Since the end of the Cold War the Horn of Africa never got peace as usual. War and poverty have spread for so long that generations have since then have taken violence and destitution as normal. On the other hand, human knowledge has developed into unimaginable level. In addition to its natural knowledge, it is employing AI. But human society is not prepared for consequence of introducing it on unemployment and eco system. Peaceful life and tranquility are getting worst, and the value of human brain is declining. Greed and lack of compassion are exponentially growing. There are actors for whom peace and equality do not bring exclusive benefits. They would cite unreachable, unwritten books to waste time and detract from the truth. The oppressed masses are majority, and oppressors are minority in mathematics or in logic but the oppressed remain politically minority. Oppressors’ greed and selfishness were so harsh that the majority could no longer continue to tolerate their rule, however heavily armed, and galvanize alliance of the world powerful. That was how Oromo struggle for liberation started to correct wrong done choosing freedom to being wiped out. It was truth and determination against might. The mighty with its appetite for profit cannot stand longer against those who lose nothing but gain lots after victory. Then matching forces are left alone. Situations that change wretched life did not come but cowardice and doubt that crept in through opportunism and self-aggrandizement of actors. Therefore, all actors must be responsible and accountable to stop and think that that it was fighting and sacrifices made so far that restored even the name Oromiyaa leaving achievements registered aside. Oromo are greater in many aspects and have a democratic culture but require some work together to show their capability and potential. Living in union with others requires first recognition of equality and sovereignty of each member. Therefore, Oromo has to first decide how and with who to live in the future. Considering second place in own country is not an option. Towards bright future, much was achieved; the remaining part is only overcoming internal and external misunderstanding, intrigues and sabotages. That will be overcome when the more Oromo with colonial and slave mentality are liberated.
The Oromo believe that Oromiyaa is different from Ethiopia in territory, history, culture, and language and had never been part of Abyssinia state, so it deserves to return to its previous independent status. It is denying these facts by descendent of former colonizers that is creating political crisis in the region. OLF, the vanguard of Oromo struggle, reflected the aspiration of Oromo people as establishing people’s democratic republic of Oromiyaa. This was what is called “Kaayyoo Ganamaa” (initial objective). Later in the struggle infiltrators and some shy leaders tried to dilute this original question of Oromo that third parties doubted if Oromo know what they want? Therefore, there is need of for cleansing the liberation movement before “Kaayyoo Ganamaa” is erased. Note that cleansing does not end in erasing. All those that go under the name OLF at present must redeclare if they are still committed to “Kaayyoo Ganamaa”. Present condition of the struggle is where most of old members, supporters and sympathizers that have paid great cost for this kaayyoo are in doubt and want to be reassured if OLF and their force OLA are still with it.
In the Charter OLF draw with TPLF/EPRDF as head of the empire, they agreed to try living together in a federation before independence. That failed because they did not first dismantle nafxanyaa colonial empire. TPLF regrated and went back to Miniliko-Yohannis nafxanyaa governance way. Habashaa elites forgot the saying “Oromo are more ancient and probably indigenous stock on which all peoples in the regions are grafted on” and had the audacity of denying Oromo have no country in this part of Africa. Be that as it may, complete decolonization of the region is overdue that all people in this region should be considered as equal and free to work towards self-liberation and uniting Africa. It is only colonial elites and their minions that are standing on the way, not the peoples. Oromo are organized and politically conscious more than 20th century. We know there was southward movement of population in unknown period. Oromo are not claiming wherever
they left footprints, unlike those landless claiming all lands they wished to own. Had it been so, they would not have spot to place their foot on.
The countries under the Ethiopian empire are going to live forever as neighbors. For this reason, they want peace among them. Original OLF accepted UN recognized right of nations for national self-determination. That is why it recognized independence of Eritrea as member of the Transitional Government after EPLF defeated the enemy and UN holding referendum in which the Eritrean colony overwhelmingly chose to be independent. As to questions of oppressed nations and nationalities in Eritrea to demand for right of national self-determination is up to those peoples. Red Sea and Indian Ocean ports are equally natural outlets for land locked nations and nationalities in the Horn, and they have to negotiate with those currently in control which are obligated by law. Therefore, as far as Oromiyaa is concerned it must not go to war with anyone to get outlet to seaports for it have many peaceful alternatives. From Abyssinians’ eyes the Red Sea may look different. They have been using it for millenniums directly or through different powers. Ethiopia was in direct control of the Red Sea cost without controversy from 1952 to 1991; then it became independent after 30 years of struggle. Unless one opposes the liberation of Eritrea there is no way to cut and take its part by force.
