The Imperative for the Transformation of the OLF into Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF)
Posted: 20 Jan 2026, 14:48
The Imperative for the Transformation of the OLF into Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF)
By Fayyis Oromia*
The time is ripe for the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) to undergo a critical transformation. As the political landscape evolves, the OLF must transition from a liberation movement into a broader, pan-Ethiopian political force. Reflecting on its historical origins, it becomes clear that the OLF was an essential organization in the struggle for the Oromo people’s liberation during a period marked by oppression and subjugation. However, as the political environment shifts, so too must the OLF. To maintain relevance and ensure its future role in Ethiopian politics, it must evolve—much like the forces of nature, which, in the absence of adaptation, risk extinction.
From Liberation to Leadership
The OLF, once indispensable as a liberation front, must now evolve into a leadership force, one that guides the future of Ethiopia. While the Oromo people’s primary concern remains the elevation of Oromic as the working language of the Ethiopian federation—replacing Amharic—this goal serves as only the first step toward the formation of a truly inclusive Ethiopian polity. A country where Oromic is the primary language would gradually transform into Oropia: an Ethiopia guided by Oromummà, the Oromo way of life.
To govern such a diverse and dynamic nation, the OLF must shed its identity as a liberation front and embrace its new role as a national political force. The OLF must transform into the Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF)—an organization not just committed to liberation, but also to fostering inclusive national leadership. The OLF served its purpose in the past; now, OPF must emerge as the force that will drive Ethiopia’s future.
Encouraging Shifts Among Oromo Political Movements
It is encouraging to witness major Oromo organizations—such as the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), the OLF, and even the Oromo People’s Party (OPP)—beginning to collaborate in pursuit of a more inclusive, democratic Ethiopia. This cooperation seeks to break free from the historical dominance of Amharic and the Amhara political system. Recent statements from the OLF and OFC reflect their intentions to reclaim key urban centers such as Finfinne (Addis Ababa), Dire Dawa, Wallo, Moyale, Madda Walabu, and Metekel for Oromia.
However, while these organizations gain confidence, they have yet to present a unified vision of a federal, Oromic-led Ethiopia. A vision that transcends the narrowly defined borders of Oromia and embraces the larger concept of Oropia—an Ethiopia where Oromic culture, values, and language hold central importance. Instead of focusing on territorial claims, Oromo political movements should prioritize the promotion of Oromic as the federal working language, ensuring that Ethiopia’s political structure reflects democratic ideals.
In a democratic Ethiopia, where Oromic is the central language, the tensions surrounding contested regions will gradually ease, as Oromo identity will be embedded at the federal level. As I have argued in the past:
“An independent Oromia is a goal of low confidence. A federal Orompia is an objective of intermediate confidence. An integrative Oropia—based on geo-federation—is a vision of high confidence.”
When the Oromo were relegated to a minority status—politically, culturally, and economically—it was natural to seek a smaller Oromia. Now, with increased political confidence, the Oromo people are at a crossroads. They can accept the vision of Orompia—an Oromic-led ethnic federation—and, in time, strive toward Oropia. As the Oromo become a political, cultural, and economic majority, the possibility of Oropia will become increasingly viable. It is my hope that Oromo political elites will embrace this vision of a united Oropia, a future that offers far greater benefits than a narrowly defined, isolated Oromia.
On the EPP, OLF, and Political Transformation
The transformation of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) into the more inclusive Ethiopian Prosperity Party (EPP) under Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed was not without merit. It was aimed at broadening political participation. However, the EPP suffers from a critical flaw: it lacks a genuine commitment to Oromo interests and to Oromummà. Instead, it remains loyal to the historically dominant Amharic-centered political order.
In response to this, the OLF should consider advocating for the creation of a new, inclusive political party—a potential Ethiopian Patriotic Front (EPF)—led by true Oromo nationalists, and perhaps best represented by the OPF. Such a party could effectively challenge the existing Amhara-dominated political order and replace it with the vision of Oropia.
An EPF, led by Oromo patriots, would present a formidable alternative to the EPP, capable of implementing a transformative national agenda that reflects the diversity and aspirations of all Ethiopians.
The Strategic Imperative: From OLF to OPF
The most strategic move for the OLF is to evolve into an inclusive Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF). This transformation would allow the Oromo to:
- Shift political power from the current Prosperity Party, dominated by the ruling Oromo Prosperitans.
- Promote Oromic as the federal working language of Ethiopia.
- Democratize the country based on principles aligned with Oromo values.
Such a transformed Ethiopia, led by an inclusive, democratic framework, would effectively become “Great Oromia”—or Oropia—twice the size and far more powerful than an isolated Republic of Oromia could ever be.
Why Not Secession? The “Stem Nation” Perspective
A key reason to support a democratic Ethiopia, rather than pursue secession, is the view that the Oromo people are the “stem nation” of the Horn of Africa. This metaphor suggests that the Oromo have a historical and civilizational responsibility to lead, rather than to separate from Ethiopia.
