The Overdue Promotion of Oromic to Primary Working Language of Ethiopia!
By Fayyis Oromia*
The only specific struggle for the Oromo is the overdue promotion of Oromic to the primary working language of all federal institutions like the palace, parliament, cabinet, military, judiciary and security. Other political themes like federalism, democracy, peace, prosperity, national unity, territorial integrity, etc belong to all nations in Ethiopia. How pitiful it is to see Oromo nationalists—leaders, members, and supporters of the OLF—now serving in the Ethiopian parliament, attempting to speak perfect Amharic instead of respecting and using Oromic. These individuals once struggled for the promotion of Oromo culture and language, making it hard to imagine they would now aspire to become “better” Amharas.
Where is the difference between the parliaments of the Monarchy, the Derg, the Woyane, and that of Biltsiginna? They all had Oromo rulers—Teferi Guddisa, Mengistu Ayana, Meles Gobanà, and Abiy Ahmed—and the majority of parliamentary members were Oromos who revered Amharic rather than honoring Oromic. These individuals now strive to outdo native Amharas in promoting Amhara culture and language. Such a slave mentality was not expected from ex-OLF leaders and members now sitting in parliament.
Ethiopia, still using only Amharic in all federal institutions, continues to serve the interests of the [ deleted ] Amhara elites—experts in manipulating Oromo rulers in the Finfinné palace. I hope Abiy Ahmed will be the last Oromo to be used in this way. Genuine Oromo nationalists—whether in OFC, OLA, OLF, or OPP—must break this vicious cycle by promoting Oromic as the primary working language of all federal institutions (palace, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, security, military, etc.). This should be the core purpose of the Oromo struggle, whether we achieve an independent Oromia or a transformed, integrated Ethiopia led by Oromic, i.e Oropia.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/03/2 ... -struggle/