Divide Oromia into Eight Regions to Preserve the Integrity of Oropia
By Fayyis Oromia*
Abstract
This article examines the evolving political geography of Ethiopia within the context of federal restructuring, linguistic policy, and historical identity formation. It argues that recent regional reconfigurations reflect a broader transition toward an Oromic-led federal order and proposes a reorganization of Oromia into eight administrative regions. The article further situates this proposal within a wider historical analysis of Cushitic peoples—particularly the Oromo and Agaw—and critiques the long-term effects of cultural assimilation under Abyssinian state formation. Finally, it highlights contemporary demands for self-rule, with particular attention to the Agaw and Kemant peoples, and frames these struggles as part of a broader movement for equitable federalism and cultural restoration in Ethiopia.
Introduction: Ethiopia’s Federal Transformation
Recent political developments suggest that Oromo nationalist forces have increasingly converged on a vision that redefines Ethiopia’s federal structure. Historically characterized first as Amapia—an Amharic-dominated geo-federation—and later as Amarpia—an Amharic-dominated ethnic federation—the Ethiopian state appears to be moving toward either Orompia (an Oromic-led ethnic federation) or Oropia (an Oromic-led geo-federation).
This transformation is not merely theoretical. The division of the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region into Sidama, Southwest Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia, and South Ethiopia has already been implemented. Similarly, the recent administrative division of the Amhara region into West Amhara, Northwest Amhara, East Amhara, and Central Shoa indicates an emerging pattern of regional fragmentation that may define Ethiopia’s future federal architecture.
Within this context, it is reasonable to anticipate a comparable restructuring of Oromia.
Proposal: Division of Oromia into Eight Regions
In alignment with ongoing federal restructuring, Oromia could be reorganized into the following eight regions:
- North Oromia
- West Oromia
- Southwest Oromia
- Central Oromia
- East Oromia
- South Oromia
- Southeast Oromia
- Finfinné (as a distinct federal entity)
Such a division would reflect administrative efficiency, demographic realities, and regional diversity while preserving Oromia’s political coherence within the federation.
Language Policy and Federal Legitimacy
If reports circulating in public discourse are accurate—that the current government intends to replace Ethiopia’s ethnic-based federation with a civic geo-federation—then linguistic policy becomes a central concern. Any transition of this magnitude requires a foundational recalibration of federal identity.
This article contends that Oromic (Afaan Oromo) should be elevated to the primary federal working language, replacing Amharic. If Oromic assumes this role across all federal institutions—including the executive, legislature, judiciary, military, and security services—then concerns regarding Oromo marginalization within a geo-federal system would be substantially mitigated. Under such conditions, a transition from ethnic federalism to geo-federalism would be both politically viable and socially equitable.
Proposed Federal Member States
Based on historical, cultural, and administrative considerations, the following entities are proposed as constituent members of the Ethiopian federation:
1. Tigray – Mekelle
2. Wolqait – Humera
3. Afar – Semera
4. Agaw & Qemant – Gondar
5. Begemidir – Debre Tabor
6. Gojjam – Bahir Dar
7. Shoa – Debre Berhan
8. North Oromia (Wollo & Raya) – Dessie
9. Central Oromia (Sheger) – Adama
10. West Oromia (Wollega) – Nekemte
11. Southwest Oromia (Ilu & Jimma) – Jimma
12. East Oromia (Hararge, including Harari, Dire Dawa, and Jijiga) – Harar
13. Southeast Oromia (Arsi & Bale) – Robe
14. South Oromia (Borana & Guji) – Negele
15. Finfinné (including Sheger City)
16. Gambella – Gambella town
17. Southwest Ethiopia – Bonga
18. South Ethiopia – Arba Minch
19. Sidama – Hawassa
20. Wolaita – Sodo
21. Central Ethiopia – Wachamo
22. Benishangul – Asosa
23. Ogaden – Gode
24. Issa – Fiq
25. Gaarre – Liban
The working language of each state should be determined by demographic realities and legislated by respective state councils.