A democratic Ethiopia that incorporates the indigenous Gadà system as a model for governance could have a profound influence not only within Ethiopia but across the entire Cushitic Horn—encompassing Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Kenya. This could lay the foundation for a modern, Oromo-led Horn of Africa.
It is for this reason that I encourage Oromo nationalists to focus on the “Triple-A” of Oromo aspirations:
- Àngô (Power) – Taking leadership in the Finfinne Palace.
- Afàn Oromô – Establishing Oromic as the federal working language.
- Àdà (Culture) – Promoting Oromo values as the moral compass of Ethiopia.
A democratic Ethiopia governed by these principles would inevitably become Oropia—a transformed, inclusive Ethiopia that serves all its peoples, removing the need for an independent Oromia.
Challenging the “Stem and Branch” Analogy
In recent times, some elites—both Oromo and Habesha—have posited that the Oromo are the origin of all other Ethiopian groups. Whether or not this claim is historically accurate, the political use of this analogy is problematic, as it is often invoked to discourage Oromo independence.
In my view, this analogy is misleading. While there may be shared ancestry, the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigray peoples are distinct nations with their own languages, cultures, territories, and histories. Each nation represents a separate tree within a shared garden, where shared history does not mean one tree should overshadow the others. When one political faction—such as Amhara elites or Biltsiginna—grows invasively, it threatens the diversity of the garden.
The Body Analogy: Cancer vs. Harmony
To better understand the dangers of political suppression, imagine Ethiopia as a human body. In this analogy, elites who suppress Oromo identity can be likened to cancer cells, which spread where they don’t belong and destroy healthy tissue. Though all cells may originate from a single stem cell, each organ has its function. You wouldn’t want brain cells growing in the liver.
Similarly, non-integrative elites in Oromia who fail to respect Afàn Oromô or Oromo culture act like malignant cells. They must either be politically neutralized or compelled to integrate. On the other hand, ordinary Amhara or Tigrean individuals who live harmoniously within Oromo society are benign and welcome.
Conclusion: A Union of Free Peoples
The healthiest future for Ethiopia lies in a union of distinct nations, not in a system of imperial domination. Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and even neighboring countries such as Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan must cooperate under principles of self-determination, mutual respect, and federal democracy.
If this vision is denied, history teaches us that oppressed nations will eventually rise up. But if we embrace a democratic Ethiopia founded on the Triple-A—Àdà, Afàn Oromô, and Àngô—we will witness the emergence of Oropia: a transformed, inclusive Ethiopia that serves all its peoples.
It is no surprise, then, that the OLF has chosen to pursue a democratic Ethiopia over an independent Republic of Oromia.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... ic-oromia/
By Fayyis Oromia*
The time is ripe for the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) to undergo a critical transformation. As the political landscape evolves, the OLF must transition from a liberation movement into a broader, pan-Ethiopian political force. Reflecting on its historical origins, it becomes clear that the OLF was an essential organization in the struggle for the Oromo people’s liberation during a period marked by oppression and subjugation. However, as the political environment shifts, so too must the OLF. To maintain relevance and ensure its future role in Ethiopian politics, it must evolve—much like the forces of nature, which, in the absence of adaptation, risk extinction.
From Liberation to Leadership
The OLF, once indispensable as a liberation front, must now evolve into a leadership force, one that guides the future of Ethiopia. While the Oromo people’s primary concern remains the elevation of Oromic as the working language of the Ethiopian federation—replacing Amharic—this goal serves as only the first step toward the formation of a truly inclusive Ethiopian polity. A country where Oromic is the primary language would gradually transform into Oropia: an Ethiopia guided by Oromummà, the Oromo way of life.
To govern such a diverse and dynamic nation, the OLF must shed its identity as a liberation front and embrace its new role as a national political force. The OLF must transform into the Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF)—an organization not just committed to liberation, but also to fostering inclusive national leadership. The OLF served its purpose in the past; now, OPF must emerge as the force that will drive Ethiopia’s future.
Encouraging Shifts Among Oromo Political Movements
It is encouraging to witness major Oromo organizations—such as the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), the OLF, and even the Oromo People’s Party (OPP)—beginning to collaborate in pursuit of a more inclusive, democratic Ethiopia. This cooperation seeks to break free from the historical dominance of Amharic and the Amhara political system. Recent statements from the OLF and OFC reflect their intentions to reclaim key urban centers such as Finfinne (Addis Ababa), Dire Dawa, Wallo, Moyale, Madda Walabu, and Metekel for Oromia.
However, while these organizations gain confidence, they have yet to present a unified vision of a federal, Oromic-led Ethiopia. A vision that transcends the narrowly defined borders of Oromia and embraces the larger concept of Oropia—an Ethiopia where Oromic culture, values, and language hold central importance. Instead of focusing on territorial claims, Oromo political movements should prioritize the promotion of Oromic as the federal working language, ensuring that Ethiopia’s political structure reflects democratic ideals.
In a democratic Ethiopia, where Oromic is the central language, the tensions surrounding contested regions will gradually ease, as Oromo identity will be embedded at the federal level. As I have argued in the past:
“An independent Oromia is a goal of low confidence. A federal Orompia is an objective of intermediate confidence. An integrative Oropia—based on geo-federation—is a vision of high confidence.”
