The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
The Oromo starting to commemorate Adwa’s victory in our terms is a right step in right direction. I used to advise Oromo nationaists to instrumentalize Ethiopiyumma/Ethiopiawinet, because the Oromo had lion’s share in building and keeping Ethiopia (Great Oromia) as nation state. Now, it is right that we started to reclaim Adwa’s history and use the green-yellow-red flag as common banner of nations in the country. What we yet need to accomplish is promoting Afaan Oromo to the primary position replacing Amharigna. Oromo nationalists’ beneficial duty in the future should be to consolidate Aangoo/power in Finfinne palace and promote Afaan Oromo to primary working language of all institutions in the whole country. Amhara elites in particular and pro-Amharanet elites in general should be checked. They are now salivating for power in Finfinne palace with pretext of unity and territorial integrity. I hope that Oromo nationalists are not too fool to give away power slightly to Amhara elites. Surely, Oromo Republicans in OFC and OLF will be strengthened to prevail and cooperate with the OPP to do the above mentioned two main jobs: consolidating Aangoo Oromo and promoting Afaan Oromo.
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The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
Last edited by OPFist on 25 Feb 2023, 10:41, edited 1 time in total.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
Even though there is no difference among Oromo nationalists regarding our desire for freedom from the hitherto colony under Habeshanized elites, still there seems to be a difference regarding the type of sovereignty we want to achieve for our land: free Oromia within or without Ethiopian union. To make it clear, I mean by Gadaa Oromia, the national area occupied by Afan-Oromo-speaking people, who now identify ourselves as Oromo and have Finfinne as a central political capital. Great Oromia is the country known as Ethiopia, a region occupied by all the Cushites, including the Habeshanized area (Abyssinia). ‘Free Oromia without Ethiopian union’ is a type of sovereignty, which we want to achieve by dismantling the present geographical Ethiopia, whereas ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ is a type of sovereignty we want to realize by transforming the despotic Abyssinian empire itself into an optimal democratic entity, i.e. by transforming the country into an emancipative Ethiopian union. Then, this country, which is now called Ethiopia shall have the principles of Oromummaa including freedom, Gadaa democracy and souvereignty as its main components. Based on the type of sovereignty we want to realize, Oromo nationalists can be divided into two camps, even though our common denominator is freedom of the Oromo and sovereignty of Oromia. This difference of vision existed starting from the beginning of Oromo liberation movement. However, the apparent conflict between the two visions can not be hindrance for struggling together, as far as rule of game in the future is Oromo public verdict per referendum. Then, any rationally-thinking Oromo should strive for a necessary cooperation and coordination between the two groups, if we really want to get our full freedom and sovereignty
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
Knowing the mischievous manipulation of our enemy to make us fight each other on this issue of an apparent conflict between the two types of souvereignty – which is actually a non-issue, let us try to see why Oromo nationalists could have such two versions of Oromo history in mind and the respective consequences of these different versions in a form of our longing for the possible two different visions regarding Oromia’s destiny. I think the two envisioned types of souvereignty are results of history of the Oromo and Oromia, which we do have in mind. Based on this difference between our accepted and believed versions of Oromo history, I personally often get e-mails full of concerns and critics from genuine Oromo nationalists, who read my opinions on various Oromo websites. For instance, as a response to my recent article with the title: ‘The Third-Generation OLF: Pragmatic, Inclusive and Smart,’ I got the following opinion and questions from one Oromo nationalist in regard to my indication of the fact that ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ is not less valid vis-à-vis ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian Union.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
You agame tplf
Are you still writing your crap
Are you still writing your crap
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
The following opinion from him does show the discord of ideas we, the Oromo nationalists, do have on the type of souvereignty for Oromia. His comment is paraphrased as follows:
“…There’s no Oromummaa without Oromia; if by Oromummaa you’re referring to the Oromo dance and music, I don’t think anyone would have any issue letting Oromo dance 24×7. There’s a limit to free speech, and what you wrote recently is a treason. We, Oromo nationalists, stand by our position and refuse to commit treason against Oromo people by entertaining such idea. Based on our own small opinion research, here’s what we have found: Firstly, many mixed nationals (those with half or some Oromo heritage) and also the Habeshanized Oromo are now accepting Oromia as an inevitable compromise. These are the linchpins of the Abyssinian system of domination. Therefore, Oromia as the central pillar of Oromummaa is already a normal reality for many. Secondly, with yours and Obbo Boruu Barraaqaa’s articles on all-inclusive Ethiopia, many Habeshanized Oromos and even the Abyssinians themselves (the regular citizens) are finding out that their Ethiopia had been/still is an Apartheid regime that only glorified Abyssinianism.
