Ge’ez Civilization of Pro-Amharic Dictators to Be Replaced by Gadà Civilization of Pro-Oromic Democrats!
By Fayyis Oromia*
The long-standing domination of the dictatorial Ge’ez civilization, symbolized by the supremacy of Amharic, is slowly but surely fading. In contrast, the Gadà civilization of Oromic-leadership is reviving and thriving, even in the face of its adversaries. This egalitarian democratic civilization offers a panacea to the ongoing oppression not only of the Oromo but also of other nations within Oropia (a diverse, Oromic-led, rainbow Ethiopia).
It is a fact on the ground that the continued dominance of Amharic can only be maintained through authoritarian means—just as the Biltsigina dictators, led by Abiy Ahmed, are doing. On the other hand, the democratization of Ethiopia inevitably promotes the leadership of Oromic due to the demographic advantage of the Oromo. Any force supporting the current dictatorial regime is, by default, pro-Amharic, and any front advocating for democracy is, de facto, pro-Oromic.
Today, Ethiopian politics in general—and Oromo politics in particular—are clearly crystallized into two major blocs:
- Pro-Amharic dictators, including the incumbent Prosperity Party (Prosperitans), who uphold the dominance of Amharic.
- Pro-Oromic democrats, mainly led by the republican opposition promoting Oromic as the primary working language of the country.
- All other movements have lost ground and have little chance of survival.
Both active camps claim to struggle for ethnic federalism. The first bloc is content with preserving the historical dominance of Amharic. This camp is led by Abiy Ahmed’s OPP and supported by so-called Andinet Hayiloch, who promote the supremacy of Amharic at the expense of Oromic. The second camp is democratic, supporting a federation led by Oromic. This bloc is spearheaded by the OFC under Jawar Mohammed and is joined by the OLF and other genuine federalists and liberation fronts.
Currently, the first bloc governs, while the second camp resists. Non-Oromo groups may align with either bloc. Amhara groups, predictably, support the ruling Prosperitan Oromo elites. However, other nations and nationalities are gradually aligning with the Oromo republicans. Even the TPLF is increasingly becoming pro-Oromic rather than upholding the ongoing dominance of Amharic. Which bloc will ultimately prevail remains to be seen.
I once read an interview with Jawar Mohammed linked here where he revealed that the GHO (Gàddisa Hoggansa Oromo) or OLC (Oromo Leadership Council)—including prominent Oromo leaders from different organizational backgrounds—was once led by Dr. Abiy and met twice a month to debate, counsel, and strategize about the Oromo movement beyond the “already achieved” bilisummà (freedom). They aimed to consolidate past achievements and plan the way forward. There was clear consensus on not compromising the ÀAÀ—Àdà (culture), Afàn (language), and Àngô (power)—of the Oromo in the Finfinné palace.
Whether Ethiofederalism (geographic-based) or Ethnofederalism (language-based) prevails, the Oromo, as the majority, must maintain leadership in Ethiopia.
Emphasizing Unity for Freedom and Sovereignty
My purpose here—as always—is to stress the necessity of unity in our struggle, which remains the only viable path if we truly seek freedom for the Oromo and sovereignty for Oromia. We have already sung, agitated, and written enough to emphasize this imperative unity of Oromo freedom fighters. Despite our longing, the liberation forces have lagged behind—perhaps due to reasons they may explain. What remains clear is that they do not differ in objective, despite what some activists may claim.
Only the gullible may believe the narrative that factions differ in goals. In reality, many activists emphasize their faction’s supremacy to win public support. As I previously noted in an earlier article, only spiritual unity can create structural unity. Now, I focus on the symbolic significance of the Oromo flag of unity—as a representation of both freedom and sovereignty.
Flags of Freedom and Sovereignty
A flag is defined as an emblem with a distinctive design used as a symbol, a signaling device, or decoration. Originally for military coordination, flags have evolved into symbols of identity and unity. National flags are potent patriotic symbols with varied interpretations.
For the Oromo nation, we appear to use two primary flags:
- OLF’s red-gold-green, symbolizing the struggle for freedom.
