A Call for Amhara and Oromo Nationalists to Unite Against the Dictatorial Biltsigina Regime
By Fayyis Oromia*
The growing wave of Amhara nationalism has, unfortunately, made several critical missteps that have hindered its potential for effective resistance against the dictatorial Biltsigina regime. Three primary errors have surfaced, which, if addressed, could pave the way for a more unified struggle, particularly in cooperation with Oromo nationalists.
1. Misidentifying the Enemy
The Amhara nationalist movement has, at times, framed the Oromo identity itself as an adversary, particularly through the term “Oromummaa,” which denotes the Oromo people’s sense of self. How can any politically astute leader advocate for the rejection of an entire people’s identity? Instead, the focus should be on combating the oppressive rule of the OPDO (Oromo People’s Democratic Organization) regime, which is complicit in maintaining the status quo. By labeling the OLF (Oromo Liberation Front) as an enemy, Amhara nationalists risk alienating those Oromo groups that are staunch advocates for Oromo national interests, including those in the OLA (Oromo Liberation Army), OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress), and even the OPP (Oromo Peoples’ Party). The shift in focus from opposing the broader Oromo people to targeting them directly serves only to undermine the shared struggle for national liberation.
2. The Use of Derogatory Terms
In recent years, the Amhara nationalist movement has used the term “Galla” to refer to the Oromo, a derogatory label akin to the “N-word” in the United States when referring to Black people. This term has long been used as a tool of dehumanization and division. By using it, Amhara nationalists have not only shown a lack of intellectual maturity, but have also made clear that their struggle is not one against the oppressive OPDO regime but, rather, against the Oromo people as a whole. This approach does little to foster unity and is a dangerous misstep that risks deepening inter-ethnic conflict.
3. Disregarding Oromo Territorial Rights
A third mistake lies in Amhara nationalists’ failure to acknowledge the territorial rights of the Oromo, particularly regarding the contested city of Finfinne (Addis Ababa). By laying claim to Finfinne and other parts of Oromia, Amhara nationalists risk sparking a broader conflict over territorial ownership, which could ultimately jeopardize the integrity of the Amhara region itself. It would be far more constructive to engage in a process of negotiation and respect for the territorial claims of all ethnic groups, including the Agaw and other historically marginalized nations, rather than pushing forward with unyielding territorial claims that only serve to escalate tensions.
The Path to Cooperation and Unity
Given the ongoing missteps, it would be more strategic for Amhara nationalists to abandon their confrontational stance with the Oromo and instead work towards forming an alliance with Oromo nationalists. The mutual goal should be to overthrow the Biltsigina regime, which has exploited and exacerbated ethnic divisions to maintain its brutal rule. The regime thrives on the division of the Amhara and Oromo national movements, fostering an environment of distrust and hatred, and undermining any collective action against it. Politicians with clear vision and commitment to national freedom should avoid falling into the divide-and-rule trap that has long been used by both the Woyane regime and the current Biltsigina leadership.
The Failure of the 2020 Election and the Need for Continued Struggle
It is increasingly apparent that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s EPP (Ethiopian Prosperity Party) effectively “won” the 2020 election, though the two major Oromo republican parties—the OLF and OFC—boycotted it in protest. In light of this, it is crucial for the Oromo people to continue their struggle for freedom, whether through armed resistance or public uprising. Similarly, Amhara nationalists who have been labeled by Biltsigina’s cadres as “radical Naftegna forces” are also positioned to be attacked. The 2020 election was neither free nor fair in Oromia and Amhara, with both regions subjected to oppressive measures by the ruling regime. The ultimate aim of the Biltsigina regime, like that of its predecessor under Meles Zenawi, is to divide the Amhara and Oromo peoples, pitting them against each other and ensuring its continued dominance.
The Agaw Question and the Broader National Struggle
The Agaw people, often overlooked in discussions of Ethiopian nationalism, are an important part of the broader ethnic fabric of the country. Prof. Laphiso Delebo has estimated that there are approximately 23 million Agaw in Ethiopia, making them the second-largest ethnic group after the Oromo. This population is primarily located in areas such as Axum, Adwa, Tembien, and parts of Gojjam, Gondar, and Tigray. If these figures hold true, it raises the question of why the Agaw’s territorial rights are not adequately recognized. The historical treatment of the Agaw, particularly during the rise of the Woyane regime, should be reconsidered in any future discussions of Ethiopian federalism and national unity.
Historical Context: The Role of Colonialism in Ethiopia’s Ethnic Divisions
The ethnic tensions between the Habeshanized Cushites (mainly Amhara and Tigray) and non-Habeshanized Cushites (primarily Oromo) trace their roots to the late 19th century, during the Scramble for Africa. European colonizers manipulated local ethnic groups, portraying some as “superior” and others as “inferior,” thereby fueling longstanding divisions. Both the Amhara and Oromo peoples have suffered as a result of these colonial tactics, and today, the Biltsigina regime serves as a neo-colonial agent of Western powers, perpetuating oppression and division within Ethiopia.
The Need for a United Front Against Biltsigina
Despite these historical and current challenges, there remains an opportunity for the Amhara and Oromo peoples to forge a common front against the Biltsigina regime. While differences remain between the two groups, particularly regarding issues of territorial integrity and national independence, the ultimate goal should be freedom and democracy for all Ethiopians. The core issue is not the division of the country along ethnic lines, but rather the liberation of the Ethiopian people from tyranny and oppression.
Amhara elites who advocate for unconditional unity should consider the legitimate aspirations of the Oromo people for self-determination, while Oromo nationalists should be open to a union that respects the will and sovereignty of all nations. If both sides can move beyond entrenched positions and recognize the broader struggle for freedom, they may find a path to unity based on mutual respect, equality, and a shared vision for a democratic Ethiopia.
Conclusion: A Union of Free Peoples
The key to a lasting alliance between Amhara and Oromo nationalists lies in the principle of self-determination for all nations, with a union built on mutual consent and respect. The Biltsigina regime thrives on division; its continued rule is sustained by the inability of Ethiopia’s major ethnic groups to unite. By focusing on the common goal of liberation, both the Amhara and Oromo peoples can work together to dismantle this oppressive regime, and in doing so, build a truly democratic and free Ethiopia.
Galatôma!
Read more:https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/0 ... a-eprdf-2/