Mereja Forum

[OPFist]

The Existing Spectrum of Ethiopian Politics: Geo-Amapianists --- Ethno- Amapianists --- Confederalists --- Ethno-Oropianist --- Geo-Oropianists!

Ethiopia's current politics is not based on class struggle (capitalism vs communism), religious conflict (Waaqeffanna vs Abrahamic religions) or Killil-soveteignity (geo-fedration vs ethno- federation). It is all about Amapia (Amaranet dominated Ethiopia) vs Oropia (Oromumma led Ethiopia). Amara elites and other pro-Amaranet forces are determined to maintain the status quo. Genuine Oromo nationalists and the allied pro-Oromumma forces strive to realize the legitimate transformation of Amapia to Oropia. All other forces in Ethiopia can never be neutral. They either keep the status quo of Amaranet domination or support the transformation to Oropia. Dr. Abiy and his prosperitan party are also yet to choose between the two jobs; maintain Amapia or promote Oropia! Between the conservative position of the Amapianists and radical view of Oropianists we find Amarianists of independent Amaria, Ethiopianists of rainbow ethnic federation as middle stand and Oromianist of independent Oromia.
Read more: https://fayyisoromia.wordpress.com/2023 ... -politics/

[OPFist]

The victory over TPLF is tantamount to an end of Tegaru’ influence in Finfinnee palace. No more triangular (Amhara-Tegaru-Oromo) struggle for power. Now, it is the beginning of a bitter fight between Amhara and Oromo elites. Amhara elites being supported by the PAE (pro-Amharanet elites) from other nations will continue to maintain the existing domination of Amharanet/Amharigna with the pretext of promoting Ethiopiawinet. Oromo elites in general and the POE (pro-Oromo elites) in particular need to be ready in order to fight against the worst enemy (Oromo Naftagnas). Amhara Naftagnas (A-Naftagnas), whom we defeated in 1991 were bad enemies and Tegaru Naftagnas (T-Naftagnas), which we chased away recently were worse. It was not hard for the Oromo to fight against these two Naftagnas in unison. But, the struggle against the Oromo Naftagnas (O- Naftagnas), whom I consider as the worst enemy ruling in Finfinne palace is very challenging. It is difficult firstly, because it effectively divided Oromo nationalists in to two (pro- Abiy and anti-Abiy) as well as secondly for the Amhara Naftagnas are supporting the incumbent whole heartedly in order to keep the ongoing domination of Amharanet/Amharigna.

[OPFist]

It is interesting to observe that an opposition against EPP of Dr. Abiy is coming from three directions: Conservative Amhara elites, Hegemonist Tegaru elites and Republican Oromo elites. It seems that the three main contenders of power in Caffee Araara palace (Amhara, Tegaru and Oromo elites) were trying to have Dr. Abiy and his administration on their respective side in order to dominate the ongoing politics. The Amharas tried it thinking that he is supporter of their position because of his rhetoric about Ethiopian unity. The Tegarus wanted to have him as loyal as his predecessor (Ato HMD) for he is emerging from the ruling Coalition – EPRDF. Oromo elites think that he should serve the interest of his own nation above all. But, Dr. Abiy seems to balance the three demands from the three angles and wants the three angles to cooperate for the sake of keeping his power. Can he be successful? Is it possible for him to transform the triangular conflict into triangular cooperation based on certain compromise common denominator of the three forces? What should be that common denominator? Fact on the ground is that he can never survive by losing Oromo support of the republicans as it seems to be now.

[OPFist]