On my one-on-one interactions, many of them are unaware that the Oromo have our own history in parallel to the history of Abyssinia, which is now taken as the only history of Ethiopia. Regarding this point, I would like to encourage Oromo scholars to treat our history in three dimensions: 1) as a common proud history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Adwa Battle; 2) as separate parallel histories of Oromia and Abyssinia; 3) as a common conflict history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Minilik invasion and the so-called Oromo expansion.
Abyssinian elites do focus only on the common proud history, whereas Oromo nationalists have so far focused on the common conflict history. Now, it’s time for us to explore the parallel histories. Therefore, I would encourage Oromo writers to explore this last point and show us that during the 16th to the 19th centuries, Oromo had had our own Gibe kingdoms and Gadaa confederates. Our small opinion research has found that focusing on the Oromo’s parallel history, showing the proud past of Oromia, is not part of the current Oromo history. This shows the oppressive nature of the current system, which is similar to the Apartheid. Currently, many Habeshanized Oromo and some Abyssinian elites themselves are surprised by coming to the reality that this Apartheid system is the reason why the Oromo and the Ogadenis are still fighting against them.
This was the approach I’ve shared with you last time by showing the evil nature of the Abyssinian dominated Ethiopian state. Believe me, hidden behind the tri-color and catchy words such as unity, their evil nature is not known to those Habeshanized Oromo, who do unknowingly still support their move. But, once this Abyssinian elites’ motive is exposed that it’s evil, surely the Habeshanized Oromo will wake up and be re-Oromonized.
It is the Apartheid-like arrangement of the Abyssinian-Ethiopia that seems to be the source of all conflicts in the country. I have had a genuine discussion with some of them on why the previous and the current rulers insist on making “Abyssinia = Ethiopia.” For example, if I ask anyone of them, ‘who was the ruler of Ethiopia between 1606–1632?’ then, without any doubt, the answer would be Susenyos. But, that’s only true for Abyssinia. Before Ethiopia took her current geopolitical shape, there were many sovereign nations in Ethiopia. The more correct answer (partial answer) would have been: in Abyssinia, it was Susenyos; in southern Ethiopia’s Gadaa confederacy called Odaa Gaarrees during the same 28 years, about 4 Abba Gadaa’s were in charge (Doyyo Boru Lukku in 1603-1611, Sabbaqa 1611-1616, Bidu Doqqe 1616-1627 and Babbo Horro 1627-1635); and in today’s southwestern Ethiopia, in the Limu-Enarya of the Gibe states, Benero (1605-1619) and Sysgayo (1619-1630) were in charge during the same period.
Now, I ask you and the others: why is Ethiopian history only taken to be history of Abyssinia? Why did Ethiopian state exclude history of the Oromo and others from the central history of Ethiopia? Doesn’t it make this to be an Apartheid arrangement, like that of White supremacy, and, of course, here Abyssinian supremacy is promoted? Isn’t it evil to say “Abyssinia = Ethiopia” and to ignore the rest, just like the Apartheid was an evil for ignoring blacks and the colored in South Africa? Someone may ask, why is history important? History is what binds the past to the present, and lays ground for the future. In case of Ethiopia, the central narration of history glorifies and glamorizes Abyssinia as the only source of history, while excluding, demonizing and ignoring history of the Oromo, Ogadenis, etc.
