The masacres and devastations going on in the world including the Ethiopian empire underscore the reality that a nation must defend its own birthright. We can only expect assistance from others when we demonstrate the ability to rise independently. To garner international support, a nation must showcase its value; otherwise, those with vested interests in its resources will distort its cause and manipulate world opinion against it. This is precisely what the Oromo struggle is experiencing. Note that the world has no conscience but national interest. One must appeal not to the conscience of its leaders but their national interest to satisfy or to affect.
The current rulers of Ethiopia, primarily the Prosperity Party (PP) and the Oromo Democratic Party (OPDO), owe their positions to those who saved them from death and gave them second life, leading them to remain loyal to the interests of their people’s enemies. Their mandate appears to be to suppress the Oromo people and contribute to the idea of “making Ethiopia great again,” effectively aligning them with an international conspiracy to recolonize Africa.
In our modern world, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatens to overshadow Natural Intelligence, Africa’s resources are increasingly coveted, rendering its human power seemingly irrelevant. Not less so in countries that introduced AI. As a result, the next class struggle may be between humans and AI-driven machines. Therefore, the Oromo rather than shamelessly running after small enemy for leftovers, must unite and prepare for the larger test of international recognition. They should assert their right to national self-determination and strive to establish an independent nation worthy of the Pan-African ideal. Then the march towards uniting Africa step by step follows starting with own neighbors. The Oromo question is fundamentally a matter of human rights, decolonization, and self-determination. No agent of oppression can truly represent Oromo interests, regardless of the language they speak. The Oromo question can only be addressed by dismantling the old order and negotiating a new framework based on independence, freedom, equality, and justice.
Among the Oromo, those who can think, speak, and write must continuously highlight their people’s plight, no matter how uncomfortable the truths may be for others. We must use modern technology to amplify our voices and share our urgent message with the world: the Oromo are at risk of losing a vital link to one of the oldest Kushitic civilizations. It is time for action, for some may awaken to this call, and a moment may come when they will be heard.
Returning to the principles of Gadaa, the democratic system of governance, requires power, knowledge, and strong organization. The world may indeed need Gadaa principles as a viable alternative to existing systems. Despite being one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups, the Oromo have not received the attention they deserve, primarily due to historical accident that placed them under foreign domination. Their reclamation of land and resources is often condemned by colonizers, beneficiaries of colonialism, and traitors within the Oromo community. They demand only their rightful claims without encroaching on others’ territories.
The Oromo language, Afaan Oromo, is categorized as Kushitic and is spoken by millions across multiple African nations and have native speakers in more than three countries of Africa. The Oromo’s unprecedented political and social democratic system, Gadaa, is a civilization from which many others have sprouted, developing alongside or in parallel to origin of modern civilizations, not merely copying them. Following colonization, Gadaa was suppressed, preventing its evolution. It was told Gada updates itself every era not stagnant. Gadaan bara baraan of geeddaraa kan deemu malee kantara akka hin taane himamaa.
To restore it, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), now represented as OLF OLA, was established. However, some individuals, compromised by the enemy, attempt to distort the historical truth, claiming that the Oromo were builders of the empire and that the current Ethiopian government is Oromo-led. This is a blatant falsehood; the PP government is a remnant of the old Abyssinian empire.
Over the past three decades, numerous organizations have emerged under the guise of the Oromo struggle. Some at times act as rivals to the OLF, while at other times as supplement to it, oscillating between Ethiopian identity and Oromoness. The Ethiopian government structure remains colonial and oppressive, despite claims to the contrary. The origins of the current Ethiopian empire are rooted in the “Scramble for Africa,” a historical fact that cannot be ignored.
It was with this background that OLF was formed. It was formed without seeking permission and does not need to do so to fulfill its mission. Any organization requiring authorization from imperial agents ceases to be genuine. The old OLF has distanced itself from the armed forces, and the OLA now operates independently under the name OLF OLA. Without OLA, OLF cannot be wholesome. Historically, any person, legal or actual, with flaws cannot compete for Oromo power. Thus, Oromo organizations registered with the Ethiopian government must adjust their names accordingly. Equivocation must end. Those Oromo who say they can capture Ethiopia can go ahead as Ethiopian Oromo not Oromiyaans. We say go in peace.