Otherwise, it is really nice to observe what I wrote many years ago becoming reality. I explained the necessity of this triangular struggle between Amhara, Tegaru and Oromo elites at the time when TPLF was actively using the conflict between Amhara and Oromo for its advantage of ruling by divide and destroy mechanism. As far as my hitherto understanding of our history is concerned, Ethiopia, also depicted in the Holy Book as Cushland, is located south of Egypt and stretches from Meroe to Mombasa. I know, there is a controversy regarding this assertion for some scholars do claim that the Biblical Cush was located some where in Arabia. Neverthless, let me here take as a fact (operationally define) that Cushland is land of those nations speaking Cushitic languages, i.e. the land which stretches in Africa from northeastern Sudan to northeastern Tanzania. Then, we see that the current geographical Ethiopia is part of Cushland. We heard and read that Cushitic nations existed in eastern part of Africa, all sharing common cultural heritage, since 8000 years ago. As linguistic evidences testify, the ancient Cushitic languages had been divided into four branches starting from 5,000 B.C., thus now the branches having their different linguistic and national identities. Some common positive values of the Cushites include their monotheistic faith system, they believing in only one Supreme Being known as Waaqa by the Oromo and Higelibona by the Agaw, the faith system with no concept for Satan and Hell in order to punish human being after death; their egalitarian social norm and democratic values like Gadaa administration of the Oromo; their tendency to cultivate harmony, love and peace as major social values; as well as their good tradition regarding peaceful transfer of power as practiced in Gadaa democracy. But, as recorded in historical process of the region, Cush peoples in northern part of Ethiopia (like the Agaw) had already started to accept languages, aristocratic rule, theocratic tradition and other values of the Middle East, including personal namings in both their aristocracy and theocracy.

[OPFist]

Before the beginning of domination by Axum empire (in today’s Tigrai and Eritrea), inhabitants of the area were believed to be mostly Cushites; that is why also Axum civilization is said to be part of Cush civilization. The so called Solomonic dynasty in Axum empire is actually taken by some scholars as dynasty of the Agaw, who accepted values of non-Cushitic theocracy, including creation of Ge-ez language (a combination of Agaw, original Hebrew and ancient Yemenite Hebrew languages). This dynasty was believed to have been later taken over by the explicit Cushitic dynasty of Zagwe. The same trend seems to have had happened latter in Hankoo-bar of Dirree-Saawwaa (Shoa), where the Cushitic Oromo used to live. Also the Solomonic dynasties in Saawwaa and Gondar were considered by some writers as dynasties of native Oromo. The ruling class of this dynasty created its own language – “Lisane-Nigus” (Amharinya), around the year 1270 from the combination of Afan Oromo, Ge-ez/Tigrinya and Agewinya. The Chrisitian kingdom is said to have controlled only about 1000SqKm around Hankoo-bar in the 14th century, being surrounded by the Oromo; it gradually expanded its territory to include all the present Amhara part of North Saawwaa and beyond that extended up to Indian Ocean. In the 16th century, after Oromo defense forces successfully protected their nation from attacks by both Ottoman Turks and the Portuguese (time when all foreigners were driven out and since when Ethiopia was considered to be isolated), this same Oromo dynasty continued to rule in Gondar till the rise of Agaw warlord, Atse Theodros, who started to defeat the Oromo dynasty for first time, being supported by Europeans.

[OPFist]

The negative impacts of northern elites’ rule on the affected part of Cush nations did include forceful conversion of peoples to Judaism and Orthodox-Christianity; authoritarian tradition terrorizing non-Abyssinian neighbors; autocracy and dictatorship replacing their democratic tradition; intrigues as well as inculcating of war as their motto for keeping previlage; and taking over of power from each other by using means of murder and violence. These negative impacts were to some extent checked by the Oromo till rise of Atse Theodros in mid-nineteenth century. The first victim of Abyssinian domination was the Cushitic Agaw nation; it was then followed by victimization of the Oromo in northern part of Oromia. Some history writers think that Cush peoples were physically pushed from north to south, but I think they were rather more influenced, both culturally and linguistically, than being pushed physically. The military and political moves of Theodros and Yohannes IV as well as that of Minilik and Haile-Sillasie were further attempts of subjugating the Oromo and other nations in southern part of Ethiopia. At last, Minilik and Gobanaa together succeeded in invading the Oromo and other Cushitic and Nilotic nations of southern region.

[OPFist]

