De-Abeshization and Re-Oromization of Abyssinia: A Vision for the Future of Ethiopia
Posted: 24 Jan 2026, 13:10
De-Abeshization and Re-Oromization of Abyssinia: A Vision for the Future of Ethiopia
By Fayyis Oromia*
The shift in perspective within the Oromo nationalist movement marks a significant transformation in the political and cultural landscape of the Horn of Africa. Historically, Oromo nationalists sought to liberate Oromia from Abyssinia, believing that Abyssinians were non-Oromo colonizers. However, a growing realization is emerging that the Abyssinians are, in fact, descendants of the Oromo people who, over the course of 3,000 years of Solomonization, lost their original identity. This parallels the assimilation of Eastern Oromos over the last 1,500 years due to Somalization. Today, we are witnessing the beginning of a process of Re-Oromization, not only for the Solomonized but also for the Somalized Oromo populations across the region.
The Imperative of De-Abeshization
The process of De-Abeshization must commence immediately. It is encouraging to hear some Oromo nationalists, who once advocated for an independent Oromia, now proposing a vision for a federal Orompia (an Oromic-led ethnic federation) or an integrated Oropia (an Oromic-led geo-federation). This emerging perspective reflects a realization that Abyssinia should be viewed as an integral part of Oromia. There is growing recognition that it is more advantageous to re-Oromize the Abyssinians than to pursue separation. For the Oromo, fostering a larger, integrated Oropia is preferable to maintaining a smaller Oromia.
Achieving this Re-Oromization requires the promotion of Oromic as the country’s primary working language, replacing Amharic. This transition is not only feasible but necessary, whether under the current administration of Dr. Abiy or in future leadership.
Ethiopiawinet and Its Distorted Identity
The original essence of Ethiopiawinet, which can be understood as a reflection of Kushawinet and Oromummà, has been distorted over the centuries. Since the Solomonization of the Ethiopian Christian kingdom in 1270, Ethiopiawinet has been subject to a gradual process of Amharization. Today, what is commonly referred to as Ethiopiawinet is, in fact, synonymous with Amaranet. This falsified conception of Ethiopian identity is what many Oromo nationalists vehemently oppose, and they advocate for the Re-Oromization of this identity in its truest form.
In this context, establishing Oromic as the primary working language of the federation—replacing Amharic—is essential. However, the Oromo Prosperitans, led by Dr. Abiy, are hindering this transformation by clinging to the status quo, upholding Amharic rather than respecting and promoting Oromic. This tendency to maintain Amharic dominance aligns the Prosperitan regime with previous authoritarian regimes such as the Derg and the Woyane. Despite these challenges, the perseverance of Oromo Republicans promises that this third anti-Oromummà dictatorship will eventually fall, and the de-Amharization, as well as the Re-Oromization of Ethiopiawinet, will come to fruition.
The Current Power Struggle
The ongoing power struggle among Ethiopia’s three dominant ethnic groups—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—has entered a new phase. With the fall of the ethiofascist Amhara and ethnofascist Tigrayan elites, the Oromo now find themselves at a pivotal moment in their history. After over 150 years of struggle, certain Oromo elites now have a rare opportunity to lead. Unfortunately, some Oromo Prosperitan and Republican leaders are mismanaging this opportunity, while Abyssinian elites continue to stoke tensions between the two Oromo factions. Amhara elites back the Prosperitans in their efforts to weaken the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and its Republican base, while Tigrayan elites encourage the Republicans to confront the Prosperitan regime. As a result, both Oromo factions are embroiled in internal conflict, distracting from their common goals. It is critical that the Oromo leaders act with unity and foresight, lest they squander this historic opportunity.
The Future of Ethiopia: Oropia or Division?
Ethiopia’s future hinges on which ethnic group controls Caffé Aràrà (the Finfinné Palace). Before 1991, this power was held by Amhara elites, and Ethiopia was effectively an Amharic-dominated state, or Amapia. From 1991, power shifted to Tigrayan elites, transforming Ethiopia into a “Great Tigray.” Now, the Oromo struggle has broken this monopoly, and the key to Ethiopia’s future lies in the hands of the Oromo people. If the Oromo choose to lead Ethiopia rather than simply liberating Oromia, they have the opportunity to build a more inclusive Ethiopia—an Oropia (Great Oromia).
