The Two Contradictory Forces within OPP: The OLF’s Sovereignty Mindset versus the OPDO’s Servitude Mindset
By Fayyis Oromia*
Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) is marked by a profound internal struggle between two competing forces: those who embrace the OLF’s mindset of sovereignty and those who adhere to the OPDO’s mindset of servitude. The former advocates for the freedom and sovereignty of the Oromo people, while the latter remains subservient to the power structures of the Habesha elite—whether from the Amhara or Tigray regions.
This internal conflict is particularly evident in the contrasting ideologies of language and culture. The OLF-aligned faction promotes Oromummaa and the preservation of the Oromo language and culture, while the OPDO-aligned faction seeks to uphold the dominance of Amharic and Amharic-centric culture. This ideological clash is central to the future trajectory of the party and the broader Oromo political landscape.
For the OLF’s vision of sovereignty to prevail, it is imperative that genuine Oromo nationalists infiltrate and take over OPP. This would involve displacing the remnants of the OPDO and shifting the party’s direction toward true Oromo liberation. While opposition through groups like the OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress) or armed struggle via the OLA (Oromo Liberation Army) remains important, strategically penetrating OPP’s structures may prove more effective. By gaining control over OPP, Oromo nationalists can purge the OPDO loyalists and steer the party toward its rightful role in advancing Oromo self-determination.
The Oromo people must prioritize dismantling the OPDO faction within Dr. Abiy’s OPP to elevate the OLF-aligned faction and complete the national liberation struggle.
Post-TPLF Dynamics and the Oromo Political Strategy
The end of Tigrayan hegemony presents a unique opportunity for Ethiopia, particularly for Oromo republicans who advocate for freedom. However, there remains the concern that the Amhara elites—often identified as the Naftagna—may once again seek to reclaim control of the state. In this context, Oromo republicans aligned with the OLF’s vision of freedom must confront the ruling Oromo “prosperitans,” who continue to carry the OPDO’s servile ideology.
Dr. Abiy’s OPP, characterized by its servile mindset, has merely shifted its allegiance—from serving the TPLF to now serving the APP (Amhara Prosperity Party), maintaining the existing Amharic dominance in the state. As long as Amharic remains the dominant language within the federal institutions and the palace, OPP continues to function as a tool of the APP. The persistence of the OPDO’s servitude mindset within Dr. Abiy’s administration highlights the need for a new Oromo political leadership, one aligned with republican values and the sovereignty mindset.
Oromo elites who seek genuine freedom—whether from OLF, OLA, OFC, or even progressive elements within OPP—must unite to challenge the servitude faction. This unity is essential if the Oromo people are to secure their rightful place in a truly sovereign Ethiopia.
No matter the time it takes, the sovereignty mindset will ultimately triumph over the servitude mindset.
Toward an Inclusive and Democratic Ethiopia
To alter the current political order under Dr. Abiy’s regime, it is crucial to forge a strong, inclusive opposition. Such a coalition should be composed of all genuine democratic forces capable of challenging the EPP (Ethiopian Prosperity Party) in the upcoming elections. The central question is whether these forces can unite to mount a meaningful challenge, or whether they will remain fragmented, inadvertently ensuring another five-year term for the incumbent.
A robust opposition is essential for advancing Ethiopia’s democratization. It is high time for Oromo republicans who adhere to the OLF’s vision of freedom to unify and form a strong Oromo Republican Party (ORP). This will counterbalance the ruling Oromo “prosperitans” who continue to propagate the OPDO’s servile ideology.
Revisiting Meles Z. Gobena’s “Dominant Party Democracy”
Ob. Léncô Lata’s analysis of Meles Zenawi’s political vision—known as “dominant party democracy”—provides a crucial historical context. Lata explained that this system, implemented by the TPLF since the early 1990s, was heavily influenced by political theorist Samuel Huntington. Under this framework, a single party or coalition monopolizes political power, effectively controlling the state indefinitely. However, Lata pointed out the inherent contradictions in such a system:
“…The Ethiopian peoples had no role whatsoever in selecting the TPLF to become the dominant party that should indefinitely rule them. That this choice was made by a foreign scholar speaks volumes about the system’s democratic credentials. Ethiopians still lack the basic right to elect a government into and out of office.”
This analysis reveals the undemocratic nature of a dominant-party system, where the populace is forced to participate in electoral rituals that hold little meaning. The struggle for genuine democracy involves challenging this system of domination, both within the ruling party and in the wider society.
Lessons from the 2010 Election and Medrek’s Role
The 2010 election demonstrated the TPLF’s consolidation of power within a dominant-party framework. Despite promises of development, the opposition and public saw through the hollow rhetoric. Medrek, an opposition coalition initially viewed with optimism, soon faced criticism for its potential co-optation as an “Oromo appeaser” or as a programmed loser in elections.
Some Oromo nationalists have questioned whether Medrek was created to serve as a junior partner to the TPLF-led government. This raises concerns about the capacity of such coalitions to bring about meaningful change.
A Lasting Solution: National Self-Determination and Multinational Union
The path forward lies in embracing the OLF’s long-standing vision of national self-determination and a multinational union. Efforts to restore a unitary, Amharic-dominated state are outdated. While democratic Amharic-centric ethnic federalism may offer a temporary solution, it is not a sustainable framework for Ethiopia’s future. The demand for true self-determination among oppressed nations will persist.
Politicians must prioritize the will of the people over territorial borders. While borders may change, the people will endure under various political arrangements. Whether in a unitary state, a true ethno-federation, or a confederation of sovereign nations, the people’s voice should remain central. Habesha elites must respect Oromia’s autonomy and unity if they genuinely wish to preserve Ethiopia’s union for shared prosperity.
A liberated Oromia is not a threat; it is the cornerstone of regional unity in the Horn of Africa.
Moving Forward: Unification, Alliance, and Strategy
The possible re-unification of the OLF offers a promising prospect for the future of Oromo liberation. Even those who opposed the specific path to unity are generally aligned with the broader goals of Oromo liberation. The only forces opposing both unity and alliance are likely to be infiltrators from the current ruling regime.
As unity and alliance efforts continue to progress—albeit slowly—the OLF must take a proactive role. A liberated Oromia can set a transformative example for all African nations that continue to suffer under colonial borders and imposed languages. Just as the revival of Wàqeffannà symbolizes cultural resilience, the political liberation of Oromia can inspire similar movements across the continent.
If the OLF strengthens its position, Medrek will no longer function as a mere appeaser or junior partner. Rather, it can play a complementary role in a broader liberation front. However, for this to happen, Medrek and similar groups must commit to fairness, agreeing on both Ethiopian integrity and Oromia’s unity, or alternatively, supporting a referendum for both. A one-sided demand for Ethiopian unity and a referendum for Oromia would be unjust and unacceptable.
Only by adhering to these principles can opposition forces consolidate mass support and effectively challenge the regime. Otherwise, they risk becoming permanent junior partners in a system that has been designed for them to lose.
Conclusion
For the Oromo republican forces—whether from the OFC, OLA, or OLF—to emerge as the leading opposition in the upcoming elections, they must form a solid coalition. This will allow them to dismantle the current dominant-party system and move toward a just, inclusive, and democratic Ethiopia.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... -the-opdo/