Many factors interfered in Oromoo struggle and slowed the speed of it. Among these are, long history of oppression, 1991 Charter, TPLF creating OPDO, not trusting each other among Oromo elites, infiltration of Oromo organization by different agents, and interference of big powers in African affairs are found. Colonial illegal invasion started with policy drawn by European selfish, arrogant, and greedy imperialist ruling class. As illegal as it was, it lacks compassion and was irrational and criminal in its actions. The present debacle the region is in is the product of that historic period. Oromiyaa was colonized with imperialist plan, gun, material and manpower aid. Otherwise, no neighbor had dared it when equally armed with traditional armaments. Now after miserable fall they are raising their heads to claim what the lost in the past era. Still, like the time they were colonialized the fifth column are there.
Over 60 million Oromo had only OLA that is armed to defend their rights. Concerning OLA’s alliance with factions of the Ethiopian imperial regime and nations and nationalities organizations, I believe that Oromiyaa has to accept it. OLA, as an independent organization, has the right to make decisions and guard its confidentiality. It is understandable, despite the nation’s bad experience past and recent with Habashaa organizations and slurs individuals use against the Oromo daily to ally with them would be shocking for many. Let us not be sure people on the other side have accepted alliance with OLA. People on this side should not give the enemy a chance to divide the Oromo. Once decision is passed, the only supporters and sympathizers do is take measures that could minimize the risk if any. Oromo want OLA to be independent and continue the Oromo struggle for independence not becoming another Ethiopianist. Opponents of the ally must not hurry to judge it by its actions but by the result there of. OLA’s resilience for last eight years deserves it to be trusted or at least giving it benefit of the doubt unless there is concrete evidence that it has betrayed “Kaayyoo Ganamaa”. For one who is not in battlefield, denying it draws war plans independently may not be fair. Our question should have been if it has plan “B” to avert any danger if maiden tactic fails? There is no Oromo organization that is not allied with one version or other enemy organizations but why is only OLA focused on by Oromo activists and enemy alike? It is the only Oromo power capable to making or breaking.
Oromo fighting for independence their goal is clear, when impossible to get there peacefully they have reverted to armed struggle. The problem is with those who want to live in democratic Ethiopia they have first to be accepted into Ethiopia as Ethiopians. In the past more than half a century they were not able to be accepted as Ethiopian let alone negotiating how Ethiopia is to be governed. It was dignified to stand together
negotiate in unison be it for independence or union. Oromo naive rushing to join quislings and opportunists are still there. There is standing principle of Oromo revolutionaries to reflect Oromo history and culture when publicly talking with enemies and speak only in afaan Oromo or neutral language. That was why Galaasaa Dilbo representing OLF on “Conference of Peace and Stability” though he was fluent in Amharic he addressed the Conference in afaan Oromo. This protocol is forgotten these days. It must be strictly reinstituted to be respected and feared by the enemy. As Oromo freedom fighters we must always be in Oromo lane. Differentiate if we are thinking and speaking as Oromo or as Ethiopians. To fight for freedom and independence is different from fighting for specific right in Ethiopia. We have reached where we are after sacrificing millions to liberate our culture, language and all rights lost. These sacrifice of Oromo are for their sovereign rights and not piece meal reforms. Guarding already got achievements we have to fight for total liberation. Until Oromiyaa decides by referendum how to live in the future, to stick together as Oromiyaan is honorable.
As individuals, some of its actions could not be to our taste, but our protest should remain internal so that it may not be divisive and paralyzing to the national struggle. Never forget Safuu in choice of words against a sibling, this may not be the last time you could encounter. It could also be unintentionally dancing to enemy’s’ tune. Oromo is not going to remain enemies with their neighbors forever. It is better to be confident in oneself, go near and know the dark side of them. We have to learn to take more risks than this to get what we need. That small event does not spoil the grand one all Oromo have responsibility and accountability. The more than fifty years of organized struggle were not without external pressures and negative interferences but Oromo patriots who had no precedents and facilities have brought us so far according to their ability. Each Gadaa traditionally has to excel the preceding one it is up to Qubee Generation Gadaa to take Oromiyaa forward. Let Waaq bless your path.
Honor and glory for the fallen heroines and heroes; liberty, equality, and freedom for the living and nagaa and araaraa for the Ayyaanaa of our fore parents!
Ibsaa Guutama
October 2026