The impact of this approach is that an Amhara or Tigrean kid grows up taking Ethiopia as his own country, because “Abyssinia = Ethiopia,” and an Oromo or an Ogadeni kid grows up knowing Oromia or Ogadenia do have no place in Ethiopia. This formation of identity is enforced in school system, in traditional radio, TV and in other forms of media, such as books, where such distorted information is delivered to the mass. That is why the Oromo and Ogadenis are struggling for freedom – not to be for or against the unity of Ethiopia, as some want to paint it, but we fight for our own freedom, that means for freedom to either reconstruct a new multi-national Ethiopia, or if the situation comes and the Abyssinian elites refuse to allow such Great Oromia (democratic Ethiopia) to be born, then to have a separate nationhood (Gadaa Oromia), where we will become first-class citizens. When we observe current politics of the region, the 1991 regime change in Ethiopia has not brought any difference to central narration of the Ethiopian state. Actually, it has become more Abyssinian with the addition of Tigrigna language as language of Finfinne Palace. The 1974 revolution, another historical junction, brought also no change. Why do the progressive Abyssinian elites, who believe in justice, democracy and freedom, continue to support such an exclusionary Apartheid system as their current central narration, where they try to promote their dream of “Abyssinia = Ethiopia”? Why do they continue to keep the second-class citizenship of the Oromo, Ogadenis, etc. by promoting their plan of “Ethiopia = Habesha = Abyssinia”?
“…There’s no Oromummaa without Oromia; if by Oromummaa you’re referring to the Oromo dance and music, I don’t think anyone would have any issue letting Oromo dance 24×7. There’s a limit to free speech, and what you wrote recently is a treason. We, Oromo nationalists, stand by our position and refuse to commit treason against Oromo people by entertaining such idea. Based on our own small opinion research, here’s what we have found: Firstly, many mixed nationals (those with half or some Oromo heritage) and also the Habeshanized Oromo are now accepting Oromia as an inevitable compromise. These are the linchpins of the Abyssinian system of domination. Therefore, Oromia as the central pillar of Oromummaa is already a normal reality for many. Secondly, with yours and Obbo Boruu Barraaqaa’s articles on all-inclusive Ethiopia, many Habeshanized Oromos and even the Abyssinians themselves (the regular citizens) are finding out that their Ethiopia had been/still is an Apartheid regime that only glorified Abyssinianism.
On my one-on-one interactions, many of them are unaware that the Oromo have our own history in parallel to the history of Abyssinia, which is now taken as the only history of Ethiopia. Regarding this point, I would like to encourage Oromo scholars to treat our history in three dimensions: 1) as a common proud history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Adwa Battle; 2) as separate parallel histories of Oromia and Abyssinia; 3) as a common conflict history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Minilik invasion and the so-called Oromo expansion.
Abyssinian elites do focus only on the common proud history, whereas Oromo nationalists have so far focused on the common conflict history. Now, it’s time for us to explore the parallel histories. Therefore, I would encourage Oromo writers to explore this last point and show us that during the 16th to the 19th centuries, Oromo had had our own Gibe kingdoms and Gadaa confederates. Our small opinion research has found that focusing on the Oromo’s parallel history, showing the proud past of Oromia, is not part of the current Oromo history. This shows the oppressive nature of the current system, which is similar to the Apartheid. Currently, many Habeshanized Oromo and some Abyssinian elites themselves are surprised by coming to the reality that this Apartheid system is the reason why the Oromo and the Ogadenis are still fighting against them.
This was the approach I’ve shared with you last time by showing the evil nature of the Abyssinian dominated Ethiopian state. Believe me, hidden behind the tri-color and catchy words such as unity, their evil nature is not known to those Habeshanized Oromo, who do unknowingly still support their move. But, once this Abyssinian elites’ motive is exposed that it’s evil, surely the Habeshanized Oromo will wake up and be re-Oromonized.
It is the Apartheid-like arrangement of the Abyssinian-Ethiopia that seems to be the source of all conflicts in the country. I have had a genuine discussion with some of them on why the previous and the current rulers insist on making “Abyssinia = Ethiopia.” For example, if I ask anyone of them, ‘who was the ruler of Ethiopia between 1606–1632?’ then, without any doubt, the answer would be Susenyos. But, that’s only true for Abyssinia. Before Ethiopia took her current geopolitical shape, there were many sovereign nations in Ethiopia. The more correct answer (partial answer) would have been: in Abyssinia, it was Susenyos; in southern Ethiopia’s Gadaa confederacy called Odaa Gaarrees during the same 28 years, about 4 Abba Gadaa’s were in charge (Doyyo Boru Lukku in 1603-1611, Sabbaqa 1611-1616, Bidu Doqqe 1616-1627 and Babbo Horro 1627-1635); and in today’s southwestern Ethiopia, in the Limu-Enarya of the Gibe states, Benero (1605-1619) and Sysgayo (1619-1630) were in charge during the same period.
