Message to Dr. Abiy Ahmed: Abay Dam Is Meles Gobena’s Legacy — Make Your Own History by Reclaiming Assab!
By Fayyis Oromia*
Dear Dr. Abiy,
The Abay Dam is undoubtedly the legacy of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. Now, the time has come for you to leave your own mark on history — by bringing back the sea port of Assab to Ethiopia (or more specifically, to Oropia — an Ethiopia led by the ideals of Oromummà).
It seems you may be slowly aligning yourself with the Oromo cause, but significant steps remain. You must win two major battles: the ongoing one against the bandit group Fano, and the inevitable one against Shabiya (the Eritrean regime) to secure a vital port for Oropia.
Today, the political landscape in Ethiopia is clearer than ever. It has evolved into a struggle between two main blocs: the Amhara elites and the Oromo elites, with other national groups aligning themselves accordingly.
Meles Zenawi successfully subdued the power-hungry Naftagna forces when they challenged him. Why haven’t you done the same?
I believe there are two reasons:
You initially tried to keep them close, using them as a counterbalance against genuine Oromo nationalists who could challenge your power.
Unlike Tigreans (who are ethnically Semitic and somewhat “acceptable” to the Amhara elite), Oromos are still perceived by them as inferior — incapable of leadership. Therefore, they’ve tried to portray your government as dysfunctional, simply because you’re Oromo.
You have trusted the scorpion, thinking it won’t sting you — but the scorpion’s nature does not change.
If you were a true Oromo nationalist with a clear vision, dismantling the extremist Naftagna camp would be far easier than it was for Meles. But this requires a wholehearted return to the Oromo cause — not just tactical maneuvering.
After eliminating the Fano threat, you must secure Assab to guarantee Oropia’s access to the sea. This will define your historical legacy — a legacy that stands apart from Meles Zenawi’s.
Oromo Rule — Or Merely an Oromo Mask?
Jawar Mohammed once described the war between the OLA and Biltsigina as “a quarrel within the Oromo family.” But does your regime truly represent Oromo rule? Many disagree.
The Derg was a direct Amhara rule, modeled after French colonialism.
Woyane was an indirect Tigrayan rule, styled after the British.
Biltsigina, under your leadership, is the most deceptive: a hybrid regime wearing an Oromo face but serving the old interests of Amharanet.
The Oromo people have achieved 25% liberation by ending monarchy, 50% by toppling the Derg, and 75% by dismantling Woyane. True 100% liberation will come only by replacing Biltsigina — and establishing genuine Oromo rule.
But Biltsigina is deceptive — it misleads even genuine Oromo nationalists into thinking it’s “our government,” just because it uses Oromic. In truth, many of its leaders are hybrids — Oromo by name, but not by ideology, values, or political objectives.
The Role of First Ladies in History’s Betrayal
One overlooked but important point: the wives of Ethiopia’s three post-monarchic rulers — Mengistu, Meles, and now Abiy — all came from Amhara backgrounds. Each man, despite not being ethnically Amhara, was Amharanized through marriage and social influence.
- Mengistu (Oromo background) was swayed by his Gojjame wife.
- Meles (biological Oromo, psychological Tigrayan and political Amhara) was influenced by his Wolqayit-Amhara wife.
- Abiy (Oromo) is now seen to have followed the same pattern, led astray by his Gondar-Amhara wife.
In all three cases, the outcome was the same: betrayal of the Oromo cause and reinforcement of Amharanet dominance.
A 150-Year Oromo Struggle
The Oromo have fought for liberation for over 150 years. We’ve overthrown monarchs, feudalists, and fascists. Yet we are still not free — primarily due to internal sabotage by Oromo elites who have been mentally colonized.
Your government is the most subtle and dangerous form of oppression yet. It pretends to represent the Oromo but actively works against Oromummà. It has divided the Oromo camp into pro-Abiy and anti-Abiy factions — weakening our collective strength.
Your regime is a neo-Naftagna state with an Oromo mask — structurally similar to Mengistu’s Derg.
The repeated protests in Washington, D.C., are a sign of this irreconcilable divide: between the forces of Amharanet/Naftagninet, now operating through the EPP, and the forces of Oromummà/Netsanet, who oppose them.
Unity as a Weapon of Liberation
Oromo liberation will only come through unity — the very unity the Abyssinian rulers feared and worked to destroy.
Historically, Oromia was unified under the Gadà system. Our disunity began when some Oromo groups adopted monarchy and collaborated with Abyssinian rulers.
Examples of division imposed by Abyssinian colonialism still haunt us: Wellega vs Arsi, Shoa vs Wellega, Hararge vs Arsi. The EPP continues to exploit these divisions today.
Even the OLF has fragmented — not because of ideological differences, but because of a lack of strategic unity. Tactical disagreements must never override our shared vision of freedom.
Yet, there are signs of hope. From the Maccà-Tulama Association to the recent reconciliation efforts among OLF factions, and the alliance formed under the OFC, the push for unity is gaining momentum.
Let us build on these efforts and form one powerful OLF — with a unified vision, leadership, and liberation army.
Allies, Comrades, and Saboteurs
Within the ruling party (OPP), we must distinguish between:
- Comrades – Oromo individuals working for the cause, from within the system.
- Slaves – those unknowingly aiding the enemy, due to mental colonization.
- Criminals – active saboteurs of the Oromo struggle.
We must also recognize the need to collaborate with other oppressed nationalities and even democratic Amhara or Tigrayan forces who support self-determination and equality. Working toward a voluntary union is different from being forced into an oppressive one.
Final Words to You, Dr. Abiy
You must make a clear decision: either continue down the deceptive path of Amharanized politics, or return wholeheartedly to the Oromo cause.
Your historical moment is now. Just as Meles left a legacy with the Abay Dam, you can leave your legacy by reclaiming Assab — but only with the support of a united Oromo force.
History is watching. Your people are watching. Choose Oromummà over Naftagnanet. Choose sovereignty over submission. Choose legacy over betrayal.
May Wàqa grant us the wisdom and strength to reclaim our freedom through unity.
May He bless the Oromo people and guide us toward sovereignty—whether within a union or as an independent nation.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2019/04/1 ... n-general/