, modeled after French colonialism. Woyane, on the other hand, represented indirect Tigrayan rule, akin to British colonialism. But Biltsigina — your government — is the most deceptive form of all: it masquerades as an Oromo administration while, in reality, it continues to serve the entrenched interests of Amharanet.

The Oromo people have achieved 25% liberation by overthrowing the monarchy, 50% by dismantling the Derg, and 75% by toppling Woyane. True liberation — 100% freedom — can only be realized by replacing Biltsigina with genuine Oromo rule.

Yet Biltsigina is an illusion, one that deceives even those who truly identify with Oromo nationalism into believing this government represents their interests. While many of its leaders may carry Oromo names, their ideologies, values, and political goals are far removed from the core principles of Oromummà.

The Role of First Ladies in History’s Betrayal
An often-overlooked aspect of Ethiopian political history is the influence of the wives of post-monarchic rulers. Each of Ethiopia’s three leaders — Mengistu, Meles, and yourself — married women from Amhara backgrounds, and these women played a significant role in shaping their husbands’ political trajectories.

Mengistu, despite his Oromo heritage, was swayed by his Gojjame wife. Meles, biologically Oromo but politically Tigrayan and psychologically Amhara, was influenced by his Wolqayit-Amhara wife. Similarly, your leadership, Dr. Abiy, seems to have followed a similar pattern, with your Gondar-Amhara wife guiding your decisions.

In all three cases, the result was the same: betrayal of the Oromo cause and reinforcement of Amharanet dominance.

A 150-Year Struggle for Oromo Liberation
The Oromo people have fought for liberation for over 150 years, toppling monarchs, feudalists, and fascists. Yet, we are still not free. The primary obstacle to true freedom has been the internal sabotage perpetrated by Oromo elites who remain mentally colonized.

Your government represents the most subtle and dangerous form of oppression. It presents itself as a government of the Oromo, yet it actively works against the principles of Oromummà. It has divided the Oromo camp into pro-Abiy and anti-Abiy factions, weakening our collective strength.

Your administration, in many ways, resembles a neo-Naftagna state — an Oromo mask concealing the same structural dynamics as Mengistu’s Derg.

The ongoing protests in Washington, D.C. reflect this divide: on one side, the forces of Amharanet/Naftagninet, now operating through the EPP, and on the other, the forces of Oromummà/Netsanet, who oppose them.

Unity as a Weapon of Liberation
True Oromo liberation can only be achieved through unity — the same unity that the Abyssinian rulers have long feared and sought to destroy.

Historically, Oromia was united under the Gadà system, but divisions began when some Oromo factions embraced monarchy and aligned with Abyssinian rulers. These divisions, exacerbated by Abyssinian colonialism, continue to haunt us today: Wellega versus Arsi, Shoa versus Wellega, Hararge versus Arsi. The EPP continues to exploit these divisions.

Even the OLF has been fragmented — not due to ideological differences, but because of a lack of strategic unity. Tactical disagreements should never override our shared vision of freedom.

However, there are signs of hope. Efforts such as the Maccà-Tulama Association, recent reconciliation within OLF factions, and the alliance formed under the OFC show that the drive for unity is growing. Let us build on these efforts and form one powerful OLF — unified in vision, leadership, and commitment to liberation.

Allies, Comrades, and Saboteurs
Within the ruling party (OPP), we must distinguish between:

Comrades — Oromo individuals working from within the system for the cause.
Slaves — those who, due to mental colonization, unknowingly aid the enemy.
Criminals — active saboteurs of the Oromo struggle.
We must also be open to collaborating with other oppressed nationalities and even democratic Amhara or Tigrayan forces who support self-determination and equality. Working toward a voluntary union is not the same as being coerced into an oppressive one.

Final Words to Dr. Abiy
You now face a critical decision: continue down the path of Amharanized politics, or return to the Oromo cause with full commitment.

This is your historical moment. Just as Meles left a legacy with the Abay Dam, you have the opportunity to create your own legacy by reclaiming Assab. But this can only be achieved with the full support of a united Oromo force.

History is watching, and the Oromo people are watching. Will you choose Oromummà over Naftagnanet? Sovereignty over submission? A legacy of betrayal, or one of true liberation?

May Wàqa grant us the wisdom and strength to reclaim our freedom through unity.

May He bless the Oromo people and guide us toward sovereignty — whether within a union or as an independent nation.

Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/03/0 ... few-years/