The key difference between Amapia, Great Tigray, and Oropia lies in the process of governance. The former two were built upon dictatorial rule, while Oropia promises to emerge through democratic transformation. This is why both Amhara and Tigray elites, who often profess commitment to democracy, simultaneously work against its realization. The Oromo people, along with other marginalized nations, must strive to dismantle the Biltsigina system of Amharic linguistic dominance and establish a democratic Ethiopia. Any group opposing this transformation is free to exercise its right to self-determination, including secession. Therefore, the question of self-determination should not be an Oromo burden, but rather a concern for groups like the Amhara of Bahir Dar and the Tigrayans of Mekelle.
A Call for Unity Among Oromo Factions
To retain control of Caffé Aràrà, both pro-independence Oromo and unionist Oromo must work together. They can leverage state power in Finfinne to either realize an independent Oromia or build an integrated Oropia, depending on the collective will of the Oromo people. This vision aligns with the prophetic words of Obbo Baro Tumsa, who, 50 years ago, stated:
“We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. To achieve this, we must organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of educated young Oromos to spread the spirit of Oromo nationalism when they return to their communities. We can only change the deplorable condition of our people by embracing unity and establishing necessary Oromo national cohesion. In this way, we can build a strong organization, capture state power, and create the foundation for social transformation.”
While I once believed that this vision had been fulfilled with Dr. Abiy’s leadership at Caffé Aràrà, his actions toward the OLF have been disheartening at times. At times, his approach has echoed that of past authoritarian leaders such as Mengistu Haile Mariam. It is important to remember that it was not due to his favor that the OLF returned from Asmara. The Oromo struggle liberated both Obbo Dawud from the EPLF and Dr. Abiy (the OPDO) from the TPLF. Thanks to the sacrifices of Oromo youth, Obbo Dawud now occupies his office in Gullalle, and Dr. Abiy sits at the helm of Caffé Aràrà. Neither can claim sole credit for this victory.
Conclusion: A Unified Oromo Vision
My message to both Oromo Prosperitans and Republicans is clear: resolve the conflict between your factions through mutual respect and collaboration, supported by our Abbà Gadà. Failing to do so will result in becoming mere pawns in the hands of Abyssinian elites, who will continue to sow division between you, ultimately undermining the Oromo nation. The fact remains: the Prosperitans will never destroy the OLF—not even the Derg or TPLF could. Any attempt to do so will mark the beginning of the end for their influence in Oromia. Similarly, the OLF cannot overthrow its opponents through force, but it can squander the opportunity for cooperation and hinder the Oromo from leading a democratic Ethiopia—an Oropia.
May Wàqà guide you toward a future of peace, unity, and democratic transformation.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/2 ... abyssinia/
By Fayyis Oromia*
The shift in perspective within the Oromo nationalist movement marks a significant transformation in the political and cultural landscape of the Horn of Africa. Historically, Oromo nationalists sought to liberate Oromia from Abyssinia, believing that Abyssinians were non-Oromo colonizers. However, a growing realization is emerging that the Abyssinians are, in fact, descendants of the Oromo people who, over the course of 3,000 years of Solomonization, lost their original identity. This parallels the assimilation of Eastern Oromos over the last 1,500 years due to Somalization. Today, we are witnessing the beginning of a process of Re-Oromization, not only for the Solomonized but also for the Somalized Oromo populations across the region.
The Imperative of De-Abeshization
The process of De-Abeshization must commence immediately. It is encouraging to hear some Oromo nationalists, who once advocated for an independent Oromia, now proposing a vision for a federal Orompia (an Oromic-led ethnic federation) or an integrated Oropia (an Oromic-led geo-federation). This emerging perspective reflects a realization that Abyssinia should be viewed as an integral part of Oromia. There is growing recognition that it is more advantageous to re-Oromize the Abyssinians than to pursue separation. For the Oromo, fostering a larger, integrated Oropia is preferable to maintaining a smaller Oromia.
Achieving this Re-Oromization requires the promotion of Oromic as the country’s primary working language, replacing Amharic. This transition is not only feasible but necessary, whether under the current administration of Dr. Abiy or in future leadership.
Ethiopiawinet and Its Distorted Identity
The original essence of Ethiopiawinet, which can be understood as a reflection of Kushawinet and Oromummà, has been distorted over the centuries. Since the Solomonization of the Ethiopian Christian kingdom in 1270, Ethiopiawinet has been subject to a gradual process of Amharization. Today, what is commonly referred to as Ethiopiawinet is, in fact, synonymous with Amaranet. This falsified conception of Ethiopian identity is what many Oromo nationalists vehemently oppose, and they advocate for the Re-Oromization of this identity in its truest form.
