The Oromo Struggle Between the Heftegna Regime and the Seftegna Rebels
Posted: 03 May 2026, 05:53
The Oromo Struggle Between the Heftegna Regime and the Seftegna Rebels
By Fayyis Oromia*
The Oromo people currently face a complex political dilemma: how to confront two principal adversaries simultaneously, or whether to prioritize one over the other. On one side stands the ruling Heftegna (Hybrid-neftegna) regime led by Abiy Ahmed; on the other, the Seftegna (Semenawi-neftegna) forces like Fanno, Shabiya and Woyane associated with Isaias Afwerki. The strategic question remains whether both forces can be resisted concurrently or whether one should be temporarily tolerated as the lesser threat.
Oromummà and Its Historical Challenges
Oromummà—the collective political, cultural, and national consciousness of the Oromo people—has long encountered sustained resistance from multiple centers of power within the Ethiopian state. This article argues that three principal forces have historically obstructed its realization, and that each is now in varying stages of decline. Understanding this shift is essential for evaluating the current political landscape and the future trajectory of Oromo national politics.
The Three Principal Adversaries
Historically, opposition to Oromummà has originated from three distinct elite groups:
- Assimilationist Amhara elites, who have sought to subsume Oromo identity within a dominant Amharic cultural and political framework;
- Hegemonist Tigrayan elites, particularly during the TPLF-led era, who centralized power while maintaining entrenched linguistic and cultural hierarchies;
- Assimilated Oromo elites, who, despite their background, have reinforced systems of domination by prioritizing Amharic political norms over Oromo self-determination.
The Oromo struggle against the TPLF-led government (commonly referred to as the Woyane regime) relied on strategic alliances with diverse opposition forces. While this effort successfully dismantled TPLF dominance, it also facilitated the resurgence and militarization of reactionary forces nostalgic for centralized imperial rule. This unintended outcome has significantly shaped the current crisis.
The Contemporary Political Configuration
With the decline of Tigrayan hegemonism and the weakening of assimilationist Amhara elites, the principal challenge to Oromummà now lies within the ruling hybrid elite—most notably the Prosperity Party under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Although Oromo by origin, this leadership has largely preserved an Amharic-centered political order rather than advancing genuine linguistic and cultural equality.
Consequently, Ethiopia continues to reflect structural features of earlier imperial systems rather than a fully realized multinational federation. Despite representing a substantial proportion of the population—estimated at no less than 40 percent—the Oromo have yet to achieve proportional influence in shaping national identity and governance.
Oromummà as a Foundational Identity
Oromummà is increasingly consolidating as both a leading national identity and a cornerstone of a reimagined Ethiopian polity. Political organizations such as the Oromo Federalist Congress and the Oromo Liberation Front have played central roles in advancing this vision. However, progress remains constrained by:
- Residual assimilationist elites;
- The legacy of Tigrayan hegemonism;
- And, most critically, Oromo elites who have internalized subordinative political norms.
Over the past century and a half, Oromo language, institutions, and political autonomy were systematically undermined. Opportunities to reverse this trend—particularly during the TPLF era—were not fully realized, and the current administration has largely continued this pattern.
Strategic Missteps and Emerging Leadership
A decisive turning point occurred when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the imprisonment of prominent Oromo political figures under pressure from neo-centralist forces. This action resulted in a significant loss of public support and narrowed the regime’s political base.
The political landscape has since evolved into a contest between the ruling Prosperity Party and a re-emerging Oromo republican opposition. Within this opposition, Jawar Mohammed has increasingly emerged as a unifying figure, commanding broad support among both elites and the general population.
The Imperative of Organizational Unity
This moment calls for structural consolidation within the Oromo political movement. The formation of a unified umbrella organization—provisionally termed the Oromian Republican Party (ORP)—is presented as a strategic necessity. Such unification would enhance electoral competitiveness, strengthen diplomatic legitimacy, and improve coordination with resistance movements, including the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
Leadership renewal is equally important. A generational transition that integrates experienced figures with emerging leaders would bolster both credibility and resilience.
Unity Versus Fragmentation
Internal fragmentation has historically weakened Oromo resistance, enabling external domination through divide-and-rule strategies. These dynamics persist today, often framed as ideological divisions between democratization within Ethiopia and Oromo decolonization.
However, these differences are better understood as strategic rather than fundamental. Armed struggle and institutional political engagement are not mutually exclusive; they can function as complementary approaches within a broader liberation framework. The ultimate question of independence or union should be determined democratically by the people once genuine freedom is secured.
Toward a Unified Political Front
The continued marginalization of a nation exceeding 60 million people underscores the cost of disunity. Fragmented movements lack both strategic leverage and international recognition. In contrast, a unified Oromo political front could exert significant influence domestically and globally.
Achieving this requires leaders to transcend personal rivalries, mistrust, and organizational competition. Tactical disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and compromise, while actions driven by narrow self-interest must be subject to accountability.
Conclusion: A Call to Strategic Action
The Oromo people stand at a critical historical juncture. The convergence of weakening adversaries and emerging leadership presents a rare opportunity for meaningful progress. This article calls upon Oromo political leaders to:
- Finalize organizational unification under a single republican framework;
- Participate effectively in upcoming national elections;
- Build principled alliances with other marginalized groups and democratic forces;
- Exercise strategic patience while maintaining a firm commitment to self-determination.
Unity is not merely a strategic option—it is a historical imperative. A consolidated Oromo political movement has the potential to strengthen Oromummà, overcome internal divisions, and advance the broader struggle for freedom and dignity.
Ultimately, both the Heftegna regime and the Seftegna forces must be confronted—whether simultaneously or through carefully determined prioritization.
