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The Two Versions of Oromo History With The Consequent Visions for Oromian Destiny

September 22, 2011 at 11:33 pm · Gadaa.com

By Fayyis Oromia*

Even though there is no difference among Oromo nationalists regarding our desire for bilisummaa/freedom from the hitherto garbummaa/colony under the Abyssinized elites, still there seems to be a difference regarding the type of walabummaa/sovereignty we want to achieve for our land, Oromia: either an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ or an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia.’ To make it clear, I mean by Core Oromia the national area occupied by the Afan-Oromo-speaking people, who now do identify ourselves as Oromos and have Finfinne as a central political capital. Cush Oromia/Cushitic Ethiopia is the region occupied by all the Cushites, including the Abyssinized area. An ‘Independent Core Oromia’ is a type of sovereignty, which we want to achieve by dismantling the present geographical Ethiopian empire, whereas an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’ is a type of sovereignty we want to realize by transforming the despotic empire (Abyssinian-Ethiopia) itself into an optimal democratic entity, i.e. by transforming the empire into an emancipative Oromian-Ethiopia. Then, this region, which is now called Ethiopia shall have the principles of Oromummaa like bilisummaa, Gadaa democracy and walabummaa. Based on the type of walabummaa we want to realize, the Oromo nationalists can be divided into two camps, even though our common denominator is bilisummaa Oromo. This difference of vision existed starting from the beginning of the Oromo liberation movement. However, the apparent conflict between the two visions can not be a hindrance for struggling together, as far as the rule of the game in the future is the Oromo public verdict per referendum. Then, any rationally-thinking Oromo should strive for a necessary cooperation and coordination between the two groups, if we really want to get our bilisummaa.

Knowing the mischievous manipulation of our enemy to make us fight with each other on this issue of an apparent conflict between the two types of walabummaa – which is actually a non-issue, let us try to see why the Oromo nationalists could have such two versions of Oromo history in mind and the respective consequences of these different versions in a form of our longing for the possible two different visions for Oromian destiny. I think the two envisioned types of walabummaa Oromia are the results of the history of the Oromo and Oromia, which we do have in mind. Based on this difference between our accepted and believed versions of the Oromo history, I personally often get e-mails full of concerns and critics from genuine Oromo nationalists, who read my opinions on various Oromo websites. For instance, as a response to my recent article with the title: ‘The Third-Generation OLF: Pragmatic, Inclusive and Smart,’ I got the following opinion and questions from one Oromo nationalist (opinionist) regarding my indication to the fact that an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’ is not less valid vis-à-vis an ‘Independent Core Oromia.’ The following opinion from him does show the discord of ideas we, the Oromo nationalists, do have on the type of walabummaa Oromia. His comment is paraphrased as follows:

“**There’s no Oromummaa without Oromia; if by Oromummaa you’re referring to the Oromo dance and music, I don’t think anyone would have any issue letting Oromo dance 24×7. There’s a limit to free speech, and what you wrote recently is a treason. We, Oromo nationalists, stand by our position and refuse to commit treason against the Oromo people by entertaining such idea. Based on our own small opinion research, here’s what we have found: Firstly, many mixed nationals (those with half or some Oromo heritage) and also the Abyssinianized Oromo are now accepting Oromia as an inevitable compromise. These are the linchpins of the Abyssinian system of domination. Therefore, Oromia as the central pillar of Oromummaa is already a normal reality for many. Secondly, with yours and Obbo Boruu Barraaqaa’s articles on all-inclusive Ethiopia, many Abyssinianized Oromos and even the Abyssinians themselves (the regular citizens) are finding out that their Ethiopia had been/still is an Apartheid regime that only glorified Abyssinianism.

On my one-on-one interactions, many of them are unaware that the Oromo have our own history in parallel to the history of Abyssinia, which is now taken as the only history of Ethiopia. Regarding this point, I would like to encourage the Oromo scholars to treat our history in three dimensions: 1) as a common proud history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Adwa Battle; 2) as separate parallel histories of Oromia and Abyssinia; 3) as a common conflict history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Minilik invasion and the so-called Oromo expansion.

Abyssinian elites do focus only on the common proud history, whereas Oromo nationalists have so far focused on the common conflict history. Now, it’s time for us to explore the parallel histories. Therefore, I would encourage Oromo writers to explore this last point and show us that during the 16th to the 19th centuries, Oromo had had our own Gibe kingdoms and Gadaa confederates. Our small opinion research has found that focusing on the Oromo’s parallel history, showing the proud past of Oromia, is not part of the current Ethiopian history. This shows the oppressive nature of the current system, which is similar to the Apartheid. Currently, many Abyssinianized Oromo and some Abyssinian elites themselves are surprised by coming to the reality that this Apartheid system is the reason why the Oromo and the Ogadenis are still fighting against them.

This was the approach I’ve shared with you last time by showing the evil nature of the Abyssinian dominated Ethiopian state. Believe me, hidden behind the tri-color and catchy words such as unity, their evil nature is not known to those Abyssinized Oromo, who do unknowingly still support their move. But, once this Abyssinian elites’ motive is exposed that it’s evil, surely the Abyyisinized Oromo will wake up and be re-Oromonized.

