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Ethnicized Gatekeeping: How Afaan Oromo and Oromo-Sounding Names Structure Advantage

The material I used for this synthesis is enormous, particularly covering the eight years since Abiy took power. It is based on observations accumulated over this period.
People have shared story after story with me.
It is disturbing how just a few sentences in Oromogna can open doors to services and spare some individuals the unnecessary difficulties others face when trying to complete errands in town that require official approval.

Even last week, several acquaintances from the Middle East, with names such as Fatima Abamecha, Birkisa Aba Jebel, Chaltu Aba Geru, and Zebiba Aba Jifar—along with surnames like Aba Gero or Aba Gidi—described how their names effectively functioned as “green cards” at the airport and in many offices in the city and regional towns where official signatures are required. They told me themselves how their names suddenly and unfairly facilitated their cases. These are thoughtful and decent people, and they are fully aware of the long-term consequences that such practices may have.