Now, I ask you and the others: why is Ethiopian history only taken to be history of Abyssinia? Why did Ethiopian state exclude history of the Oromo and others from the central history of Ethiopia? Doesn’t it make this to be an Apartheid arrangement, like that of White supremacy, and, of course, here Abyssinian supremacy is promoted? Isn’t it evil to say “Abyssinia = Ethiopia” and to ignore the rest, just like the Apartheid was an evil for ignoring blacks and the colored in South Africa? Someone may ask, why is history important? History is what binds the past to the present, and lays ground for the future. In case of Ethiopia, the central narration of history glorifies and glamorizes Abyssinia as the only source of history, while excluding, demonizing and ignoring history of the Oromo, Ogadenis, etc.
The impact of this approach is that an Amhara or Tigrean kid grows up taking Ethiopia as his own country, because “Abyssinia = Ethiopia,” and an Oromo or an Ogadeni kid grows up knowing Oromia or Ogadenia do have no place in Ethiopia. This formation of identity is enforced in school system, in traditional radio, TV and in other forms of media, such as books, where such distorted information is delivered to the mass. That is why the Oromo and Ogadenis are struggling for freedom – not to be for or against the unity of Ethiopia, as some want to paint it, but we fight for our own freedom, that means for freedom to either reconstruct a new multi-national Ethiopia, or if the situation comes and the Abyssinian elites refuse to allow such Great Oromia (democratic Ethiopia) to be born, then to have a separate nationhood (Gadaa Oromia), where we will become first-class citizens. When we observe current politics of the region, the 1991 regime change in Ethiopia has not brought any difference to central narration of the Ethiopian state. Actually, it has become more Abyssinian with the addition of Tigrigna language as language of Finfinne Palace. The 1974 revolution, another historical junction, brought also no change. Why do the progressive Abyssinian elites, who believe in justice, democracy and freedom, continue to support such an exclusionary Apartheid system as their current central narration, where they try to promote their dream of “Abyssinia = Ethiopia”? Why do they continue to keep the second-class citizenship of the Oromo, Ogadenis, etc. by promoting their plan of “Ethiopia = Habesha = Abyssinia”?
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
Yes, I do acknowledge that there were interactions between Abyssinia and the Oromo. However, those interactions are again usually explained within the larger Abyssinian history, i.e. from the Abyssinian point of view. Therefore, for all practical purposes, we can take those interactions as part of Abyssinian history, which is now wrongly taken as only history of the current Ethiopia. My inquiry here is about the other Oromo history, the history that had happened independent from the interactions with Abyssinia. My inquiry is about the other Ogaden history, the history that had happened independent from Ras Mekonnen and his battles for/against Ogaden, etc. In other words, the Oromo, Ogadenis, Sidamas, etc. do have their own history, their own heritage, their own civilization (such as Gadaa System of the Oromo as an African civilization of democracy). Why are those Oromo, Ogadeni, Sidama narrations excluded from the current central Ethiopian history? Why should anyone support such an Apartheid system where the majority are excluded from the center? In 1991, we were told that the desired change already came, but it was only superficial. Today, there’s no Oromo hero honored with a statue in Finfinne, the capital of Oromia. All the statues we see are those with Abyssinian heritage.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
By the way, I do not oppose Abyssinian nationalism; I respect all forms of nationalism. I am only questioning why Habeshanism should be imposed on Oromo, Ogadenis, etc. by force and, at the same time, destroying Oromo nationalism, etc. If you now try to tell us that the oppressive Abyssinian elites were not evil aliens, but the culturally lost part of us, isn’t this similar to supporting the White Apartheid regime that marginalized blacks and the colored from the center of South Africa, and relegated them to the tribal territories? For decades, Oromo people have been struggling in two fronts: 1) to preserve what’s left of our own history, heritage and civilization. In other words, if our children at the present do not learn about it, then it’s all lost. So, the Abyssinian rulers were deliberately demonizing Oromo heritage, but imposing their own on Oromo children continuously; 2) to establish the first-class citizenship (either in a multi-national Ethiopia, where all belong to the center and share ownership, or an independent statehood/nationhood where we will establish our own system, which will grant us the rights of first-class citizenship)…”