It is the Apartheid-like arrangement of the Abyssinian-Ethiopia that seems to be the source of all conflicts in the country. I have had a genuine discussion with some of them on why the previous and the current rulers insist on making “Abyssinia = Ethiopia.” For example, if I ask anyone of them, ‘who was the ruler of Ethiopia between 1606–1632?’ then, without any doubt, the answer would be Susenyos. But, that’s only true for Abyssinia. Before Ethiopia took her current geopolitical shape, there were many sovereign nations in the region now called Ethiopia. The more correct answer (partial answer) would have been: in Abyssinia, it was Susenyos; in southern Oromia’s Gadaa confederacy called Odaa Gaarrees during the same 28 years, about 4 Abba Gadaa’s were in charge (Doyyo Boru Lukku in 1603-1611, Sabbaqa 1611-1616, Bidu Doqqe 1616-1627 and Babbo Horro 1627-1635); and in today’s southwestern Oromia, in the Limu-Enarya of the Gibe states, Benero (1605-1619) and Sysgayo (1619-1630) were in charge during the same period.

Now, I ask you and the others: why is the Ethiopian history only taken to be the history of Abyssinia? Why did the Ethiopian state exclude the history of Oromo and others from the central history of Ethiopia? Doesn’t it make this to be an Apartheid arrangement, like that of the White supremacy, and, of course, here the Abyssinian supremacy is promoted? Isn’t it evil to say “Abyssinia = Ethiopia” and to ignore the rest, just like the Apartheid was an evil for ignoring blacks and the colored in South Africa? Someone may ask, why is history important? History is what binds the past to the present, and lays the ground for the future. In the case of Ethiopia, the central narration of history glorifies and glamorizes Abyssinia as the only source of history, while excluding, demonizing and ignoring the history of the Oromo, Ogadenis, etc.

The impact of this approach is that an Amhara or Tigrean kid grows up taking Ethiopia as his own country, because “Abyssinia = Ethiopia,” and an Oromo or an Ogadeni kid grows up knowing Oromia or Ogadenia do have no place in Ethiopia. This formation of identity is enforced in the school system, in the traditional radio, TV and in the other forms of media, such as books, where such distorted information is delivered to the mass. That is why the Oromo and Ogadenis are struggling for freedom – not to be for or against the unity of Ethiopia, as some want to paint it, but we fight for our own freedom, that means for freedom to either reconstruct a new multi-national Ethiopia, or if the situation comes and the Abyssinian elites refuse to allow such an Ethiopia to be born, then to have a separate nationhood, where we will become first-class citizens. When we observe the current politics of the region, the 1991 regime change in Ethiopia has not brought any difference to the central narration of the Ethiopian state. Actually, it has become more Abyssinian with the addition of Tigrigna language as the language of the Finfinne Palace. The 1974 revolution, another historical junction, brought also no change. Why do the progressive Abyssinian elites, who believe in justice, democracy and freedom, continue to support such an exclusionary Apartheid system as their current central narration, where they try to promote their dream of “Abyssinia = Ethiopia”? Why do they continue to keep the second-class citizenship of the Oromo, Ogadenis, etc. by promoting their plan of “Ethiopia = Habesha = Abyssinia”?

Yes, I do acknowledge that there were interactions between Abyssinia and the Oromo. However, those interactions are again usually explained within the larger Abyssinian history, i.e. from the Abyssinian point of view. Therefore, for all practical purposes, we can take those interactions as part of the Abyssinian history, which is now wrongly taken as the only history of the current Ethiopia. My inquiry here is about the other Oromo history, the history that had happened independent from the interactions with Abyssinia. My inquiry is about the other Ogaden history, the history that had happened independent from Ras Mekonnen and his battles for/against Ogaden, etc. In other words, the Oromo, Ogadenis, Sidamas, etc. do have their own history, their own heritage, their own civilization (such as the Gadaa System of the Oromo as an African civilization of democracy). Why are those Oromo, Ogadeni, Sidama narrations excluded from the current central Ethiopian history? Why should anyone support such an Apartheid system where the majority are excluded from the center? In 1991, we were told that the desired change already came, but it was only superficial. Today, there’s no Oromo hero honored with a statue in Finfinne, the capital of Oromia. All the statues we see are those with Abyssinian heritage.

