The Anti-Abiy Oromo Elites Prioritizing the Interethnic Power Struggle
By Fayyis Oromia*
The Oromo elites are currently caught in a profound political dilemma: should they oppose the authoritarian regime of Abiy Ahmed, or should they confront the nostalgic imperialist forces of the Semenawian (Northern) elites? The three primary factions of these Semenawian elites—Neftegna, Shabiya, and Woyane—continue to covet the resources of Oromia, particularly through control of the Finfinne palace. Meanwhile, the regime under Abiy Ahmed, which espouses the promotion of Amharic dominance, continues to undermine the Oromos’ rightful leadership—both demographically and geographically.
This presents Oromo nationalists with a significant challenge. It is critical to recognize that the primary conflict in Ethiopia is ethnic in nature, with ideological differences serving as a secondary concern. Ethnic groups who control the Finfinne palace hold not only political power but also access to the nation’s resources and privileges. The three major Semenawian forces are striving to regain power, with the objective of re-establishing dominance over the Oromo. Therefore, it is essential for anti-Abiy Oromo elites to remain vigilant in order to avoid becoming unwitting agents of these forces. The intense animosity directed at Abiy Ahmed should not blind them to the dangers posed by these revivalist movements.
Political Struggle in Ethiopia: A Three-Tier Framework
The political landscape in Ethiopia can be understood through a framework comprising three distinct levels of struggle:
Ethnic Level
At the ethnic level, Ethiopia’s political conflict primarily revolves around a triangular contest between three dominant ethnic groups: the Amhara, the Tigray, and the Oromo. This struggle is governed by the principle of “survival of the fittest,” where power is won and lost based on ethnic dominance. The imposition of democratic principles at this level is ineffective, as the political contest is inherently about group dominance. From the rule of the Amhara until 1991, to the Tigray’s dominance thereafter, and now the Oromo’s turn at leadership, this contest has historically been about who can control the political center. Any Oromo who advocates for surrendering this power through democratic processes such as elections is being naïve.
Party Level
Once an ethnic group consolidates power at the national level, political parties that align with that group may compete in a more democratic fashion. After ensuring that the deceitful Abyssinian elites do not regain control, the Oromo should open up democratic competition among their own political parties—such as the OFC, OLF/OLA, and OPP—for control of the Finfinne palace.
Individual Level
Within these parties, individuals may use democratic principles to vie for leadership positions, including the office of the prime minister, as long as they maintain a commitment to the overarching interests of the Oromo nation.
Thus, while democracy is not feasible at the ethnic level of the power struggle, it can flourish at the party and individual levels—provided those within the parties remain loyal to Oromo national priorities.
The Oromo Struggle for Autonomy and Political Change
The Oromo people are gradually but steadily progressing toward full freedom from former alien rulers and dictators. It is only a matter of time before true Oromo nationalists—those committed to a republican, pro-Oromummà vision—assume political power from the pro-Amharic Prosperity Party in Finfinne. Once this is achieved, Oromo Republicans must consolidate their position, and one of their first steps should be to establish Oromic as the primary working language of the federation, replacing Amharic.
Nine Levels of Oromo Political Specialization
To ensure the success of this political project, it is crucial to develop Oromo political expertise across nine administrative levels:
- Local (Ganda/Village)
- County (Araddà/Qebele)
- District (Ànà)
- Zone (Province)
- Oromia (State)
- Ethiopia (Federation)
- Horn of Africa (Region)
- Africa (Continent)
- Global (United Nations)
These levels of political organization are vital for the growth of Oromo political power. Empowering Oromummà at every administrative level will be a central aspect of the Oromo national agenda.
Diplomacy and Regional Integration
Recent diplomatic initiatives among Oromo elites aimed at creating a confederation—the proposed United States of the Horn of Africa (USHA)—have shown promising developments. Dialogues between the leadership of Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia regarding this concept have been encouraging. We hope that Djibouti and Somaliland will join this bloc in the future.