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
Just to answer the multiple why-questions raised by this sincerely concerned and genuine Oromo nationalist, I would like to say that Abyssinian elites do these all evils on the Oromo, Ogaden, Sidama, etc. for the sake of power and profit. It is up to the oppressed nations and up to the small fraction of the pro-democracy and pro-freedom Abyssinians to fight against these criminal Abyssinian ruling elites and then to foster either ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ or ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union,’ where both the citizens’ individual freedom and nations’ collective right to self-determination will be respected. Otherwise, I do commend and support the idea of writing the parallel separate history of Oromia, which was neglected by Abyssinian rulers and scholars. Hopefully, Abyssinian elites will lose the illusion they do still entertain to rule over the Habeshanized unitary Ethiopia in the future, and Oromo elites will learn to give up our illusion that Oromo people can again fall into the trap of being Habeshanized. Ethiopia in the form of Abyssinian empire is dying and Ethiopia as Oromian union is emerging. Both Amhara and Oromo elites think and talk about the dying empire, when ever they discuss on Ethiopia. Thus, Amhara elites love it nostalgically and Oromo elites hate it vehmently. But, regarding the emerging union, the Oromo should not be the first to dislike future Ethiopia, for the union will by default be Great Oromia. For now, leaving this writing of true history of the country for the concerned and interested Oromo historians, I want to concentrate on the possible future two visions of Oromia’s sovereignty, depending on the two versions of Oromo history we do have in mind.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
The two versions of Oromo history are in short:
1) Abyssinians and the Oromo are biologically and culturally different, but live in the same neighborhood. Abyssinians are of the Semetic group, who migrated from Yemen to Eastern Africa. Our neighbour Abyssinia got a chance to colonize us. We lived under their colony till now as victims. The solution is thus at least ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ (which is actually what any nation with demographic minority at geographical center demands as a minimal solution; of course, the Oromo people are reduced to this status, so that demanding this form of sovereignty now is not wrong) or at best ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union, which is the solution for minority at periphery.’
2) Abyssinians are culturally and linguistically lost part of proto-Cush/the Oromo; but Habeshanism is symbol of colony and tyranny. The ongoing Oromo liberation movement, including the sixteenth century liberation/”migration,” is the movement of Oromummaa as an anti-thesis of Habeshanism. Actually, Cush is Oromo; and Oromo is Cush. In this sense “Ethiop = Cush = Oromo” or another way “Ethiopia = Cushland = Oromia”. The solution here is thus a maximal promotion of Oromummaa (the symbol of freedom, Gadaa democracy and souvereignty) on the grave of Habeshansim (the symbol of despotism, dictatorship and domination), be it the result will be either ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ or ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union’ (the former being demand from a confident nation with a demographic majority and geographically at a center, i.e. a demand from the nation with both numerical and political majority).
1) Abyssinians and the Oromo are biologically and culturally different, but live in the same neighborhood. Abyssinians are of the Semetic group, who migrated from Yemen to Eastern Africa. Our neighbour Abyssinia got a chance to colonize us. We lived under their colony till now as victims. The solution is thus at least ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ (which is actually what any nation with demographic minority at geographical center demands as a minimal solution; of course, the Oromo people are reduced to this status, so that demanding this form of sovereignty now is not wrong) or at best ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union, which is the solution for minority at periphery.’
