Dr. Abiy Must Prioritize Oromic as the Official Language of Orocaffé and Orofinné
Posted: 22 Jan 2026, 05:52
Dr. Abiy Must Prioritize Oromic as the Official Language of Orocaffé and Orofinné
In order to secure the support of the Oromo people, Dr. Abiy Ahmed must prioritize the promotion of Oromic as the primary working language in Orocaffé (Caffé Aràrà Palace) and Orofinné (Finfinné city). This is essential for reversing the historical marginalization of the Oromo language and replacing the current dominance of Amharic in these important national institutions.
Human nature tends to mirror the language spoken in positions of power, especially in the capital city and the seat of government. This cultural phenomenon explains why Ethiopians across the nation have learned Amharic, often at the expense of their indigenous languages, with many even embracing it as a sign of status and privilege. The language spoken in the palace and capital is viewed as a symbol of modernity and social advantage. Consequently, forces opposed to the Oromo cause, including factions within Dr. Abiy’s ruling party, have persistently sought to maintain the supremacy of Amharic in Orocaffé and Orofinné, thereby denying Oromic its rightful role in leadership and governance.
The Dichotomy of Ethiopia: A Struggle Between Two Visions
There are fundamentally two divergent views of Ethiopia, often reflected in the ideological positions of the elites. For pro-Amharic elites, Ethiopia is a nation defined by Amharic language and culture, while for the Oromo people and their allies, Ethiopia should be a democratic federation led by Oromic language and Oromo principles. This divide has given rise to two conceptualized versions of the Ethiopian state: “Amapia” (Amharic-dominated Ethiopia) and “Oropia” (an Ethiopia where Oromo leadership and the Oromic language are central).
Under the current administration, Ethiopia remains largely shaped by Amharic cultural dominance, a continuation of the policies that prevailed during the reign of Emperor Menelik. Despite the Oromo people’s majority status, the systemic preference for Amharic has been maintained, and the Oromo language continues to be relegated to a secondary status. This status quo cannot stand if Ethiopia is to evolve into an inclusive, democratic federation. The struggle for linguistic and cultural recognition is a central aspect of the broader fight for Oromo self-determination.
Historical Context: The Evolution of Oromo Elites
Historically, since the establishment of the Ethiopian Empire in 1270, there have been two distinct groups of Oromo elites:
- Pro-Amharic Elites: These individuals have adopted Amharic as their primary language, often assimilating into the Amharic-speaking world in a bid to gain access to political and social power.
- Pro-Oromic Elites: These individuals remain committed to preserving the Oromo language and culture, resisting the erosion of their identity by external forces.
The ruling elites of Ethiopia, from Yekuno Amlak to Dr. Abiy, have largely been aligned with the pro-Amharic camp. In contrast, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has championed the cause of Oromo language, identity, and self-determination, pushing for an Ethiopia where the Oromo people are empowered to lead and shape the future.
A Continuing Struggle for Recognition and Rights
Despite significant victories in three major revolutions (1974, 1991, and 2018), the Oromo people still face systemic challenges in securing full political and cultural rights. Under the current leadership of Dr. Abiy, pro-Amharic elites continue to hold sway, particularly in the capital, Finfinne, where the Oromo language remains marginalized. These elites are resistant to any efforts to elevate Oromic to the status it rightfully deserves, as this would undermine their longstanding privileges and control over the state apparatus.
For the Oromo nation, the struggle continues. The liberation movement is far from over, and it must persist until Oromic is fully recognized as a national language of Ethiopia, alongside Amharic.
The OLF vs. EPP: Ideological or Power Struggle?
The tension between the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Prosperity Party (EPP), led by Dr. Abiy, represents a fundamental ideological divide about the future of Ethiopia. The OLF advocates for a federalist Ethiopia based on language and ethnic self-determination, while the EPP, with its pro-Amharic stance, seeks a more centralized, Amharic-dominated union.
The central question is whether the conflict is primarily ideological or whether it reflects a deeper power struggle. In reality, both the OLF and the EPP seek a form of self-determination, but they differ in their approaches to governance. The OLF envisions a sovereign Oromia (an independent Oromia), while the EPP’s vision of Ethiopia involves a federalized but still Amharic-centered system.
