The Role of the TPLF and OLF in Shaping Oromia: A Path Towards a Democratic and Inclusive Ethiopia
Posted: 20 Jan 2026, 13:40
The Role of the TPLF and OLF in Shaping Oromia: A Path Towards a Democratic and Inclusive Ethiopia
By Fayyis Oromia*
The creation of the larger Amhara and Southern regions by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was a deliberate attempt to neutralize Oromia, undermining the national self-rule of smaller ethnic groups such as the Agaw and Sidama. However, since 2018, significant progress has been made in restoring autonomy to these regions, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Qérrô and other liberation movements. A key ally in this transformation has been the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), whose affiliated members within the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) are working towards establishing a democratic Ethiopia led by the Oromo people. This vision, which advocates for the normalization of Oromia and the broader Oropia, is slowly becoming a reality.
The Amhara and Southern Regions: A Call for Autonomy
For years, the national self-determination of smaller groups within the Amhara and Southern regions has been stifled by the larger political structure imposed by the TPLF. Nations such as the Agaw, Qimant, Wolqayit, Wollo, Raya, Gafat, Waata, and Argoba have long been denied their rightful autonomy. However, recent efforts led by the OLF and OPP are gradually rectifying this historical injustice. In particular, it is encouraging to note that Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, has proposed a plan to divide the Amhara region into three smaller, autonomous regions. These proposed regions would be:
- Gondar: Led by the Qimant, including Wolqayit
- Gojjam: Led by the Agaw
- Wollo: Led by the Oromo, including Raya
Additionally, the Amhara section of North Shewa would be split, with one part reintegrated into Oromia and the other joining Wollo. Each region would operate with its respective languages: Qimantinya and Amharic for Gondar, Agawigna and Amharic for Gojjam, and Oromic and Amharic for Wollo. This proposed restructuring offers a pragmatic approach to address the current unrest in the Amhara region and is a step towards long-term peace and self-determination.
The Rise of the OLF’s Vision for Oropia
At the heart of the current political transformation is the OLF’s commitment to sovereignty and self-determination for all peoples of Ethiopia. The OLF’s vision, as part of a broader movement within the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), is gradually overtaking the more submissive mindset of the OPDO (Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization) wing of the ruling Prosperity Party. This shift reflects a broader ideological commitment to Oromic-led sovereignty, a vision that seeks to build a more just and inclusive Ethiopia, or Oropia.
The OLF’s goals are ambitious but grounded in the belief that Ethiopia’s future lies in unity based on mutual respect for cultural and political diversity. In an Oropia, Oromic would be the primary working language, and a modernized Gadaa system would be implemented. This system, rooted in Oromo culture, has long been a symbol of self-rule and democracy. For the OLF and its supporters, the goal is not merely to establish a separate Oromia but to create a unified Ethiopia where all peoples are equal, and their rights are respected.
Dr. Fikre Tolassa’s Views on Oromo-Amhara Relations
A significant intellectual debate has emerged around the historical relationship between the Oromo and the Amhara, particularly following the publication of an open letter by Dr. Fikre Tolassa, addressed to Dr. Beyan Asoba. While Dr. Fikre initially presented the Oromo as invaders of Amhara territories during the 16th century, he has since revised his views to recognize the Oromo as indigenous people of the region. This shift is an important acknowledgment, as it counters the long-standing narrative propagated by some Abyssinian scholars who viewed the Oromo as outsiders.
Despite this intellectual evolution, Dr. Fikre’s continued advocacy for the idea that the Amhara and Oromo are “brothers” raises concerns among Oromo nationalists. While this sentiment may be rooted in an attempt to foster reconciliation, it fails to fully acknowledge the historical and ongoing oppression faced by the Oromo people. The political and social realities of colonial domination, exploitation, and cultural suppression cannot be erased by genealogical claims alone. For many Oromos, the history of the Ethiopian state — symbolized by the Abyssinian elite — is one of subjugation and violence.
