Support for Dr. Abiy’s Leadership: A Call for Unity Among Oromo Elites
By Fayyis Oromia*
In the past seven years, the political landscape of Ethiopia has been significantly shaped by shifting alliances and the pursuit of ethnic and regional interests. During this period, Amhara elites sought to align with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy, hoping that he would cater to their aspirations. In his attempts to meet their demands, Dr. Abiy compromised on several key issues, notably suppressing the legitimate national concerns of the Oromo people. Consequently, this led to a deterioration of trust and support among many Oromo nationals.
Despite Dr. Abiy’s efforts to maintain the prominence of Amharic within Ethiopia, the very elites who once supported him have now turned against him, attempting to seize control of the nation’s political apparatus, particularly in the capital, Addis Ababa (Finfinné). In response to this threat, Dr. Abiy has re-aligned himself with his original political base—the Oromo people. However, Amhara elites have intensified their opposition, seeking to delegitimize his leadership and destabilize his government.
This opposition, though, has generated an opportunity for Oromo nationalists. As Amhara elites intensify their challenge to Dr. Abiy’s authority, Oromo support for him has grown. In this context, it is essential for Oromo elites to rally behind the Prime Minister, despite his previous shortcomings, in order to stabilize his government and prevent a resurgence of Amhara dominance. This is not only crucial for the protection of the Oromo cause but also to ensure that the political landscape does not regress to a situation in which Amhara elites regain control of the capital.
The Broader Conflict: Geo-Federation vs. Ethno-Federation
The political conflict in Ethiopia can be understood in terms of two opposing visions: the pro-Amharanet faction, which advocates for a geography-based federation, and the pro-Oromummà camp, which supports the principle of ethno-federalism. Amhara elites have long promoted the concept of a geographic federation, provided that it allows for the continued dominance of the Amharic language and the assimilation of other ethnic identities.
Under Dr. Abiy’s leadership, the Prosperity Party has supported this agenda by sidelining the Oromo language (Oromic) and diminishing the central role of Oromummà (Oromo identity) within the federation. This marginalization of Oromo identity must be challenged. Oromo nationalists must advocate for Oromic to be the leading language across all governmental institutions—including the judiciary, military, security, and parliament—in order to ensure the survival and prosperity of the Oromo people within Ethiopia’s political framework.
While Amhara elites seek a geographic federation to maintain linguistic and cultural hegemony, and Tigray elites may lean towards ethno-federalism out of insecurity as a minority, the Oromo position should focus on securing leadership and linguistic equality, regardless of whether the federation remains geographic or ethnic in nature.
Language Policy and Inclusive Politics: A Critique of Ezema
Ezema, an organization promoting civic-centered politics, has its merits but suffers from a critical flaw in its language policy. Its insistence on using Amharic exclusively alienates non-Amhara populations, particularly the Oromo. If Ezema hopes to win the support of the Oromo people, it must make a concerted effort to adopt Oromic as a working language alongside, or even in place of, Amharic. Failing to adopt such linguistic inclusivity undermines its commitment to inclusive politics.
The future of Oromo politics must embrace an inclusive (zeginet) approach. This includes not only advocating for the use of Oromic as the primary federal language but also ensuring that the Oromo people hold leadership positions in key political institutions. A political party that uses Oromic as its working language and promotes an Ethiopia rooted in Oromo democratic values can emerge as a legitimate voice for the Oromo nation.
Reflecting on Gadaa.com’s Analysis and the Gridlock in Oromo Politics
Several years ago, Gadaa.com published a critical analysis titled “The Dreadful Mess of Negation of Negation in Oromo Politics.” The article posed a crucial question: “How can the Oromo Movement overcome the self-imposed gridlock that is hindering progress?” A traffic jam was used as a metaphor for the stagnation that continues to plague the movement.