- Abbà Gadà’s black-red-white, symbolizing sovereignty.
Unfortunately, misunderstandings in the Oromo liberation camp have caused polarization between these two symbols. Despite the obvious fact that freedom leads to sovereignty (and vice versa), both our adversaries and some among us use these concepts to divide the liberation camp. My proposal to combine both flags is meant to symbolize our united struggle for freedom and sovereignty, not to undermine either flag.
Defining Sovereignty
Sovereignty should be defined as the ability and authority of a nation to choose between independence and interdependence, not necessarily as a pursuit of independence alone. True sovereignty means the unrestricted freedom of a people to decide their political future—whether through independence or union. Both imposed independence and forced union contradict this concept. It is democratic to campaign for either, but no one has the right to dictate the outcome.
Hence, I oppose Oromo nationalists who try to monopolize righteousness and curse the opposing camp. Our enemies exploit these divisions, but why should we help them by reinforcing these splits? Both camps share a common denominator: Oromo nationalism and self-determination through public referendum. Oromummà must be our guiding light.
Habeshanism vs. Oromummà
Our historical enemies—Abyssinianist elites (not ordinary Abyssinians)—know that Oromummà is the antidote to their dominance. Hence, they aim to suppress it. Oromummà encompasses values such as heroism, freedom, sovereignty, prosperity, and cultural virtues like guddifachà, gumà, moggàsa, patience, perseverance, and unity.
In contrast, Habeshanism—often imported into Oromo communities—includes strife, discord, egoism, hatred, and jealousy. Recognizing these ideological contrasts is key to reviving Oromummà.
By combining the OLF and Abbà Gadà flags, we symbolize unity in our diversity—both in the liberation movement and in the broader Oromo community. Together, we can work with all pro-democracy and pro-freedom forces in Ethiopia. True Ethiopianists—especially democratic Cushites—are not necessarily against Oromummà. But Abyssinianists, authoritarian by nature, cannot be part of a democratic struggle.
Three Political Categories
We must clearly distinguish:
- Despotic Abyssinianists – Oppressive and undemocratic
- Liberal Ethiopianists – Democratic Cushites
- Democratic Oromianists – Advocates of self-determination
By understanding this classification, we can take targeted and optimal approaches. I have no issue with liberal Ethiopianists, but I firmly oppose tyrannical Abyssinianism.
My flag proposal is not anti-Ethiopianist in its democratic, Cushitic sense. Instead, it targets the oppressive culture of Habeshanism. Oromummà is not anti-unity, but it supports unity through consensus, not coercion.
Final Thoughts and Call for Unity
Oromo nationalists can be pan-Africanists, pan-Ethiopianists, and pan-Oromianists simultaneously. Our goal includes both an independent Oromia and a united Kush, with Oromia at the core of a future African union. The Abyssinianist elite and their puppet governments in Finfinne have sought to suppress Oromo culture, language, and identity. But with Gadaa democracy and Wàqeffannà religion, the Oromo are poised to lead the African renaissance.
To fulfill this destiny, we need unity:
- Spiritually: Shared goals and cooperation
- Structurally: Organizational cohesion
Let’s pressure all Oromo organizations to unite. Let’s resist dividing forces and emphasize the strength of Oromummà. Whether under one flag or many, we must stand together.
Even if we struggle separately, we can still be spiritually united. Let the proposed Oromo flag of unity symbolize that.
Conclusion
Despite challenges, the Oromo will prevail over Abyssinianist domination in Finfinné—the future democratic center of Oromia, Ethiopia, and Africa. We must be practical and action-oriented. Whether Oromia’s sovereignty takes the form of independence or a union will be decided by public referendum, after open and reasoned debate.
The GHO/OLC under Dr. Abiy once had this opportunity. Unfortunately, he and the Prosperitans chose to uphold Amharic dominance over promoting Oromic.
Now, it is the responsibility of Oromo republicans to remove the Prosperitans and promote Oromic’s legitimate leadership in a diverse, rainbow Ethiopia.
Galatôma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2017/02/1 ... a-union-2/