The Issue of Identity and Unity: A Call for a New Vision
Dr. Fikre’s proposals, including the adoption of the Saba script for the Oromo alphabet, the abandonment of “Little Oromia” in favor of a “Greater Ethiopia,” and the adoption of the Ethiopian flag and identity, have faced strong resistance from Oromo nationalists. For many Oromos, the Latin alphabet is not merely a linguistic tool but a symbol of resistance and identity. Similarly, the Ethiopian flag, associated with imperial conquests and oppression, is not seen as a unifying symbol but rather a reminder of past atrocities.
If unity is the ultimate goal, it is crucial to recognize that the name “Ethiopia” carries significant baggage for many Oromos. Derived from the Greek term meaning “burnt face,” Ethiopia is closely tied to the legacy of Abyssinian empire-building and the marginalization of Oromo and other ethnic groups. A more inclusive identity — one that acknowledges the central role of the Oromo in the country’s history — is necessary for genuine unity. This could take the form of a new name, such as “Oropia,” which reflects the envisioned democratic and inclusive Ethiopia, led by the Oromo.
A Path Towards a Democratic Ethiopia
In conclusion, the future of Ethiopia hinges on a crucial decision: will the country continue to operate as an empire, with the Amhara elite at its center, or will it embrace a democratic vision rooted in the principles of equality, self-determination, and unity? The OLF and its supporters are clear in their stance: a democratic, Oromic-led Ethiopia, or Oropia, is the only path forward.
This vision is not just about Oromo liberation but about creating a more just and inclusive society for all Ethiopians. It is about building a nation where the rights and identities of all peoples are respected, and where the legacy of oppression is finally put to rest. In this vision, the future is one of unity in diversity — a democratic Ethiopia that values cultural and linguistic diversity and is governed by the principles of the Gadaa system.
As Dr. Beyan Asoba has aptly put it, “The days when Oromos had to endure self-abnegation are over and shall never return.” If Ethiopia is to survive as a united and just nation, it must embrace this new reality — one in which the identity and dignity of the Oromo are fully respected, and the vision of a democratic Oropia becomes a reality.
May Wàqa guide the path forward for the Oromo and all the peoples of Ethiopia.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... he-future/
By Fayyis Oromia*
The creation of the larger Amhara and Southern regions by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was a deliberate attempt to neutralize Oromia, undermining the national self-rule of smaller ethnic groups such as the Agaw and Sidama. However, since 2018, significant progress has been made in restoring autonomy to these regions, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Qérrô and other liberation movements. A key ally in this transformation has been the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), whose affiliated members within the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) are working towards establishing a democratic Ethiopia led by the Oromo people. This vision, which advocates for the normalization of Oromia and the broader Oropia, is slowly becoming a reality.
The Amhara and Southern Regions: A Call for Autonomy
For years, the national self-determination of smaller groups within the Amhara and Southern regions has been stifled by the larger political structure imposed by the TPLF. Nations such as the Agaw, Qimant, Wolqayit, Wollo, Raya, Gafat, Waata, and Argoba have long been denied their rightful autonomy. However, recent efforts led by the OLF and OPP are gradually rectifying this historical injustice. In particular, it is encouraging to note that Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, has proposed a plan to divide the Amhara region into three smaller, autonomous regions. These proposed regions would be:
- Gondar: Led by the Qimant, including Wolqayit
- Gojjam: Led by the Agaw
- Wollo: Led by the Oromo, including Raya
Additionally, the Amhara section of North Shewa would be split, with one part reintegrated into Oromia and the other joining Wollo. Each region would operate with its respective languages: Qimantinya and Amharic for Gondar, Agawigna and Amharic for Gojjam, and Oromic and Amharic for Wollo. This proposed restructuring offers a pragmatic approach to address the current unrest in the Amhara region and is a step towards long-term peace and self-determination.