By the way, I do not oppose Abyssinian nationalism; I respect all forms of nationalism. I am only questioning why Abyssinianism should be imposed on Oromo, Ogadenis, etc. by force and, at the same time, destroying Oromo nationalism, etc. If you now try to tell us that the oppressive Abyssinian elites were not evil aliens, but the culturally lost part of us, isn’t this similar to supporting the White Apartheid regime that marginalized blacks and the colored from the center of South Africa, and relegated them to the tribal territories? For decades, the Oromo people have been struggling in two fronts: 1) to preserve what’s left of our own history, heritage and civilization. In other words, if our children at the present do not learn about it, then it’s all lost. So, the Abyssinian rulers were deliberately demonizing Oromo heritage, but imposing their own on Oromo children continuously; 2) to establish the first-class citizenship (either in a multi-national Ethiopia, where all belong to the center and share ownership, or an independent statehood/nationhood where we will establish our own system, which will grant us the rights of first-class citizenship).**”

Just to answer the multiple why-questions raised by this sincerely concerned and genuine Oromo nationalist, I would like to say that Abyssinian elites do these all evils on Oromo, Ogaden, Sidama, etc. for the sake of power and profit. It is up to the oppressed nations and up to the small fraction of the pro-democracy and pro-freedom Abyssinians to fight against these criminal Abyssinian ruling elites and then to foster either an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ or an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia,’ where both the citizens’ individual freedom and nations’ collective right to self-determination will be respected. Otherwise, I do commend and support the idea of writing the parallel separate history of Oromia, which was neglected by the Abyssinian rulers and scholars. Hopefully, the Abyssinian elites will lose the illusion they do still entertain to rule over the Abyssinized unitary Ethiopia in the future, and the Oromo elites will learn to give up our illusion that the Oromo people can again fall into the trap of being Abyssinized. For now, leaving this writing of true history of the region for the concerned and interested Oromo historians, I want to concentrate on the possible future two visions of Oromia’s sovereignty, depending on the two versions of Oromo history we do have in mind.

The two versions of Oromo history we do have in mind are in short:

1) Abyssinians and Oromians are biologically and culturally different, but live in the same neighborhood; Abyssinians are of the Semetic group, who migrated from Yemen to Eastern Africa; our neighbour Abyssinia got a chance to colonize us; we lived under their colony till now as victims; the solution is thus at least an ‘autonomous Oromia within Ethiopian union’ (which is actually what any nation with demographic minority at geographical periphery demands as a minimal solution; of course, the Oromo people are reduced to this status, so that demanding this form of sovereignty now is not wrong) or at best an ‘independent Oromia within African union.’

2) Abyssinians are the culturally and linguistically lost part of the Oromo/the Cush; but Abyssinianism is the symbol of colony and tyranny; the ongoing Oromo liberation movement, including the sixteenth century liberation/”migration,” is the movement of Oromummaa as an anti-thesis of the Abyssinianism; actually, Cush is Oromo; and Oromo is Cush;, in this sense “Ethiop = Cush = Oromo” or in another way “Ethiopia = Cushland = Oromia (Cush Oromia)”; the solution here is thus a maximal promotion of Oromummaa (the symbol of bilisummaa, Gadaa democracy and walabummaa) on the grave of Abyssiniansim (the symbol of despotism, dictatorship and domination), be it the result will be either an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ or an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’ (the later being the demand from a confident nation with a demographic majority and geographically at a center, i.e. a demand from the nation with both numerical and political majority).

Personally, I am not against both versions and visions; I do also see no irreconcilable conflict between the two ways of trying to liberate the Oromo and Oromia. The two approaches do still exist among the Oromo society due to the demography of the Oromo and the geographical location of the Core Oromia. The mere fact that the Oromo proper are the oppressed majority, who are living at the center of the Cushitic Ethiopia, explains the reason why we, the Oromo nationalists, do entertain both the above mentioned versions of history and visions of destiny. As an oppressed ‘political minority’ and as a marginalized ‘political periphery,’ the Oromo people should fight for unconditional ‘Independent Core Oromia;’ at the same time, as a demographic majority and a geographical center, it is not hard for us to see the future advantage we will have within an inclusive and integrative Cush Oromia (within a Cushitic Ethiopia free from colonial Abyssinianism), so that we, at the same time, tend to struggle for an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia.’ That is why the Oromo liberation movement is like a coin with two sides: on one side of the coin, we read ‘Independent Oromia,’ and on the other side, we get ‘Integrative Oromia;’ this is what makes our liberation movement different from the liberation struggles of minority nations at geographical peripheries like Eritrea, Tigrai, Ogadenia and South Sudan.

There is no other oppressed nation with such two possibilities in the world. Almost all the hitherto liberated nations, which fought for their freedom, were demographic minorities at geographical peripheries, having only one approach, which is similar to the first approach of the Oromo, i.e. to fight for either autonomy or independence. This was what the SPLM of South Sudan, EPLF and even TPLF had done, and what now the ONLF is doing. But, the OLF is the only liberation front in the world, which is trying to liberate the demographically majority at the geographical center. For this unique liberation front, it is surely legitimate and natural to also entertain the second approach, which opts for the inclusive and integrative type of walabummaa. The difference I had with the Oromo nationalist, who wrote me the above opinion, is that he concentrates on the first approach (concentrating on the parallel history), whereas I do see a big opportunity also in the second one (entertaining the common history). Here, I would like to stress that I am not against the first approach, but I do support also the second. The opinionist also said at last that there is only the possibility to choose from the following two outcomes of the Oromo liberation struggle: either reform Ethiopia into a democratic country with full freedom of all citizens and nations, or reject Ethiopia and foster an independent Oromia, where the Oromo can have a certainty of first-class citizens. I do agree hundred percent with both options he mentioned.

