New Ethiopian Republicans’ Coalition to Be Led by Dr. Lemma Megersa?!
By Fayyis Oromia*
Genuine Oromo nationalists—i.e., Oromo republicans in OFC, OLA, OLF, and even in OPP—and democrats from other nations in Ethiopia are now working together effectively. Their cooperation is essential at this critical time, as the cvnning forces of Biltsigina are actively working to sabotage the power of citizens and nations in Ethiopia. We must support this united effort of republicans to dismantle the authoritarian Prosperity Party regime.
It is encouraging to hear that the leadership of all Oromo and allied democratic forces is coming together to address Ethiopia’s ongoing crisis. These forces must unite under a Coalition for Democratic Federalism. We have long advocated, written, and struggled for such unity among the Oromo and other national forces—and now, we are beginning to see the fruits of that effort. The leaders must agree on a common goal: to consolidate and democratize ethnic federalism (language-based federalism) for the benefit of all nations and nationalities in Ethiopia.
We once thanked Wàqa that the Oromo finally took control of the Caffé Arara palace after 150 years of struggle. Sadly, Dr. Abiy betrayed the Oromo cause and handed power in Finfinné back to pro-unitary, pro-Amharic forces. Now, despite opposition from anti-Oromo elements, we must reclaim Finfinné—the heart and brain of the Oromo nation. We believe Oromo republicans will once again rise to the occasion.
It is time for the Oromo people to embrace all five layers of Oromia as our collective home:
- Oromia – our core homeland, where we consolidate Gadà, promote Àdà Oromo, and preserve Afàn Oromo.
- Oropia – a reimagined Ethiopia led by the values of Oromummà, where the Oromo live in harmony with assimilated Oromos (i.e Abeshas) and other Cushitic peoples.
- Orohorn – the Horn of Africa, influenced by Oromummà, integrating Oromo communities from southern Egypt to northern Tanzania.
- Orofrica – a united federal Africa, potentially administered from Finfinné, where the Oromo play a central unifying role.
- Oroglob – a global vision where the democratic principles of the Gadà system serve as a model of governance for the world.
A few years ago, an Oromo-American conference in Minnesota initiated valuable dialogue among Oromo communities—including supporters of Ethio-federalism, fake federalists from the TPLF, and genuine ethno-federalists. It became clear that these groups must answer a vital question: Who should lead post-TPLF Ethiopia—Ethio-federalists or Ethno-federalists?
Thanks to the Oromo struggle, nearly all major political actors in Ethiopia now claim to support federalism. No longer do they openly advocate for a unitary state or for “Abbay Tigray.” They understand that without embracing federalism, they cannot win Oromo support. Even the TPLF elite realized that survival without the resources and cooperation of Oromia is unsustainable.
So, who will lead after Dr. Abiy? Will it be the Ethio-federalists or the Ethno-federalists? Or will the fake federalists attempt to revive themselves by pitting the two camps against one another?
The best solution would be for Ethio-federalists to evolve—to embrace genuine ethno-federalism, which respects Oromia’s right to exist and the Oromo nation’s right to self-determination. This would unify all democratic forces into a strong opposition to authoritarianism.
In previous elections (2005, 2010, 2015), we saw shifts: from calls for a unitary state to support for federation and referendums. By 2021, even many previously unitarist elites had come to accept some form of ethno-federalism. They are learning—slowly but surely.
Today, Oromo elites are active in three political camps:
- Ethio-federalist parties, like ECS under Dr. Berhanu Nega
- Fake federalists, namely the increasingly irrelevant OPDO/PP
- Ethno-federalist parties, such as OFC, OLF, and others
With the TPLF weakening and a possible transition overseen by Dr. Abiy, the key question remains: Who will lead Ethiopia next? If Ethio-federalists continue to resist genuine federalism, history could repeat itself—as it did in 2010, when they aligned with the TPLF and weakened the opposition.
That is why Oromo people currently supporting Ethio-federalists or fake federalists must reconsider: What is best for the Oromo nation? Politically conscious Oromo seem to have already chosen the path toward true federalism and Oromia’s full autonomy.
This transition period is not the end—it is a new phase in our liberation journey. As discussed at the Minnesota conference, the answer to “What’s next for the Oromo?” is clear: a coordinated campaign to secure genuine ethnic federalism, followed by a democratic referendum to determine our collective future.
In the long term, the goal should be the creation of a regional union of free peoples, formed after national self-determination. This is a vision not only for Oromo nationalists but for all oppressed nations in the Horn of Africa. To realize this vision, all groups must make critical shifts:
- Amhara federalists must abandon geography-based federalism
- Tigrayan hegemonists must abandon dreams of fake federalist dominance
- Some Oromo parties must look beyond autonomy or isolationism
All groups must embrace a voluntary union based on self-determination
We must also clarify our terminology. Words like abbàbiyyummà (self-rule), bilisummà (freedom), and hiré-murtefannà (self-determination) are ideals—not final political destinations. Political organizations must choose between:
- Walabummà (independence) – full national sovereignty
- Walfànummà (union) – voluntary union of free peoples
In conclusion, Oromo nationalists supporting geo-federalists or collaborating with fake federalists must change course. They should align with true federalist forces—OFC, OLA, OLF, and others—who are now forming a united front under the Oromo Leadership Council. Smaller Oromo organizations should also consolidate their support behind a strong, unified Oromo party, potentially through the Coalition for Democratic Federalism.
Crucially, recent discussions and the Minnesota conference have proven that there are no deep ideological differences preventing Oromo unity. With the traditional Oromo values of ilà fi ilàmé (mutual understanding), our organizations can coordinate, strategize, and move forward together.
This unity will not only shape Ethiopia’s future—it will influence the future of the entire Horn of Africa and beyond. With visionary leaders like Dr. Lemma and grassroots support from the people, we can make the five layers of Oromia a reality—a lasting home and democratic republic for all citizens and nations in Ethiopia, living together in fraternity, equality, and liberty.
The possible formation of the Ethiopian Republicans’ Coalition led by Dr. Lemma Megersa is truly encouraging. May he return with another unifying project. May Wàqa bless us all.
Galatômà!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2018/12/0 ... of-oromia/