When we look at recent history of the Oromo, this nation can be regarded as part and parcel of both dominating polity and dominated public in history of Ethiopia. The kings from Ye-Kunoo-Amlak to Haile-Sillasie Guddisa, most of them originating from Saawwaa Oromo, were classical examples. The move of the Oromo in self-defense against both Europeans and Ottoman Turks during the sixteenth century war in the Horn, including the rule by Oromo kings in Gondar dynasty; the ruling Oromo federalists of Ejjuu Oromo from Ras Ali-I to Ras Ali-II during the so called “Zemene Mesafint” (Era of the Princes); the contribution of Tewabech (daughter of Ras Ali-II from Oromia), wife of Atse Theodros, for the success of her husband; the contribution of Itege Taayitu Bitul (the Ejjuu Oromo lady) in coordinating the moves of both Minilik and Gobanaa during invasion of Ethiopia and during the Adwa war against Italian colonizers; the contribution of Oromo Generals in consolidating Ethiopian unity and the mysterious death of Gobanaa; the rejection of Lij Iyassu (Muslim Oromo) by European Christian Kings and his premature death being accused as Muslim; the role of Oromo Generals like Qusee Dinagde to consolidate Haile-Sillasie’s rule; the role of Oromo Generals like Jagamaa Keello in defending Haile-Sillasie from coup attempt by Neway brothers; the participation of other Oromo Generals like Tsigee Dibuu in this same coup attempt; the role of Oromo patriots like Abune Phexros, Abebe Aregay and Belay Zeleqe in defending Ethiopia from fascist Italy during the Second World War; the heroic deeds of Abdissa Aaga in Italy; the role of Oromo revolutionaries like Walellign Mekonen, Haile Fida, Baaroo Tumsa, Senay Likke, Dabalaa Dhinsaa, Mengistu Haile-Mariam and Teferi Bantii to topple the last monarchy; the coup attempt by Oromo Generals like Merid Nugusee, Demise Bulto and Amha Desta against brutal Derg; the “last minute” attempt of General Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan and Tesfaye Dinqaa (both being Oromo) to save Ethiopia from disintegration during fall of Derg; the role of OLF in bringing down Derg rule; the main opposition against Woyane since 1991, which is mainly from the Oromo nation; and even the fact that prominent unitarist leaders in the opposition camp (like Birtukan Midhagsaa and Andargachew Tsige) being from Oromo roots, the current saving of Ethiopia from disintegration due to Oromos being led Dr. Abiy, etc – all these show an involvement of Oromo elites in both the northern elites’ domination process and in defense of the southern oppressed nations against this same process.

[OPFist]

Recently, the last domination process under influence of the tyrant TPLF regime was defeated. We know that some of the oppressed nations in Ethiopia have developed their own distinctive languages, identities and ways of life to deserve their own free nation-states. Their amalgamation within a unitary state by disregarding their right to national self-determination was not, is not and will not be, as such constructive. Just disregarding the possible unitary state advocated by northern elites, it is interesting that we can now observe, for example, Oromo people are the most tolerant in the region and allow others to live among them in comparison to nations in the north. Let’s look at the relatively very few presence of Gurage, who tend to move over corners of the country for the sake of making business, in northern region, in comparison to what they do enjoy all over Oromia and in southern regions. It is this tolerance of the Oromo, which invites others to work with them against injustice in the whole Ethiopia. The resistance against tyranny, which was perpetrated by nothern elites from Tigrai, needed such an all-inclusive alliance in form of both liberation struggle and democratization process.

[OPFist]

Here we need to see the importance of the ‘two against one’ phenomenon in triangular struggle of elites from Amhara, Tegaru and Oromo for either domination or liberation of their respective nation. To make this phenomenon of freedom practical, Oromo liberation forces, in our policy, did already consider to liberate, not only Oromo people, but also all oppressed nations in the country – which were victims of negative impacts from the northern domination process. Our move in the future also should be a liberation move from the hitherto tyranny — through genuine federation (national autonomy for each people) — and through national freedom (independence of each nation-state) — towards confederation (union of free peoples) in the Horn. It was the Oromo liberation movement which could be the main factor for demise of the Tigrean tyrannical regime, that was why the Tegaru regime was more brutal on the Oromo. The northern rulers should be compelled to move toward this concept of union of free peoples, and they should stop dreaming re-subjugation of oppressed peoples under their rule.

[OPFist]

Thus, self-determination of all oppressed nations in the country must be part of Oromo leadership now, to foster a new union of Cushitic Ethiopia, even though there are some minor non-Cushitic nations also living in the area. Such renaissance of Cush nations in the region must be the true Ethiopian renaissance in contrast to further northern domination under the rule of TPLF; Ethiopian renaissance was wrongly described to be same as further northern domination like what was going. Genuine Ethiopian renaissance is the reversing process of northern domination. Liberation of oppressed nations from this negative impact should be accompanied by necessary further liberation movement. In this regard, especially during the last one and half century, there was a struggle between elites of the two northern nations (Amhara and Tegaru) and others, including Oromo elites, either for domination or for liberation. Except short break during the rule by Tigrai warlord Atse Yohannes IV, elites from Amhara nation (including the Amharanized Oromo) dominated for more than a century. But elites of all dominated nations, specially those of the Oromo and Tegaru, fought together against this Amhara elites’ domination.