The three versions of history described by the opinionist can actually be condensed into two: the history of Core Oromia and that of Cush Oromia. The history he described as common history is that of the Cush Oromia, in which Oromo elites played major roles, whereas what he described as the parallel history is that of the Core Oromia, the suffered Oromo majority. That means, Oromo had been parts of both the victors in the Abyssinized part of Cush Oromia, and the victims in Core Oromia. We should not also forget that half of Abyssinia is part of Core Oromia, whereas the rest is the Abyssinized Agew-Midir as part of Cush Oromia (Cushitic Ethiopia). As far as I am concerned, this conflict of history will continue till the result will be the end of the oppressive Abyssinian-Ethiopia and the emergence of either a democratic Oromian-Ethiopia, or the formation of the two the neighboring separate states of Abyssinia and Oromia. Sure is that the evil Abyssinianism will die and give place for the emancipative Oromummaa, be it within an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ or in a form of an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia.’ Fact on the ground is that any Oromo nationalist who does have only the parallel history in mind does prefer a separate ‘Independent Core Oromia’ while those Oromo nationals, who do believe in only the common history do like to opt for an ‘Inclusive Cush Oromia.’ But, the truth about Oromo history is that we do belong to both the common history and the parallel history, as the opinionist already put it well. That is why a possibility of an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ within an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’ will be the best solution, which can be the future fact, not the present fancy. Important to mention here is the reality that no one of the two approaches can have a moral upper ground on the other. We need to make an informed debate and discussion regarding the future benefit and cost of the two visions; of course, after achieving our bilissummaa from the present garbummaa by any means possible, and then we will decide per referendum. I think our decision should be based on the calculation of the future beneficial destiny, not necessarily depending on the past conflict history.

To my understanding, the Oromo kings and mesaafints, who ruled Gondar; the Oromo monarchs, who had power in Gojjam, Shoa and Wallo; the Oromo independent kingdoms in Jimma and Wollaga; the Oromo Gadaa confederacies like the Odaa Gareess, Odaa Bisil, Odaa Nabe, Odaa Roobaa and Odaa Bultum; the Oromo sultanates in Harar and Bale, etc. are all the types of sovereignty exercised locally by the Oromo as we were under pressure from external forces. Now, we need a system, which can accommodate all these parts of the Oromo nation with such different historical backgrounds. Our enemy uses these differences as a source of conflict, but we should consider it as constructive different life experiences and use them to promote the ‘Oromo unity in diversity.’ That is why we really need to have Oromo politicians with a pragmatic, inclusive and smart move towards our future Oromian sovereignty based on the vote of the Oromo majority. If we opt for the integrative version of walabummaa, not only this Oromo proper with different historical backgrounds, but also the Abyssinized (Semetized) Cushites will come back to their roots and the non-Abyssinized other Cushites in the region will also opt to be part of the union, so that the Cushites of different languages will live together as a beautiful garden of flowers with different colors accepting and respecting each other. To materialize this noble idea, the Abyssinian way of ‘unity by force’ must be changed to the Oromian/Cushitic way of ‘integration based on free will.’ This can only happen on the grave of the evil Abyssinianism and by encouraging the Abyssinian mass also to love being called as Cushites, just as they do love the name Ethiopia. Actually, hating their identity as Cush and loving the other name of Cush, i.e. Ethiopia, is by itself a schizophrenic mentality. Unfortunately, living with such tendency, the Abyssinian elites are at the moment the cognitively and culturally confused and corrupted part of the Cushites. How can they hate to be named as Cushites and then love to be called Ethiopians; if they are not Cushites, then actually they are not Ethiopians.

That is why the Oromo liberation movement should liberate also this confused part of the Cush nations, so that they become genuine Ethiopians/Cushites. In the future Cushitic Ethiopia/Oromian Ethiopia/New Ethiopia, all sorts of Afaan Cush like the Af-Somaal, Sidama-Afo, Amharinya, Afar-Af, Tigrinya, Afaan Oromo, etc. will have an equal opportunity to develop, replacing the present disadvantage imposed on the languages like Sidama-afo and Afaan Oromo, whereas Amharinya is privileged in the hitherto Abyssinian-Ethiopia; Af-Somaal having a chance to flourish in Somalia; and of course, Tigrinya is freely growing in both Eritrea and Ethiopia since the regime change in 1991. Surely, this situation will be changed in favor of the Oromo proper; and our language, Afaan Oromo, will grow without any suppression. But, regarding the versions of Oromo history and the visions of Oromian destiny, no group of Oromo politicians can claim to have an absolute truth on its side. Our belief in one of the versions of Oromo history and our dedication for one of the consequent visions is simply the reflection of our personal and regional experience based on what we have heard, read and seen. Also no one of the two approaches is wrong as long as it is not against the ‘bilisummaa Oromo,’ be it we foster in the future an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ or an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’ or we smartly forge an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ within an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia.’ I personally do see no point of discord, which can make us fight with each other, but I do observe a difference between the two types of walabumma, on which the Oromo public will vote and decide per referendum. May Waaqa/Rabbi help us to struggle together now for our bilisummaa and to vote later for the type of walabummaa Oromia we respectively want to achieve; may HE bless Oromo and Oromia!