May Wàqà guide the Oromo people in their pursuit of justice and self-determination.
Galatôma
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2020/08/0 ... onalities/
By Fayyis Oromia*
The Oromo people currently face a complex political dilemma: how to confront two principal adversaries simultaneously, or whether to prioritize one over the other. On one side stands the ruling Heftegna (Hybrid-neftegna) regime led by Abiy Ahmed; on the other, the Seftegna (Semenawi-neftegna) forces like Fanno, Shabiya and Woyane associated with Isaias Afwerki. The strategic question remains whether both forces can be resisted concurrently or whether one should be temporarily tolerated as the lesser threat.
Oromummà and Its Historical Challenges
Oromummà—the collective political, cultural, and national consciousness of the Oromo people—has long encountered sustained resistance from multiple centers of power within the Ethiopian state. This article argues that three principal forces have historically obstructed its realization, and that each is now in varying stages of decline. Understanding this shift is essential for evaluating the current political landscape and the future trajectory of Oromo national politics.
The Three Principal Adversaries
Historically, opposition to Oromummà has originated from three distinct elite groups:
- Assimilationist Amhara elites, who have sought to subsume Oromo identity within a dominant Amharic cultural and political framework;
- Hegemonist Tigrayan elites, particularly during the TPLF-led era, who centralized power while maintaining entrenched linguistic and cultural hierarchies;
- Assimilated Oromo elites, who, despite their background, have reinforced systems of domination by prioritizing Amharic political norms over Oromo self-determination.
The Oromo struggle against the TPLF-led government (commonly referred to as the Woyane regime) relied on strategic alliances with diverse opposition forces. While this effort successfully dismantled TPLF dominance, it also facilitated the resurgence and militarization of reactionary forces nostalgic for centralized imperial rule. This unintended outcome has significantly shaped the current crisis.
The Contemporary Political Configuration
With the decline of Tigrayan hegemonism and the weakening of assimilationist Amhara elites, the principal challenge to Oromummà now lies within the ruling hybrid elite—most notably the Prosperity Party under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Although Oromo by origin, this leadership has largely preserved an Amharic-centered political order rather than advancing genuine linguistic and cultural equality.
Consequently, Ethiopia continues to reflect structural features of earlier imperial systems rather than a fully realized multinational federation. Despite representing a substantial proportion of the population—estimated at no less than 40 percent—the Oromo have yet to achieve proportional influence in shaping national identity and governance.
Oromummà as a Foundational Identity
Oromummà is increasingly consolidating as both a leading national identity and a cornerstone of a reimagined Ethiopian polity. Political organizations such as the Oromo Federalist Congress and the Oromo Liberation Front have played central roles in advancing this vision. However, progress remains constrained by:
- Residual assimilationist elites;
- The legacy of Tigrayan hegemonism;
- And, most critically, Oromo elites who have internalized subordinative political norms.
Over the past century and a half, Oromo language, institutions, and political autonomy were systematically undermined. Opportunities to reverse this trend—particularly during the TPLF era—were not fully realized, and the current administration has largely continued this pattern.
Strategic Missteps and Emerging Leadership
A decisive turning point occurred when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the imprisonment of prominent Oromo political figures under pressure from neo-centralist forces. This action resulted in a significant loss of public support and narrowed the regime’s political base.
The political landscape has since evolved into a contest between the ruling Prosperity Party and a re-emerging Oromo republican opposition. Within this opposition, Jawar Mohammed has increasingly emerged as a unifying figure, commanding broad support among both elites and the general population.
The Imperative of Organizational Unity
This moment calls for structural consolidation within the Oromo political movement. The formation of a unified umbrella organization—provisionally termed the Oromian Republican Party (ORP)—is presented as a strategic necessity. Such unification would enhance electoral competitiveness, strengthen diplomatic legitimacy, and improve coordination with resistance movements, including the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
Leadership renewal is equally important. A generational transition that integrates experienced figures with emerging leaders would bolster both credibility and resilience.
Unity Versus Fragmentation
Internal fragmentation has historically weakened Oromo resistance, enabling external domination through divide-and-rule strategies. These dynamics persist today, often framed as ideological divisions between democratization within Ethiopia and Oromo decolonization.
However, these differences are better understood as strategic rather than fundamental. Armed struggle and institutional political engagement are not mutually exclusive; they can function as complementary approaches within a broader liberation framework. The ultimate question of independence or union should be determined democratically by the people once genuine freedom is secured.
Toward a Unified Political Front
The continued marginalization of a nation exceeding 60 million people underscores the cost of disunity. Fragmented movements lack both strategic leverage and international recognition. In contrast, a unified Oromo political front could exert significant influence domestically and globally.
Achieving this requires leaders to transcend personal rivalries, mistrust, and organizational competition. Tactical disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and compromise, while actions driven by narrow self-interest must be subject to accountability.
Conclusion: A Call to Strategic Action
The Oromo people stand at a critical historical juncture. The convergence of weakening adversaries and emerging leadership presents a rare opportunity for meaningful progress. This article calls upon Oromo political leaders to:
- Finalize organizational unification under a single republican framework;
- Participate effectively in upcoming national elections;
- Build principled alliances with other marginalized groups and democratic forces;
- Exercise strategic patience while maintaining a firm commitment to self-determination.
Unity is not merely a strategic option—it is a historical imperative. A consolidated Oromo political movement has the potential to strengthen Oromummà, overcome internal divisions, and advance the broader struggle for freedom and dignity.
Ultimately, both the Heftegna regime and the Seftegna forces must be confronted—whether simultaneously or through carefully determined prioritization.
May Wàqà guide the Oromo people in their pursuit of justice and self-determination.
Galatôma
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2020/08/0 ... onalities/