When the Oromo were relegated to a minority status—politically, culturally, and economically—it was natural to seek a smaller Oromia. Now, with increased political confidence, the Oromo people are at a crossroads. They can accept the vision of Orompia—an Oromic-led ethnic federation—and, in time, strive toward Oropia. As the Oromo become a political, cultural, and economic majority, the possibility of Oropia will become increasingly viable. It is my hope that Oromo political elites will embrace this vision of a united Oropia, a future that offers far greater benefits than a narrowly defined, isolated Oromia.
On the EPP, OLF, and Political Transformation
The transformation of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) into the more inclusive Ethiopian Prosperity Party (EPP) under Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed was not without merit. It was aimed at broadening political participation. However, the EPP suffers from a critical flaw: it lacks a genuine commitment to Oromo interests and to Oromummà. Instead, it remains loyal to the historically dominant Amharic-centered political order.
In response to this, the OLF should consider advocating for the creation of a new, inclusive political party—a potential Ethiopian Patriotic Front (EPF)—led by true Oromo nationalists, and perhaps best represented by the OPF. Such a party could effectively challenge the existing Amhara-dominated political order and replace it with the vision of Oropia.
An EPF, led by Oromo patriots, would present a formidable alternative to the EPP, capable of implementing a transformative national agenda that reflects the diversity and aspirations of all Ethiopians.
The Strategic Imperative: From OLF to OPF
The most strategic move for the OLF is to evolve into an inclusive Oropian Patriotic Force (OPF). This transformation would allow the Oromo to:
- Shift political power from the current Prosperity Party, dominated by the ruling Oromo Prosperitans.
- Promote Oromic as the federal working language of Ethiopia.
- Democratize the country based on principles aligned with Oromo values.
Such a transformed Ethiopia, led by an inclusive, democratic framework, would effectively become “Great Oromia”—or Oropia—twice the size and far more powerful than an isolated Republic of Oromia could ever be.
Why Not Secession? The “Stem Nation” Perspective
A key reason to support a democratic Ethiopia, rather than pursue secession, is the view that the Oromo people are the “stem nation” of the Horn of Africa. This metaphor suggests that the Oromo have a historical and civilizational responsibility to lead, rather than to separate from Ethiopia.
A democratic Ethiopia that incorporates the indigenous Gadà system as a model for governance could have a profound influence not only within Ethiopia but across the entire Cushitic Horn—encompassing Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Kenya. This could lay the foundation for a modern, Oromo-led Horn of Africa.
It is for this reason that I encourage Oromo nationalists to focus on the “Triple-A” of Oromo aspirations:
- Àngô (Power) – Taking leadership in the Finfinne Palace.
- Afàn Oromô – Establishing Oromic as the federal working language.
- Àdà (Culture) – Promoting Oromo values as the moral compass of Ethiopia.
A democratic Ethiopia governed by these principles would inevitably become Oropia—a transformed, inclusive Ethiopia that serves all its peoples, removing the need for an independent Oromia.
Challenging the “Stem and Branch” Analogy
In recent times, some elites—both Oromo and Habesha—have posited that the Oromo are the origin of all other Ethiopian groups. Whether or not this claim is historically accurate, the political use of this analogy is problematic, as it is often invoked to discourage Oromo independence.
In my view, this analogy is misleading. While there may be shared ancestry, the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigray peoples are distinct nations with their own languages, cultures, territories, and histories. Each nation represents a separate tree within a shared garden, where shared history does not mean one tree should overshadow the others. When one political faction—such as Amhara elites or Biltsiginna—grows invasively, it threatens the diversity of the garden.
The Body Analogy: Cancer vs. Harmony
To better understand the dangers of political suppression, imagine Ethiopia as a human body. In this analogy, elites who suppress Oromo identity can be likened to cancer cells, which spread where they don’t belong and destroy healthy tissue. Though all cells may originate from a single stem cell, each organ has its function. You wouldn’t want brain cells growing in the liver.
Similarly, non-integrative elites in Oromia who fail to respect Afàn Oromô or Oromo culture act like malignant cells. They must either be politically neutralized or compelled to integrate. On the other hand, ordinary Amhara or Tigrean individuals who live harmoniously within Oromo society are benign and welcome.
Conclusion: A Union of Free Peoples
The healthiest future for Ethiopia lies in a union of distinct nations, not in a system of imperial domination. Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and even neighboring countries such as Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan must cooperate under principles of self-determination, mutual respect, and federal democracy.
If this vision is denied, history teaches us that oppressed nations will eventually rise up. But if we embrace a democratic Ethiopia founded on the Triple-A—Àdà, Afàn Oromô, and Àngô—we will witness the emergence of Oropia: a transformed, inclusive Ethiopia that serves all its peoples.
It is no surprise, then, that the OLF has chosen to pursue a democratic Ethiopia over an independent Republic of Oromia.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... ic-oromia/