Galatooma!

* Fayyis Oromia can be reached at fayyis@yahoo.de.

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25 Comments

  1. Bakkalcha said,

    September 23, 2011 @ 2:30 am

    Dear Fayyis,
    I read many of articles. As you said many times, there should clear distinction between Kush/Ethiopia and Abyysinia. Historically, Abysinians have never been Ethiopian. The name of Ethiopian is belongs to the population of Kush. History has been written in many ancient books of Greek historians. This name does not conflict with our struggle to achieve “Bilisumma”. History tells us how Abysinians hijacked this name to their advantage. My problem is how to educate our own hard lines nationalist that this name is belongs to us. Being colonized under this name and reclaiming our history and identity are different things.
    The other point that always reflect in your articles how we can be ourselves in 21st century reality. It is true that the past will lead to the future. How ever, I have a problem when Oromo nationalist ignore the complex demographic distribution and integration of Oromo people with rest of Kush people and even with Abysinians. Dismantling the oppressed system does not mean disintegration of the country. If we advocate about disintegration of the current map of that region, I think we are ignoring the grave consequence that may fall and may also put the region into long lasting conflict. Therefore, Oromo nationalist need to move through fine line of liberating Oromia while integrating the unit first among Kushetic people and then Abysinians who love equality, peace, and democracy. When we become the owner of our land and its resources, I do not see why we do not live with others. That system does exist in may countries.
    I had a problem in one of you paragraph when you talked about independent Oromo Gada regions. You said that there was Sultanet system of government in Bale. This is an error that needs to be corrected. Bale region was and is part of the heart of Oromo Gada system and has never had Sultanet rule. It is the region proud to be the center and Origin of Oromo culture, administrative Gada system, and its religion. Galatoomi.

  2. Roorroof Jenne said,

    September 23, 2011 @ 5:01 am

    Not emotional; debate from wise people. I saw actual wisdom. I’m proud of it. It is only through such debate and forum we could lay a concrete for our unity and mission. I would love if these articles could be organized under some ‘historic title’ book. How many of us access such ‘e-discussion’ though interested to know and comment on contemporary scene.

    Many thanks.

  3. Fayyis said,

    September 23, 2011 @ 9:12 am

    Bakkalchaa,
    galatoomi, I am ready to be corrected if there were no Sultanites in Bale; but I never denied that Bale is part of the center of Oromia.

    Roorroof,
    your remark is also encouraging!

  4. Habashmiti said,

    September 23, 2011 @ 3:49 pm

    Don’t forget also the word Amhara is originally an Oromo term AN-HAARAA (I am NEW), this was what some Oromo said after being converted into christianity and the word Tigrai is derived from the Oromo combination of words:Tika-Raayya (the defense force)!!

  5. Walabe said,

    September 23, 2011 @ 10:32 pm

    But now Abyssinians are the ‘political majority’ being the dominants, whereas Oromians are reduced to ‘political minority’ and became the servants, so now, it s the time to struggle for the ‘Independent Core Oromia’, while the time to talk about the ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’ is not yet arrived!.

  6. Teddy said,

    September 24, 2011 @ 5:13 am

    Dear Fayyisa

    I am surprised by your creative history. In one of your essay last time I remmember that you said “susenyos” was oromo. And now you said us “if I ask anyone of them, ‘who was the ruler of Ethiopia between 1606–1632?’ then, without any doubt, the answer would be Susenyos”, is not conflicting?

    The other thing what i see from many of your article is not about the basic frredom of the people. You are always questioning the dminancy of abysinians, which i do not also support, but you want to replace by Oromo-cush dominancy. So for me your basic need is not about democracy, freedom ,etc. Just you want to replace the old dominancy by the new dominancy. For example u said it is wrong to say Abyssinia=HAbesha=Ethiopia ,Cushitic Ethiopia/Oromian Ethiopia/New Ethiopia. Let me agree with u in this issue. But u want to create another wrong doing by saying Ethiopia = Cushland = Oromia (Cush Oromia)”; If i do not belive that that I am cush, why you are going to forc to say me you are cush like you do not want to be called habesh? So for me the difference betwen you, our past leaders and the current leaders is not aboutt democracy and freedom it is who should dominate. It is a question of dominancy rather than democracy.

    With regards

  7. Gamnee said,

    September 24, 2011 @ 7:20 am

    It is clear that the Abyssinian elites will make no compromise on the”UNITY” of their empire, but the Oromo liberation forces can hijack this move for “unity” by replacing the despotic Abyssinian-Ethiopia into the democratic Oromian-Ethiopia. This move kills both the Woyane, who accuses Oromo liberation movement as separatist and the conservative Amhara elites, who do still cry not to make alliance with the Oromo fronts against the Woyane. OLF can smartly play with this card of unity as long as the future political game will be freedom and democracy, including Afaan Oromo as federal language!!