The Rise of the OLF’s Vision for Oropia
At the heart of the current political transformation is the OLF’s commitment to sovereignty and self-determination for all peoples of Ethiopia. The OLF’s vision, as part of a broader movement within the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), is gradually overtaking the more submissive mindset of the OPDO (Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization) wing of the ruling Prosperity Party. This shift reflects a broader ideological commitment to Oromic-led sovereignty, a vision that seeks to build a more just and inclusive Ethiopia, or Oropia.
The OLF’s goals are ambitious but grounded in the belief that Ethiopia’s future lies in unity based on mutual respect for cultural and political diversity. In an Oropia, Oromic would be the primary working language, and a modernized Gadaa system would be implemented. This system, rooted in Oromo culture, has long been a symbol of self-rule and democracy. For the OLF and its supporters, the goal is not merely to establish a separate Oromia but to create a unified Ethiopia where all peoples are equal, and their rights are respected.
Dr. Fikre Tolassa’s Views on Oromo-Amhara Relations
A significant intellectual debate has emerged around the historical relationship between the Oromo and the Amhara, particularly following the publication of an open letter by Dr. Fikre Tolassa, addressed to Dr. Beyan Asoba. While Dr. Fikre initially presented the Oromo as invaders of Amhara territories during the 16th century, he has since revised his views to recognize the Oromo as indigenous people of the region. This shift is an important acknowledgment, as it counters the long-standing narrative propagated by some Abyssinian scholars who viewed the Oromo as outsiders.
Despite this intellectual evolution, Dr. Fikre’s continued advocacy for the idea that the Amhara and Oromo are “brothers” raises concerns among Oromo nationalists. While this sentiment may be rooted in an attempt to foster reconciliation, it fails to fully acknowledge the historical and ongoing oppression faced by the Oromo people. The political and social realities of colonial domination, exploitation, and cultural suppression cannot be erased by genealogical claims alone. For many Oromos, the history of the Ethiopian state — symbolized by the Abyssinian elite — is one of subjugation and violence.
The Issue of Identity and Unity: A Call for a New Vision
Dr. Fikre’s proposals, including the adoption of the Saba script for the Oromo alphabet, the abandonment of “Little Oromia” in favor of a “Greater Ethiopia,” and the adoption of the Ethiopian flag and identity, have faced strong resistance from Oromo nationalists. For many Oromos, the Latin alphabet is not merely a linguistic tool but a symbol of resistance and identity. Similarly, the Ethiopian flag, associated with imperial conquests and oppression, is not seen as a unifying symbol but rather a reminder of past atrocities.
If unity is the ultimate goal, it is crucial to recognize that the name “Ethiopia” carries significant baggage for many Oromos. Derived from the Greek term meaning “burnt face,” Ethiopia is closely tied to the legacy of Abyssinian empire-building and the marginalization of Oromo and other ethnic groups. A more inclusive identity — one that acknowledges the central role of the Oromo in the country’s history — is necessary for genuine unity. This could take the form of a new name, such as “Oropia,” which reflects the envisioned democratic and inclusive Ethiopia, led by the Oromo.
A Path Towards a Democratic Ethiopia
In conclusion, the future of Ethiopia hinges on a crucial decision: will the country continue to operate as an empire, with the Amhara elite at its center, or will it embrace a democratic vision rooted in the principles of equality, self-determination, and unity? The OLF and its supporters are clear in their stance: a democratic, Oromic-led Ethiopia, or Oropia, is the only path forward.
This vision is not just about Oromo liberation but about creating a more just and inclusive society for all Ethiopians. It is about building a nation where the rights and identities of all peoples are respected, and where the legacy of oppression is finally put to rest. In this vision, the future is one of unity in diversity — a democratic Ethiopia that values cultural and linguistic diversity and is governed by the principles of the Gadaa system.
As Dr. Beyan Asoba has aptly put it, “The days when Oromos had to endure self-abnegation are over and shall never return.” If Ethiopia is to survive as a united and just nation, it must embrace this new reality — one in which the identity and dignity of the Oromo are fully respected, and the vision of a democratic Oropia becomes a reality.
May Wàqa guide the path forward for the Oromo and all the peoples of Ethiopia.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... he-future/