[OPFist]

A feasible approach in the liberation struggle was and still is an optimal use of this “triangular struggle” in Ethiopia. Here, the fact that at least three forces (Amhara, Tegaru and Oromo) are fighting against each other for either domination or liberation is unique. Such triangular struggle needs wisdom in knowing and using possible alliances of ‘two against one’. Till 1991, there had been no confusion: Oromo liberation forces and Tigrean “liberation” forces had formal or informal alliances against the dominating and ruling Amhara elites. From 1991 till 2006, there was a confusion for Amhara opposition forces and Oromo liberation forces could not trust each other to foster an alliance against the dominating Tigrean elites. Tigrean ruling elites successfully divided and polarized Amhara patriotic forces and Oromo liberation fronts; therefore these two couldn’t foster an effective alliance of ‘two against one’. One of the methods applied by Tigrean elites to divide the two big nations is acknowledging Amharinya as the only federal working language and denying Afan Oromo the same status. With this manipulation, Tigrean elites could make the Oromo feel as if we were further dominated by Amhara elites and they manipulated Amhara elites to make them sense as if they are still privileged.

[OPFist]

This is the reason why ultra-conservative Amhara elites for the long time prefered being ruled by TPLF to being liberated with Oromo forces. The notorious Hailu-Meles handshake and the frivolous opposition against opposition by some prominent Amhara elites before and during the past “elections” were classical examples. From 2006 (the first attempt of forming AFD) till the fall of TPLF, there was an approach-avoidance conflict between these two forces, which seemed to be diametrically opposite (some Amhara elites striving to materialize an unconditional unitary state, and some Oromo elites struggling for an unconditional independence of Oromia without a possibility for union). These two oppressed big nations seemed to be on a crossroad to choose between either forging an alliance against TPLF or suffering further under tyranny. There were debates and discussions between the opponents and proponents of an alliance in both camps. TPLF cadres were, of course, pouring kerosene to the fire as usual by camouflaging as opponents in both camps against the “unholy” alliance.

[OPFist]

In the Oromo camp, they preach that Amhara elites are primary enemy of Oromo nation; and in Amhara bloc, they teach that Oromo elites can not be trusted for they are “anti-unity”; as if Oromo elites are worse in this regard than Tigrean elites. They were successful with this polarization till the necessary Amhara-Oromo cooperation to push TPLF out of Caffee Araara happened. Time showed us that the leaders of both Amhara democratic bloc and Oromo liberation camp were smart enough to deal with the divide-and-rule machine of TPLF. I personally encouraged them again and again to come together in order to get rid of tyrant Tigrean elites’ regime and to pave way forward for the future new Ethiopia – i.e. for union of free peoples. I hoped that they can break the advantage taken by the ruling tyrants and make the struggle to be triangular struggle of the two forces of oppressed nations (Amhara democratic forces and Oromo liberation fronts) against a force of one oppressor group (Tegaru rulers) – which must have been struggle for freedom, not for domination of any kind.

[OPFist]

As repeatedly quoted: “coming together is a beginning, keeping together is a progress and working together is a success.” By the way, not mentioning other nations here in the triangular struggle doesn’t mean they are insignificant, but the opinion here suggests that other nations can be categorized in one of the three angles of the struggle. From the Oromo perspective, the best way to forge an effective alliance against the enemy was by empowering the Oromo or strengthening Oromo liberation camp. When we have strong and efficient liberation force, all our neighboring nations, including the Amhara, who were suffering under Tigrean tyrants, seek an alliance with us. That is why I tried to promote formation of only one big and efficient OLF. It is good that some OLF fanctions had agreed to merge; we hope that the rest will join the unity in due time so that we will have only one stronger OLF with efficiently fighting OLA (Oromo Liberation Army). I am sure that there is no difference of objective between different factions of the OLF, but they may move with different strategies to the same goal. This is not bad so long they be careful not to fight each other, but do target the enemy from different directions. For instance, let one OLF fanction or the ODF move using the tactical alliance with Habesha democratic forces towards the goal and let another faction move without such a tactical alliance until both of them decide to come together under one political structure.