Identity, Assimilation, and the Cushitic Question
Historical and anthropological evidence suggests that much of what is today referred to as Abyssinia—particularly present-day Amhara and Tigray regions—was originally inhabited by Agaw populations. Large portions of Gondar, Gojjam, and Wollo exhibit clear historical connections to Agaw settlement.
The Agaw, a Cushitic people closely related to the Oromo, once occupied a vast territory stretching from present-day Eritrea to southern Gojjam, historically known as Agaw-Midir. Over centuries, this region underwent extensive cultural and linguistic assimilation, resulting in the erosion of Agaw identity in favor of Amharic and Tigrinya linguistic dominance.
This process of assimilation—often termed Habeshanization—has disproportionately affected the Agaw, while the Oromo, through sustained resistance and organized liberation movements, have largely preserved their linguistic and cultural identity.
Abyssinian State Formation and Intra-Cushitic Conflict
Ethiopian imperial history can be interpreted as a series of conflicts among Cushitic elites—both assimilated and non-assimilated—rather than a simple dichotomy between Cushitic and Semitic peoples. Political struggles frequently reflected tensions between Habeshanized elites and those resisting assimilation.
Historical narratives often obscure these dynamics by minimizing Cushitic origins and emphasizing patriarchal lineage structures that downplay maternal ancestry. This selective representation has contributed to the marginalization of Cushitic identity within official historiography.
The Agaw-Midir Question and Contemporary Mobilization
The Agaw people represent one of the most culturally marginalized groups in Ethiopia today. Despite their historical significance—including their rule during the Zagwe Dynasty (c. 1137–1270) and their architectural legacy exemplified by the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela—their language and identity have been largely suppressed.
Contemporary movements, such as the Kemant people’s demand for constitutional recognition and self-rule, reflect a broader effort to reclaim Agaw identity and political autonomy. These demands are grounded in Ethiopia’s federal constitution and mirror similar struggles undertaken by other nations and nationalities within the federation.
Toward a Cushitic Renaissance
The liberation and cultural revival of Agaw-Midir, alongside the continued assertion of Oromo self-determination, represent critical steps toward a more just and inclusive Ethiopian state. These movements are not driven by ethnic supremacy but by demands for equality, dignity, and constitutional rights.
A genuinely federal Ethiopia must acknowledge the historical injustices inflicted upon Cushitic peoples and dismantle political structures that perpetuate assimilation and exclusion. Recognition of Agaw self-rule in regions such as Gondar and Qwara would constitute a meaningful step toward this objective.
Conclusion: Ethiopia and the Future of African Unity
The struggle for self-determination within Ethiopia is inseparable from the broader quest for African unity and dignity. By embracing linguistic equality, cultural revival, and genuine federalism, Ethiopia can transform itself from a fractured pseudo-federation into a model of inclusive governance.
An Ethiopia that respects Cushitic heritage—while safeguarding the rights of all its peoples—has the potential to serve as a cornerstone for pan-African cooperation and development. Achieving this vision requires political courage, institutional reform, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
Only through such transformation can Ethiopia realize its full potential as a united, prosperous, and inclusive African state.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2019/02/2 ... nal-state/
Re: Divide Oromia into Eight Regions to Preserve the Integrity of Oropia
This article examines the evolving political geography of Ethiopia within the context of federal restructuring, linguistic policy, and historical identity formation. It argues that recent regional reconfigurations reflect a broader transition toward an Oromic-led federal order and proposes a reorganization of Oromia into eight administrative regions. The article further situates this proposal within a wider historical analysis of Cushitic peoples—particularly the Oromo and Agaw—and critiques the long-term effects of cultural assimilation under Abyssinian state formation. Finally, it highlights contemporary demands for self-rule, with particular attention to the Agaw and Kemant peoples, and frames these struggles as part of a broader movement for equitable federalism and cultural restoration in Ethiopia.