All colonies created during the “Scramble for Africa” gained freedom over fifty years ago, yet Oromiyaa continues as a colony. The region remains in turmoil due to this overlooked colonization. A common agenda for peace can only emerge by recognizing each African people as free, sovereign, and equal partners in dialogue. Treating all inhabitants as Ethiopians is fundamentally flawed. Some Amhara elites claim that Oromo land (Oromiyaa) belonged to Amaaraa in pre-history times, portraying the Oromo as newcomers. This narrative is rooted in fiction, propagated by the Amhara ruling class and clergy, confusing the current generation. Even, those that gave the Amaaraa name were not arround in Africa at that time. Oromo have no origin to claim but Africa.
Whether proven or disproven, this fiction will not resolve the pressing issues faced today. Every people now have a country to call their own, colonized or colonizer. Individuals possess the right to reside anywhere within the law of specific countries. There is no point to try evicting one people and replace it with another unless driven by colonial and authoritarian ambitions. Peace and tranquility are universal desires. All parties must work toward achieving this.
The lingering provocation from Amhara claims to Oromo land breeds contempt, a sentiment that could have dire consequences for a significant nation like the Oromo. Unity and organization are essential for the Oromo to assert their rights. The era of divide-and-rule tactics is waning, as the Oromo increasingly recognize friends and foes alike. Those who aim to exploit them should be aware of this awakening.
The struggle of the oppressed has led to some reforms over the past fifty years, but these changes have not altered the fundamental structure of the empire. Despite their rhetoric, the groups that established this empire seek to involve the victims in the very crimes they perpetrated while continuing to reap the benefits of a corrupt bureaucracy. The empire must be peacefully dismantled, replaced by a union of independent states, reflecting the will of its peoples. Otherwise, the ongoing struggle for sovereignty, freedom, and equality could escalate into violence far beyond current levels.
Nations and peoples have never shown a propensity for destruction unless compelled to defend themselves. They understand that lasting peace, stability, equality, and justice can only be achieved by dismantling the imperial structure and establishing a new order based on mutual consent. In contrast,
self-declared Amhara representatives argue for a change in government while maintaining the old structures, reflecting remnants of the nafxanyaa system that seeks to return to the empire with Amaaraa banner hiding under Itophiyaan clock. Whoever comes, Oromo have kaayyoo to fight for until their right of national self-determination is realized.
It was one among the founders of the empire that agreed to change the name empire to federation and gave it a new constitution, and aterritory for the Amaaraa before their total break down. But it was not magnanimous enough to imlement it. The current regime, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who claims partial Oromo heritage, complicates the situation. The core issue is not individual ethnicity but justice. Abiy has repeatidly told that he wants to restore the ancient imperial system which the Oromo take it as enslaver. His administration, founded on a “White Lie,” is losing credibility as both supporters and detractors turn against him. All factions seek to revive a bygone glory, yet none truly engage with the populace that overthrew the emperor.
Ethiopia reached its zenith under Haayila Sillaasee. However he was a reactionary who fail short of transiting his empire as he promised. Despite Haayilee’s brief progressiveness, Abiy and his rivals overlook the lessons of history, instead romanticizing a more backward Minilik’s era. They exhibit a fundamental distrust of the people who brought down the emperor, seeking to govern according to their desires rather than the populace’s needs.
In the past rulers have numbed most people with different ideolgies and made them leave all problems to super natural power. Now such ideologies are obstacle to global compepetition that the time demands. Standing in unison the Oromo have proved of overcoming such obstacles. Oromiyaa has all the problems of under developed countries. The Oromo have prioritized their struggle for political freedom amid various developmental challenges. However, some individuals have allied with former enemies for trivial disagreements, sacrificing their principles for personal gain. Such choices lead to shame and disillusionment as the true purpose of their struggle remains steadfast. However, there still are those that narrowed their brain to level of neighborhood and trusted enemy they had fought against for decades and run to it from comrades in arms for petty misunderstandings. Those chose ending up in shaming and humiliating themselves thinking they are greater than the cause they stood for.