The Three Phases of Self-Determination
While the struggle for Oromo rights often appears to be divided along these ideological lines, a deeper analysis reveals that both the OLF and the EPP ultimately share a common goal: the self-determination of the Oromo people. However, the methods for achieving this goal diverge:
- Short-Term: Achieving political, economic, and cultural autonomy for Oromia within a broader Ethiopian union (Amapian Ethiopia).
- Medium-Term: Securing full independence and sovereignty for Oromia, leading to the establishment of an independent Oromia.
- Long-Term: A transformation into Oropia, a new Ethiopian federation led by Oromia, with equal rights and autonomy for all ethnic groups—similar to the European Union model.
This phased approach, which recognizes the possibility of moving from autonomy to full independence and, ultimately, to a more inclusive union, provides a flexible framework for achieving the Oromo people’s goals. It is crucial that these goals are not seen as mutually exclusive but as progressive steps toward greater self-determination.
Unity in Diversity: Bridging the Divide
The key to success lies in strategic unity. Rather than promoting division, the Oromo elites must find common ground and cooperate in their efforts toward self-determination. This requires the formation of a unified Oromo federalist movement (potentially through the Oromo Federalist Congress, OFC) and a united Oromo liberation front (such as the OLF).
By channeling their resources and energy into these two structures, the Oromo people can pursue their shared objectives of cultural and political autonomy, leading to eventual self-determination.
Conclusion: A Collective Vision for the Future
The future of Ethiopia, and particularly that of the Oromo people, should not be defined by the fragmented interests of elites but by the collective will of the people. The Oromo struggle must remain united, with an emphasis on self-determination in all its forms—whether through the achievement of Oromia, Orompia, or Oropia.
Ultimately, the Oromo people must be allowed to determine their future through democratic means, including a referendum to decide their preferred path. The unity, patience, and commitment of the Oromo people, guided by the will of Wàqa (God), will be the key to realizing their collective dreams of freedom, autonomy, and self-determination.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/1 ... ly-oropia/
In order to secure the support of the Oromo people, Dr. Abiy Ahmed must prioritize the promotion of Oromic as the primary working language in Orocaffé (Caffé Aràrà Palace) and Orofinné (Finfinné city). This is essential for reversing the historical marginalization of the Oromo language and replacing the current dominance of Amharic in these important national institutions.
Human nature tends to mirror the language spoken in positions of power, especially in the capital city and the seat of government. This cultural phenomenon explains why Ethiopians across the nation have learned Amharic, often at the expense of their indigenous languages, with many even embracing it as a sign of status and privilege. The language spoken in the palace and capital is viewed as a symbol of modernity and social advantage. Consequently, forces opposed to the Oromo cause, including factions within Dr. Abiy’s ruling party, have persistently sought to maintain the supremacy of Amharic in Orocaffé and Orofinné, thereby denying Oromic its rightful role in leadership and governance.
The Dichotomy of Ethiopia: A Struggle Between Two Visions
There are fundamentally two divergent views of Ethiopia, often reflected in the ideological positions of the elites. For pro-Amharic elites, Ethiopia is a nation defined by Amharic language and culture, while for the Oromo people and their allies, Ethiopia should be a democratic federation led by Oromic language and Oromo principles. This divide has given rise to two conceptualized versions of the Ethiopian state: “Amapia” (Amharic-dominated Ethiopia) and “Oropia” (an Ethiopia where Oromo leadership and the Oromic language are central).
Under the current administration, Ethiopia remains largely shaped by Amharic cultural dominance, a continuation of the policies that prevailed during the reign of Emperor Menelik. Despite the Oromo people’s majority status, the systemic preference for Amharic has been maintained, and the Oromo language continues to be relegated to a secondary status. This status quo cannot stand if Ethiopia is to evolve into an inclusive, democratic federation. The struggle for linguistic and cultural recognition is a central aspect of the broader fight for Oromo self-determination.