In this context, establishing Oromic as the primary working language of the federation—replacing Amharic—is essential. However, the Oromo Prosperitans, led by Dr. Abiy, are hindering this transformation by clinging to the status quo, upholding Amharic rather than respecting and promoting Oromic. This tendency to maintain Amharic dominance aligns the Prosperitan regime with previous authoritarian regimes such as the Derg and the Woyane. Despite these challenges, the perseverance of Oromo Republicans promises that this third anti-Oromummà dictatorship will eventually fall, and the de-Amharization, as well as the Re-Oromization of Ethiopiawinet, will come to fruition.
The Current Power Struggle
The ongoing power struggle among Ethiopia’s three dominant ethnic groups—Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo—has entered a new phase. With the fall of the ethiofascist Amhara and ethnofascist Tigrayan elites, the Oromo now find themselves at a pivotal moment in their history. After over 150 years of struggle, certain Oromo elites now have a rare opportunity to lead. Unfortunately, some Oromo Prosperitan and Republican leaders are mismanaging this opportunity, while Abyssinian elites continue to stoke tensions between the two Oromo factions. Amhara elites back the Prosperitans in their efforts to weaken the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and its Republican base, while Tigrayan elites encourage the Republicans to confront the Prosperitan regime. As a result, both Oromo factions are embroiled in internal conflict, distracting from their common goals. It is critical that the Oromo leaders act with unity and foresight, lest they squander this historic opportunity.
The Future of Ethiopia: Oropia or Division?
Ethiopia’s future hinges on which ethnic group controls Caffé Aràrà (the Finfinné Palace). Before 1991, this power was held by Amhara elites, and Ethiopia was effectively an Amharic-dominated state, or Amapia. From 1991, power shifted to Tigrayan elites, transforming Ethiopia into a “Great Tigray.” Now, the Oromo struggle has broken this monopoly, and the key to Ethiopia’s future lies in the hands of the Oromo people. If the Oromo choose to lead Ethiopia rather than simply liberating Oromia, they have the opportunity to build a more inclusive Ethiopia—an Oropia (Great Oromia).
The key difference between Amapia, Great Tigray, and Oropia lies in the process of governance. The former two were built upon dictatorial rule, while Oropia promises to emerge through democratic transformation. This is why both Amhara and Tigray elites, who often profess commitment to democracy, simultaneously work against its realization. The Oromo people, along with other marginalized nations, must strive to dismantle the Biltsigina system of Amharic linguistic dominance and establish a democratic Ethiopia. Any group opposing this transformation is free to exercise its right to self-determination, including secession. Therefore, the question of self-determination should not be an Oromo burden, but rather a concern for groups like the Amhara of Bahir Dar and the Tigrayans of Mekelle.
A Call for Unity Among Oromo Factions
To retain control of Caffé Aràrà, both pro-independence Oromo and unionist Oromo must work together. They can leverage state power in Finfinne to either realize an independent Oromia or build an integrated Oropia, depending on the collective will of the Oromo people. This vision aligns with the prophetic words of Obbo Baro Tumsa, who, 50 years ago, stated:
“We, the Oromo, must capture state power by any means necessary. To achieve this, we must organize all sectors of our society. It is the responsibility of educated young Oromos to spread the spirit of Oromo nationalism when they return to their communities. We can only change the deplorable condition of our people by embracing unity and establishing necessary Oromo national cohesion. In this way, we can build a strong organization, capture state power, and create the foundation for social transformation.”
While I once believed that this vision had been fulfilled with Dr. Abiy’s leadership at Caffé Aràrà, his actions toward the OLF have been disheartening at times. At times, his approach has echoed that of past authoritarian leaders such as Mengistu Haile Mariam. It is important to remember that it was not due to his favor that the OLF returned from Asmara. The Oromo struggle liberated both Obbo Dawud from the EPLF and Dr. Abiy (the OPDO) from the TPLF. Thanks to the sacrifices of Oromo youth, Obbo Dawud now occupies his office in Gullalle, and Dr. Abiy sits at the helm of Caffé Aràrà. Neither can claim sole credit for this victory.
Conclusion: A Unified Oromo Vision
My message to both Oromo Prosperitans and Republicans is clear: resolve the conflict between your factions through mutual respect and collaboration, supported by our Abbà Gadà. Failing to do so will result in becoming mere pawns in the hands of Abyssinian elites, who will continue to sow division between you, ultimately undermining the Oromo nation. The fact remains: the Prosperitans will never destroy the OLF—not even the Derg or TPLF could. Any attempt to do so will mark the beginning of the end for their influence in Oromia. Similarly, the OLF cannot overthrow its opponents through force, but it can squander the opportunity for cooperation and hinder the Oromo from leading a democratic Ethiopia—an Oropia.
May Wàqà guide you toward a future of peace, unity, and democratic transformation.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/05/2 ... abyssinia/