For the Oromo, consolidating political power in Finfinne, freeing Oromia from alien domination, and democratizing Ethiopia are the essential steps toward regional and continental integration. Once Oromia and Finfinne are politically stabilized, the ripple effects of Oromo politics will undoubtedly influence broader regional and continental dynamics. The Oromo are uniquely positioned to lead this shift, provided they pursue their political objectives with strategic foresight.
To achieve success, the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), and the Oromo People’s Party (OPP) must come together in unity, forging a shared vision for the future. With cohesion, the Oromo people can assert themselves as a cultural, political, and economic powerhouse not only in Oromia but across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
The Issue of “Ethiopia” and Its Competing Meanings
The term “Ethiopia” is fraught with multiple interpretations, each reflecting the interests of different ethnic groups:
- Biblically, it refers to the land of Cush (modern-day Sudan).
- In Greek, it means “land of burnt faces,” historically understood to refer to Black Africans.
- For Tigrayans, Ethiopia is synonymous with the legacy of the Axum Empire.
- For the Amhara, Ethiopia represents the kingdom of Abyssinia.
- To Ethiopianists from southern nations, it refers to the current political state.
- To Oromo nationalists, however, Ethiopia symbolizes a system of ethnic and political domination.
Historically, Ethiopia was a feudal monarchy under Haile Selassie, followed by a military dictatorship under Mengistu Haile Mariam and a revolutionary dictatorship under Meles Zenawi. Under the current Prosperity Party’s administration, the goal is to establish a true democratic federation, one that recognizes ethnic rights and self-determination, in contrast to the TPLF’s fraudulent version of federalism.
A Better Administrative Structure for Africa
The future of Africa depends on respecting the rights of nations and nationalities to self-governance at every level, from local communities to the national stage. A five-tier system—African Federation, States, Provinces, Districts, and Communities—based on ethnic and linguistic identity, rather than geography, is a more fitting model for the continent’s governance structure. This would promote political, cultural, and economic autonomy, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all African nations.
The Ethiopian Model as a Prototype for African Unity
Ethiopia, having transitioned from a centralized monarchy to a dictatorship, and then to a flawed ethnic federation, could serve as a prototype for a future African federation. By moving from the TPLF’s false federalism to a true ethnic federation as advocated by the OFC, Ethiopia can become a model of unity and self-determination for all African nations. Oromia, with Finfinne at its core, could serve as a sovereign state within a future United States of Africa, alongside other nations such as Amharaland and Tigray.
Conclusion
The formation of the AFD by the CUD and OLF was a significant early challenge to the TPLF regime. The subsequent creation of Medrek by the OFC and others posed a further challenge to their hold on power. Today, the Oromo vision offers renewed hope, even if it is not the ultimate solution. The OLF represents the long-term hope for the liberation of Ethiopia’s nations, while the OFC offers a transitional approach to political consensus. The PAFD’s vision aims for a permanent resolution through public referendum.
Ethiopia’s political trajectory is shifting—from the TPLF’s fake ethnic federation to the OFC’s vision of a genuine ethnic federation, and ultimately to the OLF’s vision of full self-determination for all nations. Oromo liberation fronts have expressed their intent to revive the AFD alliance—an essential step in strengthening the struggle for freedom and democracy.
Final Thoughts
Other African multinational states, formed by colonial powers, can learn valuable lessons from the Ethiopian model:
- Recognize and respect the natural rights of nations and nationalities to self-administration and self-determination.
- Adopt ethnic-based federations with five administrative levels to foster cultural, economic, and political autonomy, ultimately paving the way for a United States of Africa free from the divisive legacy of colonial borders and languages.
The Oromo struggle for freedom offers a blueprint for transforming Africa’s artificial borders into natural national boundaries. Oromo political influence, emanating from Finfinne and Oromia, represents a divine gift—one that must be utilized with wisdom and foresight.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/03/2 ... ndividual/