  8. socho said,

    September 24, 2011 @ 8:25 am

    Actualy in history there is king of bale but i never say that they are working with ur sleve master MINILIK like so called king of jima sell oromos to indians specialy oromos from west like Bisho jarso….

  9. ilali said,

    September 24, 2011 @ 9:28 am

    ilali …ilali ….dhagayii dhagayii ….Abban jifar seraf dhihachuu qabaa ilman oromo minilik wajingurguraa turee.

  10. Furaa said,

    September 24, 2011 @ 9:31 am

    The key message seems to be: “as an oppressed ‘political minority’ and as a marginalized ‘political periphery,’ the Oromo people should fight for unconditional ‘Independent Core Oromia;’ at the same time, as a demographic majority and a geographical center, it is not hard for us to see the future advantage we will have within an inclusive and integrative Cush Oromia (within a Cushitic Ethiopia free from colonial Abyssinianism), so that we, at the same time, tend to struggle for an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia.’ That is why the Oromo liberation movement is like a coin with two sides: on one side of the coin, we read ‘Independent Oromia,’ and on the other side, we get ‘Integrative Oromia;’ this is what makes our liberation movement different from the liberation struggles of the minority nations at geographical peripheries like Eritrea, Tigrai, Ogadenia and South Sudan.”

  11. Fayyis said,

    September 24, 2011 @ 5:09 pm

    Hi Teddy,
    thanks for the comment! Susenyos was an Oromo, who ruled in Abyssinia (Gonder)! Where is the conflict? Otherwise, changing Abyssinian-Ethiopia by Oromian-Ethiopia is not the same to replacing Abyssinian domiantion by Oromian domination for the system of Abyssinianism (symbol of despotism, dictatorship and domination) is not the same to Oromummaa (the symbol for freedom, democracy and sovereignty)!

  12. Cushite said,

    September 25, 2011 @ 9:13 am

    Here ( http://gadaa.com/GadaaTube/2117/2011/09/24/teddy-yo-introduces-oromotone-in-his-single-oromia/ ) comes the sign for the future Cush Oromia (Cushitic Ethiopia), which will surely include the lost part of the Oromo people, who are now living in Abyssinia and Somalia! Blending Amharinya with Afaan Oromo and singing Af-Somaal and Tigrinya mixed with Afaan Oromo will be the fashion and the trend to be continued. Enjoy it! By the way, Amharinya is the language of the Oromo, who said ‘An-Haaraa’ (I am new) as converted to Christianity and Habeshaannet, so that the word Amhara was derived from An-Haaraa, whereas Af-Somaal is the language of the Oromo, who was called by the Oromo proper as ‘Sun-Maal’ (what is that)after the Somaal became Muslim and accepted the Arab culture. Of course the word Tigray is a derivation of ‘Tika-Raayyaa’ (defence of Raayyaa), based on the name of the Oromo defence forces, who were assigned to defend the Oromo at the north part of the Cush Oromia, who are now considered as the part of the Tegaru.

  13. Waqjiraa Gudataa said,

    September 26, 2011 @ 4:41 pm

    Dear our respected opinionst Obbo Fayyis Oromia,
    Thanks for such interesting article where Oromo nationalists with different approaches do participate for the common destiny as a forum for the common understanding and a time of reflect for our own cause. We may differ in approach,but I have a great respect and proud of for your intellectual contribution to our nation. Saying that, my duty as for the sake of national guard will never remain silent. It seems to me that you have in mind how to democratise the dying empire by the so- called Unity of Alliance and purpose what you mentioned a progressive force[ginbot 7?] by the expenses of Liberation forces [OLF and ONLF] where the Ginbot 7 influenced by its cultural political value always a shortcut come dream to Finfinnee as the todays of TPLF by using the liberation forces until to consolidate its power and the then to re- build the more repressive empire. Take as evidence the recent article written by Dr. Aklog Birara who supposed to be the modrate, but it is not his mistake, it is the history of inreconcilation as the worest.
    So Obbo Fayyis even the name of that empire for us is the symbol of genocide and looter not only our natural resources, but ironically our be loved humans treated as a commodity . Our great hero BISHO JARSA who was the daughter of the Oromo prisoner of war in 1880th during the great war is the best example how our historical enemies inhman sense against our nation while by the time the Ahmara children of prisoner of war were taken by Oromos as gudifacha by the good of Oromo heart. Such kind of good heart must to be over and march as a cruel only to defend Oromia and the Oromo nation.
    In line with such historical national pain and hardily co-existence with Abyssinians take the two versions of Oromo struggle as the Vision of Oromia’s Sovereignty with the possible Union of Nations only with our historical Alliance!.
    Nagaan

  14. Fayyis said,

    September 26, 2011 @ 11:48 pm

    Obbo Waqjiraa,
    galatoomi for your persistent struggle for Oromo and Oromia. I have no problem with your mistrust regarding the Abyssinians. Their history is full of deception and mischieve, but Oromo’s good heart will win and will liberate Oromo of the region, including those in Abyssinia. Let’s understand our different approachs and march together towards bilisummaa Oromo and walabummaa Oromia of any type, which will be determined by our people! Jabaadhu!!