I have often expressed my views on this issue: much of the ideological conflict within Oromo political factions stems from misunderstanding rather than genuine ideological opposition. Oromo nationalists frequently label each other as “enemies” simply for advocating different paths—whether autonomy, independence, or union—without recognizing that these paths can coexist and ultimately serve the same overarching goal.
Much like the treatment of a chronic illness, the Oromo cause requires periodic reassessment and redirection. I believe it is crucial to clarify the shared objective of Oromo nationalists, especially regarding the strategic approach to achieving autonomy, independence, and eventual unity.
The Core Argument: “Series Framework” vs. “Parallel Framework”
The central argument in Gadaa.com’s analysis was the notion that the Oromo struggle’s ultimate goal is the establishment of an independent Oromia. This position, however, does not align with my more nuanced and evolving view: the vision of an Ethiopian Union of Free Peoples, where Oromia is central but not isolated.
Rather than adhering to the rigid “parallel framework,” which treats autonomy, independence, and union as mutually exclusive, I advocate for a more flexible “series framework.” This approach views the three goals as sequential and complementary:
- Oromian Autonomy within Amharic-dominated Federation (Amarpia): This is the immediate, short-term goal that ensures the Oromo people have the political space to govern themselves within a federal structure.
- Oromian Independence: The core mid-term objective, which involves the full sovereignty of Oromia as a self-determined entity.
- Union of Free Nations (Oropia): The long-term strategic vision, which involves a union of autonomous nations, led by the principles of Oromummà and ethnic federalism.
This three-stage model is consistent with the original vision of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which sought not merely isolation but a form of governance that balanced self-rule with cooperative federalism. This vision contrasts with the TPLF’s dichotomous “federate or separate” approach.
A Reinterpretation of the Poll and Its Flaws
A poll conducted by Gadaa.com asked: “What is the Oromo Cause for You?” offering choices of autonomy, independence, union, or class struggle. This binary structure, however, fails to capture the interdependent nature of these goals. A more appropriate question would be: “What should be the final goal of the Oromo Liberation Movement?” This would allow for a clearer understanding of the various ideological currents within Oromo nationalism.
The poll also overlooks the fact that many Oromo people support all three goals—autonomy, independence, and union—at different points in time, depending on the historical and political context. These goals should be seen as phases of a strategic continuum, not as conflicting endpoints.
Summary of the Political Spectrum
To better understand the political spectrum in Ethiopia, we can categorize the different factions as follows:
- Unitarists: Advocate for a centralized Ethiopia with no recognition of Oromia’s autonomy.
- Federalists: Support an autonomous Oromia within a strong multinational federation.
- Pro-Independence: Seek the creation of a sovereign Republic of Oromia.
- Unionists: Advocate for an eventual union of free nations, led by Oromo principles and identity.
My vision aligns with the unionist approach—starting with autonomy, moving toward independence, and ultimately establishing a union of free peoples, rooted in Oromo values and leadership.
Conclusion and Future Direction
The Oromo cause requires a paradigm shift from the divisive “parallel framework” to an inclusive “series framework.” By viewing autonomy, independence, and union as complementary phases in a single struggle, we can foster internal unity and propel the movement forward.
Let Oromo nationalists unite around this shared vision of freedom, dignity, and leadership in a united Ethiopia—a nation of equals. Whether through reforming Ezema, creating a new Oromo-led political party, or transforming the Prosperity Party, our ultimate goal should remain clear: a free Oromia and an inclusive, united federation of peoples (Oropia), led by the values of Oromummà.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/03/1 ... -minister/
Re: Support for Dr. Abiy’s Leadership: A Call for Unity Among Oromo Elites
In the past seven years, the political landscape of Ethiopia has been significantly shaped by shifting alliances and the pursuit of ethnic and regional interests. During this period, Amhara elites sought to align with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy, hoping that he would cater to their aspirations. In his attempts to meet their demands, Dr. Abiy compromised on several key issues, notably suppressing the legitimate national concerns of the Oromo people. Consequently, this led to a deterioration of trust and support among many Oromo nationals.