Agawia and Oromia: The Pillars of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa
By Fayyis Oromia*
Ethiopia is a nation characterized by its rich multicultural, multilingual, and multinational identity. Two of the most significant groups contributing to this identity are the Agaw and Oromo peoples, whose historical, cultural, and linguistic legacies form the foundation of the nation’s past and present. These two groups, alongside other ethnic communities, are essential for the construction of a truly united and prosperous Ethiopia and, by extension, a stable Horn of Africa.
In contemporary Ethiopia, much of the population residing in regions such as Tigray, Gondar, Gojjam, and Lalibela is composed of the Agaw people. Although the Agaw population no longer speaks their native language, Agawigna, most now speak Amharic or Tigrigna. Notably, this region also hosts a significant Oromo population. The area, primarily inhabited by Agaw people, can be identified as “Agawia.” The regions of Rayya, Wollo, Yejju, and Shoa are integral parts of Oromia and should be recognized as rightful Oromo territories. To preserve the heritage of these diverse groups, it is crucial to help the Agawigna and Oromic languages thrive in their respective regions. A resurgence of these languages would ensure the survival of Agawia and Oromia as pillars of a vibrant, Cushitic Ethiopia and a prosperous Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s identity is multifaceted, and the Oromo people, constituting approximately 40% of the nation’s population, form a significant component of this identity. Thus, Ethiopian identity should be reflective of the Oromo population, comprising a significant portion of the country’s cultural and political landscape. Additionally, the Agaw people, who make up around 20% of the population, represent the second-largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. A truly inclusive Ethiopian identity should encompass the following proportions: 40% Oromummà (Oromo identity), 20% Agawnet (Agaw identity), 10% Amaranet (Amhara identity), 6% Somalummà (Somali identity), 5% Tegarunet (Tigray identity), 4% Sidamummà (Sidama identity), 3% Guragenet (Gurage identity), and others in similar proportion.
In a notable interview with Ob. Lencho Lata on OBN, he asserted that Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s leadership is predominantly Oromo, and that enemies are attempting to undermine this leadership. Yet, one must question whether Ethiopia is truly led by the Oromo people or whether Amharic (and Amaranet) continues to dominate, especially within the political elite. Does Dr. Abiy’s administration maintain Amhara dominance or challenge it? Are pro-Amhara elites, who support Dr. Abiy, actively working against the promotion of Oromic language and culture?
If Ethiopia is to prosper under Dr. Abiy’s “Oromo leadership,” it is imperative that all languages within the country receive equal recognition, based on the population size of their speakers. Accordingly, Oromic should be prioritized as the primary federal language, with Amharic relegated to a secondary status—after Agawigna. In practice, this could mean that the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) adopts Oromic as its working language instead of Amharic, which is currently the case. Such a shift would not only reflect the demographic realities of Ethiopia but also foster inclusivity. However, the question remains: can the Amhara elites and their supporters accept this linguistic change? Could Dr. Abiy’s Ethiopia become a true rainbow nation, built on linguistic and cultural equity?
Amhara elites have been advocating for the banning of ethnic-based parties, arguing that such parties threaten Ethiopian unity. This stance highlights a failure to recognize the evolving balance of power within the nation. While Amhara elites continue to act as though they maintain control, Oromo elites find themselves in a position where they should be addressing the demands of their people—such as the full recognition of Oromic as a federal language. Why the hesitation to implement these changes? Is it a strategic move to maintain political alliances or an effort to avoid further division?
At the heart of the issue lies the debate over ethnic federalism and national self-determination. It is becoming increasingly clear that it is only a small faction of Amhara elites, along with a few Amharanized individuals from other nations, who oppose ethnic federalism. The Amhara elite’s stance against ethnic federalism and self-determination has isolated them from the democratic elites of other ethnic groups. While Amhara elites continue to push for an unconditional unity, Oromo elites are demanding that Oromic be the sole federal language as a precondition for any form of unity. For many Oromo elites, this is not merely a political demand but a symbolic gesture aimed at reversing historical linguistic and cultural dominance.
One could argue that the continued privileging of Amharic as the primary federal language—under the guise of unity—has exacerbated tensions between ethnic groups. It is time to test the practical implications of this linguistic hierarchy: What would happen if Amharic were demoted to a local language within the Amhara region, while Oromic was elevated to the sole federal language? Would this shift allow for a more democratic and inclusive Ethiopia? Could Amhara elites and their followers embrace Oromic without resistance? If they could, it would pave the way for a more inclusive, unified Ethiopia.
History and the present day show that each ethnic group’s elites view events through different lenses. As we move toward the future, it is crucial to ask: What are the practical options available to resolve Ethiopia’s language conflicts, enabling all ethnic groups to live together in harmony?
Five potential pathways emerge for consideration:
- Union of Free Peoples Based on Self-Determination: Each nation in Ethiopia could maintain its language, with English as the language of international communication.
- Unity in a Federated Ethiopia with Oromic as the Sole Federal Language.
- Unity with English as the Sole Federal Language.
- Unity with Both Oromic and Amharic as Federal Working Languages.
- Unity with Amharic as the Sole Federal Language—the status quo, which should be reconsidered by Oromo leaders and their supporters.
Some pro-democracy Amhara elites may favor the fourth option, while some Oromo elites may advocate for the first. However, if Amhara elites reject self-determination and insist on unconditional unity, they must face the reality of the second option: unity with Oromic as the sole federal language. This would demonstrate to them what it feels like to be in a system where “Ethiopianity” is defined by Oromic, as Amharic has long defined it.
The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), during its tenure, privileged Amharic for 28 years, not out of a commitment to fairness but as a strategy to foster division between the Oromo and Amhara peoples, thus ensuring its own dominance. The EPRDF could have resolved this linguistic issue by making both Amharic and Oromic official federal languages or by adopting English as the sole language of the federal government. Unfortunately, they chose not to, for reasons of political expediency.
The time has come for a fair and inclusive linguistic policy. Amhara elites must come to terms with the reality that Ethiopian identity can no longer be defined solely through the lens of Amharic. Ethiopia, as a unified nation, must be built on the principles of equity, justice, and linguistic inclusion.
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s future lies in the equitable recognition of all languages, identities, and peoples. By adopting genuine ethnic federalism, which respects the rights of all nations to self-determination, Ethiopia can forge a path toward a democratic union that values diversity and fosters unity. This is the only way to ensure lasting peace, prosperity, and mutual respect among the diverse communities of Ethiopia.
Let this be the foundation upon which a truly inclusive Ethiopia is built—one that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of the Oromo, Agaw, Amhara, and all other nations in the country. May this vision of a united, diverse, and democratic Ethiopia come to fruition for the benefit of all its peoples.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/03/2 ... n-general/