2) Abyssinians are culturally and linguistically lost part of proto-Cush/the Oromo; but Habeshanism is symbol of colony and tyranny. The ongoing Oromo liberation movement, including the sixteenth century liberation/”migration,” is the movement of Oromummaa as an anti-thesis of Habeshanism. Actually, Cush is Oromo; and Oromo is Cush. In this sense “Ethiop = Cush = Oromo” or another way “Ethiopia = Cushland = Oromia”. The solution here is thus a maximal promotion of Oromummaa (the symbol of freedom, Gadaa democracy and souvereignty) on the grave of Habeshansim (the symbol of despotism, dictatorship and domination), be it the result will be either ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ or ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union’ (the former being demand from a confident nation with a demographic majority and geographically at a center, i.e. a demand from the nation with both numerical and political majority).
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
Personally, I am not against both versions and visions; I do also see no irreconcilable conflict between the two ways of trying to liberate the Oromo and Oromia. The two approaches do still exist among Oromo society due to demography of the Oromo and geographical location of Oromia. The mere fact that Oromo proper are the oppressed majority, who are living at center of the union, explains the reason why Oromo nationalists do entertain both the above mentioned versions of history and visions of destiny. As an oppressed ‘political minority’ and as a marginalized ‘political periphery,’ Oromo people should fight for unconditional ‘free Oromia;’ at the same time, as a demographic majority and a geographical center, it is not hard for us to see the future advantage we will have within an inclusive and integrative Ethiopian union, so that we, at the same time, tend to struggle for this union. That is why Oromo liberation movement is like a coin with two sides: on one side of the coin, we read ‘free Oromia within a union,’ and on the other side, we get ‘free Oromia without a union.’ This is what makes our liberation movement different from liberation struggles of minority nations at geographical periphery like Eritrea, Tigrai, Ogadenia and South Sudan.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
There is no other oppressed nation with such two possibilities in the world. Almost all the hitherto liberated nations, which fought for their freedom, were demographic minorities at geographical peripheries, having only one approach, which is similar to one approach of the Oromo, i.e. to fight for either autonomy or independence. This was what the SPLM of South Sudan, EPLF and even TPLF had done, and what now the ONLF is doing. But, OLF is the only liberation front in the glob, which is trying to liberate demographical majority at geographical center. For this unique liberation front, it is surely legitimate and natural to also entertain another approach, which opts for the inclusive and integrative type of sovereignty. The difference I had with Oromo nationalist, who wrote me the above opinion, is that he concentrates on the first approach (looking at the parallel history), whereas I do see a big opportunity also in the second one (entertaining the common history). Here, I would like to stress that I am not against the first approach, but I do support also the second. The opinionist also said at last that there is only a possibility to choose from the following two outcomes of Oromo liberation struggle: either reform Ethiopia (Abyssinian empire) into a democratic Ethiopia (Great Oromia) with full freedom of all citizens and nations, or reject Ethiopia in both forms (Abyssinian empire and Oromian union) and foster an independent Oromia without a union , where the Oromo can have a certainty of first-class citizens. I do agree hundred percent with both options he mentioned
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
The three versions of history described by the opinionist can actually be condensed into two: history of Gadaa Oromia and that of Ethiopian union (Great Oromia). The history he described as common history is that of Great Oromia, in which Oromo elites played major roles, whereas what he described as the parallel history is that of Gadaa Oromia, the suffered Oromo majority. That means, Oromo had been parts of both the victors in the Habeshanized part of Ethiopia, and the victims in Oromia. We should not also forget that half of Abyssinia is part of Oromia, whereas the rest is Habeshanized Agaw-Midir, which is also part of Ethiopian union. As far as I am concerned, this conflict of history will continue till the result will be an end of the oppressive Ethiopia (Abyssinian empire) and the emergence of either a democratic Ethiopia (Great Oromia), or formation of two neighboring separate states of Abesha state and Oromo state. Sure is that evil Habeshanism will die and give place for the emancipative Oromummaa, be it within a union or without a union. Fact on the ground is that any Oromo nationalist who does have only parallel history in mind does prefer a separate ‘free Oromia without a union’ while those Oromo nationals, who do believe in only common history do like to opt for ‘free Oromia within a union.’ But, the truth about Oromo history is that we do belong to both common proud history and conflict parallel history, as the opinionist already put it well. That is why a possibility of ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ will be the best solution, which can be future fact, not present fancy. Important to mention here is the reality that no one of the two approaches can have a moral upper ground on the other. We need to make an informed debate and discussion regarding the future benefit and cost of the two visions; of course, after achieving our freedom from the ongoing domination by any means possible, and then we will decide per referendum. I think our decision should be based on calculation of the future beneficial destiny, not necessarily depending on the past conflict history.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
To my understanding, Oromo kings and federalists, who ruled Gondar; Oromo monarchs, who had power in Gojjam, Shoa and Wallo; Oromo independent kingdoms in Jimma and Wollaga; Oromo Gadaa confederacies like the Odaa Gareess, Odaa Bisil, Odaa Nabe, Odaa Roobaa and Odaa Bultum; Oromo sultanates in Harar and Bale, etc. are different types of sovereignty exercised locally by the Oromo as we were under pressure from external forces. Now, we need a system, which can accommodate all these parts of Oromo nation with such different historical backgrounds. Our enemy uses these differences as a source of conflict, but we should consider it as constructive different life experiences and use them to promote ‘Oromo unity in diversity.’ That is why we really need to have Oromo politicians with a pragmatic, inclusive and smart move towards our future Oromian sovereignty based on vote of Oromo majority. If we opt for integrative version of souvereignty, not only Oromo proper with different historical backgrounds, but also the Habeshanized Cushites will come back to their roots and the non-Habeshanized other Cushites in the region will also opt to be part of the union, so that Cushites of different languages will live together as a beautiful garden of flowers with different colors accepting and respecting each other. To materialize this noble idea, Abyssinian way of ‘unity by force’ must be changed to the Oromian/Cushitic way of ‘integration based on free will.’ This can only happen on the grave of evil Habeshanism and by encouraging Abyssinian mass also to love being called Cushites, just as they do love the name Ethiopia. Actually, hating their identity as Cush and loving the other name of Cush (Ethiopia) is by itself a schizophrenic mentality. Unfortunately, living with such tendency, Abyssinian elites are at the moment cognitively and culturally confused and corrupted part of the Cushites. How can they hate to be named as Cushites and then love to be called Ethiopians. If they are not Cushites, then actually they are not Ethiopians.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
የማያልፍላት ሓገር::
Every group claims to be the best.
Every group claims to be the best.
Re: The Oromo Commemorating Adwa in our Terms is a Right Step in Right Direction!
That is why Oromo liberation movement should liberate also this confused part of Cush nations, so that they become genuine Ethiopians/Cushites. In the future Ethiopia (Great Oromia), all sorts of Afaan Cush like Af-Somaal, Sidama-Afo, Amharinya, Afar-Af, Tigrinya, Afaan Oromo, etc. will have an equal opportunity to develop, replacing the present disadvantage imposed on languages like Sidama-afo and Afaan Oromo, whereas Amharinya is privileged in the hitherto Ethiopia (Abyssinian empire); Af-Somaal having a chance to flourish in Somalia; and of course, Tigrinya freely growing in both Eritrea and present Ethiopia since the regime change in 1991. Surely, this situation will be changed in favor of the Oromo proper; and our language, Afaan Oromo, will grow without any suppression. But, regarding the versions of Oromo history and the visions of Oromian destiny, no group of Oromo politicians can claim to have an absolute truth on its side. Our belief in one version of Oromo history and our dedication for one consequent vision is simply the reflection of our personal and regional experience based on what we have heard, read and seen. Also no one of the two approaches is wrong as long as it is not against ‘freedom of Oromo people,’ be it we foster in the future ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ or ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union.’ I personally do see no point of discord, which can make us fight each other, but I do observe a difference between the two types of souvreignty, on which the Oromo public will vote and decide per referendum. Fact on the ground is that Ethiopia as Abyssinian empire is dying and Ethiopia as Oromian union can emerge if we want. Now, Oromo Prosperitans trying to reclaim Adwa victory in particular and building new Ethiopia (Great Oromia) in Oromo Terms need to be encouraged. They only need to divorce from Amharanet and dedicate to Oromumma. May Waaqa help us struggle together now for our freedom and vote later for the type of souvereignty we respectively want to achieve: ‘free Oromia within Ethiopian union’ or ‘free Oromia without Ethiopian union. May He bless both the Oromo and Oromia!