[OPFist]

Parallel to this liberation move, one important process we needed was the revival of Waaqeffannaa. Also interesting is to observe the Cushitic version of both Christianity and Islam. Important is to keep moderate version of Islam (very liberal and tolerant one) as well as a good thing is to maintain the tolerant versions of Christianity – promote both tolerant Orthodox and Evangelical movements in the Horn. All these are liberal interpretations of both Abraham religions by Cushitic Africans. Thanks to Waaqa, we seem to move forward in all aspects of living together in peace and tolerance. Waaqeffannaa is actually core of Cush culture, which lost its importance due to northern cultural domination in the last 3000 years. This time-span, which the northern elites narrate as “good” history of Ethiopia, is actually the time in which Cush nations had to slowly give up their constructive norms and values just to accept the unproductive elements of dominating Middle East culture. Now, it is time for renaissance and revival of this lost Cush culture; reviving and modernizing Waaqeffannaa must be part and parcel of such renaissance. This monotheistic faith system of the Cush in particular, and that of Africa in general, needs to be developed further.

[OPFist]

Cush renaissance process should also include mechanisms to get rid of unitaristic notions like “no to Oromia, but consider it as Ethiopia,” approaches like “we know better for you,” assertions like “our language is your language,” ideas like “we don’t exist as a nationality, neither do you,” absurdities like “we are not Africans/blacks”. It should help get rid of the still existing domination mentality of the northern elites. Actually, the Oromo liberation struggle already persuaded such elites to think twice, and it will continue to do the same till Amhara and Tegaru elites start to feel that their illegitimately domination mentality is immoral. At the end of the day, they should and will be proud of being part of the future union of free nations in the Horn. Certain concrete facts, which do support the necessity of our move towards such a union, are that we do, for example, see Lake Tana in northern Ethiopia and Tana River in Kenya as well as that we do have Weyito people around Lake Tana and Waata Oromo around Tana River. Both these facts reveal he reality that common denominator for these two regions is the truth of being inhabited by Cush people. Can this suggest that Wayito at the source of Mormor (Abbay) river are Waata Oromo?

[OPFist]

The way forward for all Cush nations in particular, and for all nations of the region in general, is first to achieve freedom from destructive mentality and from tyrannic rule of the northern elites and then to allow each nation to decide on its own destiny – for national freedom within union or without union. As long as there is domination of any kind, there will always be a move for liberation. That is why the best way to get rid of liberation fronts in the region is to deal with domination forces. It is like fighting fire (the cause), which is an effective approach; but not struggling with only smoke (the symptom), which is a futile exercise. Here, domination forces are the fire (causes of problem), whereas liberation fronts are the smoke (consequences of problem). Thus, concrete steps to be taken in promoting Cush culture in Cushland should include, for instance, revival and development of both Cushitic Agaw culture and language in their living areas like Gondar, Gojjam, Lasta, Tigrai and Eritrea; promotion of Oromo culture in the area of those who lost their identity like in Raayyaa, Wallo, Gojjam, North Saawwaa, Finfinne, and in other big towns of Oromia; necessary freedom from the confusing and destructive northern elites’ way of doing business by brute force; as well as the important activity in achieving renaissance and modernization of the lost Cush values like Gadaa democracy and Qalluu institution, which were used to be practiced even around Axum. Then, the main features of the future political community in new Ethiopia with an acceptance and with a necessary respect for Cushitic values will be the planned political union of free peoples, region with freedom of religion, nation-states exercising democracy and enjoying their liberty, region with economic prosperity, as well as an area of social harmony and peace between all nations.

[OPFist]

Beside the effort that our democratic forces like ECS of Dr. Berihanu and liberation fronts like the OLF must show to materialize this vision, may Waaqa help us all move in this beneficial direction of promoting ‘union of free peoples’ in the mainly Cushitic Ethiopia; of course also respecting human and national rights of the minority non-Cushitic citizens and nations living in Ethiopia. Can Dr. Abiy help specially the three angles of the triangle cooperate for such common denominator? I personally doubt as long as the two camps of Abyssinian elites stay as cvnning as they used to be. That is why the good PM should be careful not to lose support of his Oromo base as it is happening before our eyes. The Opposition from republican Oromo’s is more detrimental to the EPP than from the conservative Dergist Amhara elites and hegemonist Woyane elites. May Waaqa give Dr. Abiy wisdom not to be against Oromo national interest and be a looser at last!