Historical Context: The Evolution of Oromo Elites
Historically, since the establishment of the Ethiopian Empire in 1270, there have been two distinct groups of Oromo elites:
- Pro-Amharic Elites: These individuals have adopted Amharic as their primary language, often assimilating into the Amharic-speaking world in a bid to gain access to political and social power.
- Pro-Oromic Elites: These individuals remain committed to preserving the Oromo language and culture, resisting the erosion of their identity by external forces.
The ruling elites of Ethiopia, from Yekuno Amlak to Dr. Abiy, have largely been aligned with the pro-Amharic camp. In contrast, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has championed the cause of Oromo language, identity, and self-determination, pushing for an Ethiopia where the Oromo people are empowered to lead and shape the future.
A Continuing Struggle for Recognition and Rights
Despite significant victories in three major revolutions (1974, 1991, and 2018), the Oromo people still face systemic challenges in securing full political and cultural rights. Under the current leadership of Dr. Abiy, pro-Amharic elites continue to hold sway, particularly in the capital, Finfinne, where the Oromo language remains marginalized. These elites are resistant to any efforts to elevate Oromic to the status it rightfully deserves, as this would undermine their longstanding privileges and control over the state apparatus.
For the Oromo nation, the struggle continues. The liberation movement is far from over, and it must persist until Oromic is fully recognized as a national language of Ethiopia, alongside Amharic.
The OLF vs. EPP: Ideological or Power Struggle?
The tension between the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Prosperity Party (EPP), led by Dr. Abiy, represents a fundamental ideological divide about the future of Ethiopia. The OLF advocates for a federalist Ethiopia based on language and ethnic self-determination, while the EPP, with its pro-Amharic stance, seeks a more centralized, Amharic-dominated union.
The central question is whether the conflict is primarily ideological or whether it reflects a deeper power struggle. In reality, both the OLF and the EPP seek a form of self-determination, but they differ in their approaches to governance. The OLF envisions a sovereign Oromia (an independent Oromia), while the EPP’s vision of Ethiopia involves a federalized but still Amharic-centered system.
The Three Phases of Self-Determination
While the struggle for Oromo rights often appears to be divided along these ideological lines, a deeper analysis reveals that both the OLF and the EPP ultimately share a common goal: the self-determination of the Oromo people. However, the methods for achieving this goal diverge:
- Short-Term: Achieving political, economic, and cultural autonomy for Oromia within a broader Ethiopian union (Amapian Ethiopia).
- Medium-Term: Securing full independence and sovereignty for Oromia, leading to the establishment of an independent Oromia.
- Long-Term: A transformation into Oropia, a new Ethiopian federation led by Oromia, with equal rights and autonomy for all ethnic groups—similar to the European Union model.
This phased approach, which recognizes the possibility of moving from autonomy to full independence and, ultimately, to a more inclusive union, provides a flexible framework for achieving the Oromo people’s goals. It is crucial that these goals are not seen as mutually exclusive but as progressive steps toward greater self-determination.
Unity in Diversity: Bridging the Divide
The key to success lies in strategic unity. Rather than promoting division, the Oromo elites must find common ground and cooperate in their efforts toward self-determination. This requires the formation of a unified Oromo federalist movement (potentially through the Oromo Federalist Congress, OFC) and a united Oromo liberation front (such as the OLF).
By channeling their resources and energy into these two structures, the Oromo people can pursue their shared objectives of cultural and political autonomy, leading to eventual self-determination.
Conclusion: A Collective Vision for the Future
The future of Ethiopia, and particularly that of the Oromo people, should not be defined by the fragmented interests of elites but by the collective will of the people. The Oromo struggle must remain united, with an emphasis on self-determination in all its forms—whether through the achievement of Oromia, Orompia, or Oropia.
Ultimately, the Oromo people must be allowed to determine their future through democratic means, including a referendum to decide their preferred path. The unity, patience, and commitment of the Oromo people, guided by the will of Wàqa (God), will be the key to realizing their collective dreams of freedom, autonomy, and self-determination.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/1 ... ly-oropia/