Where are the comrades in ODF, Lichoo Bukura and Goollicha Dheenge etc. now? Those they left behind are still clinging to their kaayyoo rain or shine. Conscience of the quiters will remain pricking them when they realize their old enemy is moving them instead of them being the movers they were. Despite obstacles happining to the struggle, that the empire will break up soon is inevitable. Then, the colonies will achieve their independence. It is not that much the outcome of bitterness developed between liberation fighters but plight of the people that slows or gives a push to continuity of the struggle.
A leader tested during hard times when survival of the kaayyoo was under question wins hearts of the nation, right or wrong. A liberation fighter, when one leaves an organization that one bled, wounded, crippled, hangered for, should realize that one is damaging own history if one starts talking bad of it. If one can, it is better to legally or by force take power or he has to be quiet and quit. It is “safuu” to expose a previlaged information to the enemy. The enemy may receive you with red carpet for the time. But after you are disarmed he never forgets you were the enemy that for years bled it. From then on you become dude bullett good for no body.
Before a hundred years, getting colonies helped the Habasha to get power, wealth and internal unity. What is called Abyssinia was countries of several nations and nationalities mostly hidden under Amaaraaness. Some of them can be mentioned; Agawu, Beejjaa, Qimant, Oromo, Waataa, Gaafat, Falasha. It is doubtful if it continues that way. Most members of the nafxanyaa horde know to which of them they belong. They were Orthdox Christians and speak Amharic that is why they were called Amaaraa. Amaaraa is not blood relationship but the spoken language and ideology.
The region must get prepared with solutions before this becomes a conern of peace and collective security of the Horn. A group that started arround eight centuries ago and reached its pinacle at nafxanyaa system is feared to
wither away. Open dialogue on how to handle the human factor may be the panecea. Nations of the Horn of Africa are not only for independence of their nations but have also collective responsiblity for peace and stability and heritage of the region. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that what happened before a hundred years cannot be repeated. The result can never be the same but could be bloody and devastating. They believe destined for superiority by nature and never seem to stop until they achieve that. But the fraction cannot defeat the whole.
In the past several groups and parties had tried to come together to trying to solve problems inside the empire. But they were not successful because they started from the wrong premise. They took the fight in Ethiopia was between Ethiopians alone. It was assuming that, that all debate platforms were conducted in Amharic. However, for some it was Ethiopian internal power struggle, while for those that do not call themselves Ethiopians it was liberation struggle from Ethiopia. Some years ago the Ethiopian colonizers in their own words and documents claim the countries south of their kingdom as their colonies(qiny gizat); though even Minilik recognized them as different countries from Ethiopia. That was not their usual lie but historical fact. They did that also with support of imperialists. Now things have changed. The colonizer and the colonized are not in their initial position. All people are on the verge of independence. The empire is hanging on a very thin string. Cutting that string will bring peace and freedom for both colonized and colonizer. However, the inertia of nafxanyaa system and force of habit of the Habashaa is not neligible in pulling things backward.
The Faranjii came not only with their guns but also with text books that they used to brainwash their colonies. Except for Habasha religious education and history all education was imported from over seas. Oxford Reader, Highway Arithmatic, Worldwide Geography, The Old World Past and present, Civlizasion française etc. are among one remembers. Those texts speak nothing about Africa. For this reason Oromo children were severed from their culture and tradition alienating them from their own people. The Amaaraa system to its ability had tried to bottle feed the colonies about the crown, Ethiopia, “our fathers” not including Oromo true fathers. Oromo struggle to have control on their education and restore pride in their indegeous system is still continuing.