  15. WAralataa said,

    September 28, 2011 @ 5:19 pm

    An advice to Fayis.All your writings short evidece and documentations.You may be writing from the bottom of your heart but end up contradicting your self before your wring is complited.So don’t mess up and disgust your readers.Make it short with documentation accompaned.You are short cutting or contraditing your own opinion.

  16. Saaxil said,

    September 28, 2011 @ 11:54 pm

    Waralataa,
    are you sure that the contradiction is not in your head? Go back and study all the opinions from the author; you will end up seeing yourself in a mirror of contradiction. Known fact is that you always tried to contradict Fayyis Oromia, what ever is your motive. I hope it is not from the diaspora department of the Woyane!

  17. Kutu said,

    September 29, 2011 @ 12:46 am

    Fayisa i know that is not your true feeling and its a very wrong history that u r trying to force on us. Hey man u r trying to inculcate in other a very wrong concept of kush. This is an indactrination policy. U even trying to pull all amharas under Oromo only to make it appear like all the attrocities done to us were done by one of our own i.e. Harma kutaa anoolee and ajeechaa canalanqoo and all the untold brutal extermination of the oromos were perpetrated by Oromos. Nurraa dhiisi abboo mootota abshaa fuutee hin oromomsuu yakka isaan nurrati dalagan akka waan Oromoon ofiin of godhee fakeesuudhaaf.

  18. WAralataa said,

    September 29, 2011 @ 4:23 pm

    abo saaxil First and formost you must know the meaning of cotradiction and its multiways of its applications,meaning where it has positive side and negative side.This demands brain cupacity to difiretiate which is which.If you are imotional person you don’t get it.So instaed of rushing to defend the person who is trying his best to contribout find out by reading again and aagain if you can’t grasp it at once.By the way, this tels about you much how undemocratic you are.The purpose of posting an article on this page is to dicuss and gather opinions.On my part I need no preacher.If you don’t go beyond room tempreture it is impossible for to to stand a contending opinion.

  19. Gamme said,

    October 1, 2011 @ 7:30 am

    Waraltaa
    did Saaxil hit your cerebrum? You are just convulsing and couldn’t even correct your Dedebit english failure in spelling! Despite your discouraging comments, Fayyis Oromia is doing his job against your bosses in Finfinne palace. Is that painful to you??

  20. Bilise said,

    October 9, 2011 @ 9:17 am

    Actually the terms like Federation and Separation are used by and they are only appropriate for the minority nations at the geographical periphery like Tigrai. That is why Woyanes like to preach Federation as long as they are in power and they want to promote Separation of Tigrai, in case they lose power in Finfinne palace. The appropriate concepts for the nation of the majority at the center, like the Oromo and Oromia, are an Independence and an Integration. That means the Oromo people can benefit if we fight for our Freedom/Bilisummaa from Woyane tyrannts unconditionally and then choose between an ‘Independent Core Oromia’ and an ‘Integrative Cush Oromia’, based on an Oromo public verdict, after having an extensive and intensive debate and discussion on the benefit and cost of the two options of Sovereignity/Walabummaa of Oromia (based on the benefit and cost of an Independence and/or an Integration)!

  21. Walab said,

    November 4, 2011 @ 7:38 am

    I think Oromo liberation is inevitable and the possible future three types of sovereignty are not as such disadvantageous for Oromia; we can just relax and choose one of them:

    - the Hindi style: the Hindi people liberated all nations and nationalities in their region and named the whole country as India, made the Hindi language as the working language of the Indian federation and of course divided the national area of Hindi into multiple federal regions. Why not we, the Oromo people, liberate the whole nations and nationalities in the Ethiopian empire, call the whole country Oromia and promote Afaan Oromo to the working language of the federation replacing Amharinyaa, with the five Odaa’s of Oromia being separate federal regions?

    - the English style: the English people liberated themselves from the 700 years rule of the Roman empire, forged England as an autonomous region and united it with the neighbouring others to form the british United Kingdom, they also made English language the working language of the Kingdom. Can’t Oromia being autonomous, free and independent from the alien forces be united with the neighbour autonomous regions to forge the Cushitic Ethiopian union, similar to that of the United Kingdom and make Afaan Oromo the working language of the union replacing Amharinyaa?

    - the Ruski style: Russians dismantled the Soviet union and established the Russian federation, which uses Russian national language, the federation which still does have an influence on its neighbours, because of its economic and military strength. Does this way of dismantling the Ethiopian empire and fostering Gadaa republic of Oromia to have a further influence over the liberated neighbouring countries more advantageous than the first two types of sovereignty?

    As far as I am concerned, all the three ways are not harmful, but the decision must be made by the politically conscious Oromo polity and Oromo public per referendum, when the time comes.

