What Does Self-Determination Mean for the Oromo (Majority Over All = MOA)?
By Fayyis Oromia*
The historical marginalization of the Oromo people from the political center, particularly from the Finfiné Palace, has long made the notion of self-determination—specifically in terms of Oromian autonomy or even independence—seem not only legitimate but necessary. In earlier times, the confidence to claim such autonomy or control seemed out of reach, both in the context of the Ethiopian state and in the broader regional and continental political spheres. However, the political landscape has shifted. Although the Oromo people may still lack full confidence in their ability to influence the political center, it is now undeniable that the two historically dominant Abyssinian groups—the Amhara and Tigrayan elites—no longer hold exclusive control. Instead, Oromo forces have asserted influence, and barring self-sabotage, they are poised to remain in that position.
It is natural that different Oromo factions may seek to assert their influence within the Caffé Aràrà (the Ethiopian parliament). However, the key imperative must be to prevent the return of the Abyssinian elites who have historically oppressed the Oromo people. For me, self-determination represents a vision where the Oromo culture (àdà), language (afàn), and political power (àngô) are fully respected and flourish within an Oromia-led Ethiopia, free from external limitations or restrictions.
The critical question remains: Is the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) under Dr. Abiy Ahmed prepared to fulfill this noble vision of Oromo self-determination? Can OPP, the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) come to a unified understanding of what true self-determination means for our people?
Self-Deception and the Oromo Liberation Movement
A few years ago, an Ethiopian “breaking news” report claimed that the year 2010 (E.C.) marked the end of the armed struggle for Oromo liberation, implying that the OLF had been effectively neutralized. Was this claim fact or fiction? Were the media outlets deceiving themselves, or simply ignoring the reality on the ground? Did they fall into a trap, celebrating with the TPLF camp while turning a blind eye to the truth?
In this section, I will discuss how nearly all stakeholders have, at various times, lived in self-deception regarding the Oromo liberation movement:
- International Power Players: Western powers, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, have historically believed that stability in the Horn of Africa could be maintained by supporting the TPLF and suppressing Oromo aspirations. This strategy, however, has clearly undermined their long-term strategic interests.
- Unitarist Forces in Ethiopia: Advocates for a single, centralized Ethiopian state have consistently romanticized the idea of national unity while ignoring the legitimate demands for self-determination expressed by the Oromo people. These forces deny the Oromo people’s national aspirations, asserting that only individual freedom within a unitary Ethiopia is important.
- TPLF Leadership: Arrogantly confident in their military success against the Derg, TPLF leaders assumed they could dominate Oromia indefinitely. They failed to account for the long-term consequences of their actions and the resilience of the Oromo people.
- Collaborating Oromo Elites: Some Oromo individuals, collaborating with the ruling party, falsely claimed that the Oromo people had already been liberated and were experiencing economic development—an example of self-deception at its worst.
- Democratic Federalists: While many federalists sincerely believe that Oromian autonomy within Ethiopia is the ultimate goal, they live in self-deception if they believe the Oromo will never seek further self-determination.
- Liberation Fronts with Limited Goals: Some Oromo liberation movements seek to limit the goal to a narrowly defined, independent Oromia, thus failing to recognize the broader, pan-Oromo vision of nationalism and regional integration.
Surrendered Oromo Groups: Certain Oromo groups who surrendered and joined the TPLF, claiming that the Oromo question had been resolved, lived in the worst form of self-deception.
As long as Oromia remains under occupation, the OLF continues to grow. The only way to dissolve the OLF entirely is by achieving true liberation for the Oromo people, thereby making the movement unnecessary. Until this occurs, the OLF retains the potential to mobilize millions, even among those within the ruling party.
The Gradual Rise of Oromo Nationalism
Oromo nationalism is akin to a rising tide—slow but inevitable. Stakeholders may continue to deny or dismiss its presence, but in time, they will be overwhelmed. The movement is similarly like water heating to a boil; its opponents may enjoy the warmth, but they remain unaware that they will be consumed once it reaches its boiling point.
The Oromo liberation journey will persist—by whatever means necessary—toward full self-determination. Stakeholders must recognize this reality and adjust their strategies to align with their own long-term interests. Even the oppressed masses in Amhara and Tigray must join this struggle for national self-determination, whether in parallel with or in alliance with the Oromo and other subjugated peoples.
One Nation, One Goal—Through Multiple Paths
My call to the OLF factions and other Oromo liberation fronts has always been one of unity. While our people largely share the same final goal, our strategies may differ. Nevertheless, the destination remains the same:
Short-term: Oromia’s autonomy within a genuine federal system.
Mid-term: The full independence of Oromia.
Long-term: The formation of a union of free nations, which may include or exclude the Abyssinian states.
Some have sought to present the immediate goal—federalism—as the only objective, claiming that the OLF is opposed to it. Such misinformation, often spread by TPLF sympathizers, seeks only to divide us. No Oromo opposes genuine federation and democratization within Ethiopia as an interim step. Disputes over short-, mid-, and long-term goals are artificially constructed; in truth, these objectives are complementary and sequential.
The Path Forward: Oropian Union
Ultimately, the Oromo people will decide whether autonomy is sufficient, or if full independence is necessary. In time, they may choose to form a union of free nations—Oropia—with other oppressed nations, or even with reformed Abyssinian states. Our trajectory can be framed as:
From subjugation → to federation → to independence → to voluntary union.
By framing our struggle in this manner, we can:
Facilitate coordination among Oromo liberation movements, rather than competition.
Convince unitarist Oromo individuals to accept a just union of free peoples over an imposed unity.
Provide a sense of inclusion and reassurance to other oppressed nations.
Address the fears of rational Habesha elites, who mistakenly believe that Oromo independence would result in exclusion.
Reassure regional neighbors and the international community of our peaceful, inclusive intentions.
Toward Success: Breaking the Vicious Cycle
To achieve success, we must break the cycles of regional, religious, and political division. We must overcome inaction and reject the distractions of negative subcultures. Instead, we must embrace:
A dedication to Oromummà and national service.
Practical action over abstract theorizing.
Patience and perseverance.
Constructive criticism rather than blame.
We must stop unfairly blaming our leaders for every failure while neglecting to credit them for their successes. Leading the Oromo liberation struggle is no easy task, as leaders face opposition not only from internal divisions but also from Abyssinian rulers, neighboring governments, and foreign powers. Yes, our leaders make mistakes, but our criticism must be constructive, respectful, and timely.
Final Thoughts: From Deception to Reality
Nations like England and Israel have endured long periods of occupation. Oromia’s 150 years of subjugation are not unique. What is paradoxical, however, is the global view that Ethiopia was “never colonized,” despite the fact that Oromia—one of Africa’s largest nations—has been under internal occupation. Declaring Finfinne as a “free African capital” while it remains occupied is a dangerous self-deception.
Time will eventually reveal the truth. Whether others awaken to this reality or not, the Oromo will continue to unite and move forward—from self-deception, through self-administration (OFC), to full self-determination (OLF). As the majority in the political center, we have the moral responsibility to lead with justice and offer autonomy or independence to the minority nations at the periphery, including the Amhara and Tigray.
Galatôma.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/04/3 ... at-center/