Nawadays, Ethiopian elites deny the facts and want to present Oromo as builders of the empire. That is true, but as slaves and colonized, moblized by force without their will or as treacherous hired hands. Ethiopia is known in European ancient history as Blacks with civilization centered in Nubia and other places. The Nubian city, Meroe was destroyed by one they calaim their king, Izana. Abyssinia took the name Ethiopia to plagerize all its history in the religious books and world history books. Only foriegners and their history books calls ancient Ethiopia by that name, otherwise there was no African country that calls itself “The Burnt Face”. The 3000 years they claim is of that one, which is shared by all blacks. One has the right to give oneself any name but had they not brought white lie with it, they could have won trust from their neighbors. All belligerent forces are inhabitants of Horn of Africa. That means they have Africanness in common.
All peoples of Africa should believe that all peoples small or big, black or brown are equal. And call each other by the name and must try to solve problems between them as African siblings. For Oromo to approach the problem as Ethiopia and Africa are conceptually different. One becomes between master and slaves and the other becomes among siblings. Except the ruling elites that benefit from chaos, all the peoples love peace. Even the ruling elites when in public speak language of the oppressed concerning peace, justice and democracy. But in practice we see them doing the opposite, creating dessensions between groups by poking at their weak joints. Oromiyaa was occupied because the nation had lack of modern weapons and the enemy using their weak joints as tactics. What has comedown as obstacles for OLA and OLF are the same joints. After their occupation, their mouths were gagged, their resources were plundered, their sweat and blood utilized freely. With their struggle they have achieved international recognition and brought their hidden identity to light; they are able to use their language for work and learning and were able to off load from their back aliens domination and are reaching conclusion to self determine their own business.
The ongoing Oromo struggle is fueled not only by a historical quest for independence and establishing democratic republic Oromiyaa, but also to dismantle the colonial empire. Every thing is going as planned. For this reason some reactionaries keep on lamenting, “Ethiopia is going to be dismantled”. That is the reasult of a struggle that million Oromo youth perished for. The struggle is ignited long ago and the flame neverextinguishes short of freedom and independence. As this struggle continues, the hope for peace and freedom remains alive, propelled by the sacrifices of countless Oromo youth.
Those who deny the Oromo’s right to freedom are merely seeking to maintain control over their resources, perpetuating a cycle of oppression. Achieving peace should not be expected from the oppressed but rather from the oppressors. The demand for peace and tranquility from Waaqaa has been a long-standing aspiration of the Oromo people. It is only Ethiopia, that is armed with drones, tanks, and a formidable military, against the oppressed.
Only through unity and an unwavering commitment to justice can the Oromo overcome their challenges. The oppressed is shading one’s blood in search of peace and there is no way that it can stop the struggle unless one gets it. The era of warlords must come to an end; power must return to the people, and the rule of law must prevail. The restoration of the Gadaa principles is essential. Abyssinia emerged from the rule of princes and and fall under rule of a prince. Except the name change upto this day, they are still under rule by a prince/warlord. Be them emperors or presidents, aristocracy and autocracy, they all behaved towards the people in the same manner. It is high time that they come out of rule by price/warlord and empower the people curbing their colonial desire. If that is realized, there will be no reason that we should not live in peace and happiness as African siblings in unity, equality, freedom, justice, and democracy. Under Gadaa abbaa duulaa is appointed only for one engagement and is not a permanent institution.
For a lasting peace and shared prosperity as African siblings, the oppressors must abandon the pursuit of colonial ambitions. Those who urge the Oromo to cease their struggle are merely defending their comfort, fearing the loss of privilege. And those who use these oppresssors as agent comprador for exploitation of Africa’s resources. It also includes those who are comfortable with servitude and have no human honor for themselves. Dialogue is crucial, but it must not undermine the right to national self-determination. Until independence, equality, and mutual respect are established, true peace between oppressor and oppressed, colonizer and the colonized remains elusive.
The current federal constitution, despite its flaws, can serve as a starting point for regional peace and cooperation. Recognizing that the dream of one nation dominating another cannot be fulfilled is vital; it only weakens the entire region. Thus, amicable resolutions are imperative, fostering trust, honesty, and the rule of law. Until then let us raise our voice, for Oromo Struggle. Oromiyaan haa jiraattu!
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 2024