  22. Oromticha said,

    November 5, 2011 @ 9:00 am

    Interestingly, the three Abyssinianst groups (the Amhara, Tigrai and Eritrean elites) have got only one option in their political struggle: the Amhara elites can only sing about the Hindi-style for they know that Amharinya has got the privilage to be the federal language of the empire; the Tigrean elites can neither have the privilage to opt for the Hindi-style nor the capacity to live alone as an independent nation in order to choose the Ruski-style, so they do stick to the English-style; the Eritrean elites as a minority at the periphery are so insecure to live within Ethiopia so that they had only the alternative of separation (the “Ruski-style”). But the Oromo and Oromia, being the majority at the center, can play all the three cards (the Hindi-style, English-style and Ruski-style) as long as the rule of the game in the region will be Freedom and Democracy. So, let’s Oromo people use our advantage and struggle with all the pro-freedom and pro-democracy forces of the Empire to come to the position of voting for one of the three options we do have!

  23. kuru debela said,

    November 6, 2011 @ 4:48 am

    the article directly attack the name of ethiopia and Abyssinya while both names were not out of the Oromo people history .the name of Amahar and tigray were not exist in ancent history ,that means we are insulting our history to erase our background.this is not the path of sucesseful strugle.indirect we are in the support of tplf.
    The name of Abyssina refferd to king Abraha Ashine the 9th rule of king of king kaleab. abraha was the cushite who where the governor of yeman. that means it was the brave name like Alula Abaanaga..historically sudan and eritrea considerd as Abyssina.let us stop unsuceful strugle Anti solomonic strugle is do not bring libration for oromo people.The horn of Africa all parts of ethiopia is a part of Oromo people. we have a great acesse to bring all cushite under the oromo people (oroginal cush )

  24. Cushite said,

    November 6, 2011 @ 1:59 pm

    Kuru,
    galatoomi for the nice input! This issue of Abraha Ashine must be researched and the role of the Oromo in ruling even Yemen must be re-interpreted. Fact is that the Yemenites themselves were Cushites and the tricolor of their flag shows it all. Here is the comment I found from someone by googling (here paraphrased): “Oromo people can win only when we understand our lost and real history. The Oromo now fighting against our history of the Cushites and against the Cushitic Alphabet, which we overtook from Yemen is not appropriate for it belongs to one of our anceint history . Elalibal (the Agew dynasty of Lalibela) was also part of the Oromo kingdom. Even the Aksum history is not that of only Tigreans! Can we really find an ancient history that the Tigreans build in Aksum, which is not part of the Oromo civilization? Many parts of the Arabian history are based mainly on the Oromo’s culture. Abraha Ashine, the king who ruled Yemen, was an Oromo. It is the Abrahm’s Heritage, which we call today as Abyssinia. But unfortunately, we the Oromo people are fighting against ourselves, when we do act against Abyssinia. Look, it is a bad polticis and evil intelligence, what the alien forces do play on the Oromo people. The Oromo people actually do have a great history and culture. It is simply unfair to fight against our own culture and to borrow alien culture from the Arab people. So rather than calling certain part of ourselves as barbaric Amara and Ttigrai like what Dr Muhammad Shamsaidn is trying to mislead us, let’s be sure that we are on the right line of interpreting our history!”

  25. Seenaa said,

    November 11, 2011 @ 3:40 am

    ” ….Treat our history in three dimensions: 1) as a common proud history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Adwa Battle; 2) as separate parallel histories of Oromia and Abyssinia; 3) as a common conflict history of Oromia and Abyssinia, such as the Minilik invasion and the so-called Oromo expansion.” The three consequences of the above three approaches towards our history are:

    - those Oromo, who do believe in the common proud history tend to choose liberation of Oromia in Hindi style: the Hindi people liberated all nations and nationalities in their region and named the whole country as India, made Hindi the working language of the Indian federation and of course divided the national area of Hindi into multiple federal regions. Why not we, the Oromo people, liberate the whole nations and nationalities in the Ethiopian empire, call the whole country with the name Oromia and promote Afaan Oromo to the working language of the federation, with the historical local Odaa’s of Oromia (Odaa-Bisil, -Bultum, -Garreess, -Makodi, -Nabee and -Roobaa) being the future separate federal regions of the country?

    - those, who tend to accept both the common proud and the conflicting parallel parts of our history opt the liberation in English style: the English people liberated themselves from the 700 years rule of the Roman empire, forged England as an autonomous region and united it with the neighbouring others to form the british United Kingdom, they also made English the working language of the Kingdom. Can’t Oromia being autonomous, free and independent from the alien forces be united with the neighbouring autonomous regions to forge a Cushitic Ethiopian union, similar to that of the british United Kingdom and promote Afaan Oromo to a working language of the union?

    - those nationalists, who do percieve only the conflicting parallel history prefer liberation in Ruski style: the Russian elites dismantled the Soviet union and established the Russian federation, which uses the Russian national language, the federation which still does have an influence on its neighbouring nations, because of its economic and military strength. Does this way of dismantling the Ethiopian empire and fostering the highly wished independent Gadaa republic of Oromia to have a further influence over the other liberated neighbouring countries more advantageous than the first two types of sovereignty?