Gadaa.com
Gadaa.com



Gadaa.com ⇒ Politics: Oromo Comments (49)

History and the Current Situation Speak for Oromo Independence: A Response to Jijjiirama and the Drum-Beaters of the Anti-Oromia Camp

February 1, 2012 at 1:20 am · Gadaa.com

By Mekuria Bulcha*

The cultural, linguistic and political contours of a modern Oromo nation have taken concrete shapes including an Oromo state in the form of the Oromia regional state with a specific territory and officially demarcated geographically territory. For more than two decades the Oromo have been conducting their educational, administrative and judicial affairs in their own language. This was unthinkable just two decades ago. The contributions made by Oromo studies during the last thirty years have enabled the Oromo people to find pride in their own history and culture. In spite of all these achievements, the Oromo are still under an intolerable alien rule with the obvious implication that independence is the best option for consolidating what the Oromo have so far achieved and will achieve in the future. It is for this reason that the Oromo people are conducting both political and armed struggle. Regrettably, however, there are obstructionist forces which are poised not only to foil the struggle but also reverse and/or jeopardize the fruits of our people’s bitter struggle and ultimate sacrifices.

This article is a commentary on the much publicized claims of the Jijjiirama faction stating that “the question of Oromo independence is dropped by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)” and that such a question “was not part of the OLF political program” in the first place (ESAT January 1, 2012). The statements made by the group have stirred up strong feelings among both the anti- and pro-OLF groups and individuals.

– Read the Full Article

* Mekuria Bulcha, PhD and Professor of Sociology, is an author of widely read books and articles. His new book—Contours of the Emergent and Ancient Oromo Nation—is published by CASAS (Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society), Cape Town, South Africa in 2011. He was also the founder and publisher of The Oromo Commentary (1990-1999). He is an active member of the OLF and has served in the different branches of the national movement since the 1970s.

Share |

Gadaa.com

49 Comments

  1. Ilma Ormaa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 2:55 am

    Dear prof. Mekuria,
    Nice to read that you are now begning to see that there is insignificant difference between Dawud Ibsa’s group and Dhugaasa’s group. That there were pro-ethiopia individuals in Dawud’s group does not mean the whole group was pro-Ethiopia. Remember those individuals were in OLF and held prominent positions when OLF was led by Galaasa (ex. Dima Nogoo and Lenchoo Lata). That is why the argument that there was some ideological difference between Dawud and Dhugaasa does not hold water. But what is important now is to learn from our mistake and focus on the future than the past.

  2. obsaa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 4:50 am

    The fact that we, oromos, are using our language for administrative, educational and judicial purposes is the result of the struggle of our fathers. The oromo youth of this day has to redouble the struggle to achieve the remaining rights of our people. The ultimate goal of our struggle has to be independence as Ethiopinism and oromumma can never ever go side by side.

  3. Gurraachoo Silgaa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 5:02 am

    1. How many Oromo children were sacrificed on Badme-Shiraro front under the leadership of Kamal Galchu and Hailu Gonfa? Do they have statistical data?
    2. How many more have they planned to sacrifice for empowering Berhanu Nega in the Place of Meles Zenawi?
    3. What difference does Berhanu bring for Oromo People if Kamal and Hailu let him to climb to power in the place of Meles?

  4. Daandii said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 7:50 am

    Dr. Mekuria,
    I belong to Shanee. I am pro-independent Oromia. I never wished Ethiopian unity. Shanee as organization never backed from independence. Starting from Obbo Daud Ibsaa the majority of Shanee members believe in independence. These are the facts. I still believe your foul cry for several years of “Kaayyoo tu Cabee” was fake. In this article you seem to try to justify that what your group did since 2000 in creating QC was right. You are now saying “we told you so”. I am sorry you were/are damn wrong. Your action of splitting the organization for this lame excuse of Kaayyoo tu cabe was a historical mistake which devastated your group and also QBO. That is why you failed to get any significant followers over the last 10 or so years. Now the ball is in your yard. Come and join Shanee or continue on your path of natural death. Yaa soogiddaa yoo ofiif jette miyaawi, ykn dhagaadha jedhanii si gatuu jedha Oromoon.

  5. Dhugaa Dubataa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 8:13 am

    Thanks Dr. Mekuria.

    Kan gurra qabu haa dhagahu. Kan dhugaan hin liqimsamneef immoo haa alanfatu.

    Jiraadhaa!

  6. saartuu magarsaa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 9:41 am

    Thank you so much Prof Mekuria. You are the soul of Oromo independence revolution who has never wobbled for selfish gain. I consider your article as if it is sent from God to save Oromia. The article sounds Gods message for Oromo people from God.I have forwarded this article to 354 Oromo young generation in Oromia.Due to the fact that Oromia has got educated person like you, the independence of Oromia as certain. Continue to be our leader, our source of knowledge and inspiration.I can not wait to read you next article. Thank so much again.

  7. Dhumugaa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 10:21 am

    Best qoute of the year, “QC is frozen in time, thawing it will completely disintegrate its particles. So I would say ignore them, they don’t deserve to be mentioned.”

  8. Dhagaa Daalaattii said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 12:27 pm

    Dear Shanees,

    You can run but you cannot hide!

    The first person to declare the abandonment of independent Oromia was Daud Ibsa. He said way back in 2004, after Bergen, that his OLF will go back to Ethiopia to take part in periodic elections, he also issued ‘Peace Agenda”, he said “majority of Oromos want to go home”, he toured the USA with Lencho and Dima, and openly decalred his group will work to democratise Ethiopia, the list goes on.

    Daud also cancelled and annulled the OLF objective. The “kayyoo cabee” charge is true. The 2004 Shanee/Daud OLF program said the struggle is for democracy. Daud changed the objective from “independent republic Oromia” to self-determination”

    Even if Daud was for independence, which he clearly is not, he has done in practice a huge damage to the Oromo struggle. He divided the OLF into pieces. Abba BIyya was his foreign head, so was Lucho Bukura, Kamal was his head of OLA. Daud is either woefully incompetent or must share their desire, I personally suspect both. Why has Daud passed a death sentence against Dhugaasaa if there was no difference of “kaayyoo”?

    Furthermore, why did Daud personally ordered the attack on OLA southern command in 2002, assisted by an Eritrean colonel? Why has Daud personally again ordered another attack on OLA southern command in 2010, in the middle of a negotiation between Shanee and Qaama Cheumsa, to reunite the OLF?

    I think those people who try to attack the professor are not real Oromos. The Dhugaasa group have offered to bring back Daud and his followere back to the fold between 2008 and 2010, not for the first time, but it was Daud who refused. By the way, I do not blame Daud. He is totally under the control of Eritrea. He is a POW and the Shanee group must work hard to free him. In fact the same is true of Kamal. So Mr. Daandii, commemorator above, wake up! Kamal is better then Daud. Kamal is brave and stupid enough to come out with what Daud has been hiding for many years!

  9. Abdi Lami said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 12:41 pm

    Interesting article, indeed. I enjoyed reading and pledge at least to share such informative article to my friends and friends of the Oromo people on social media. Thank you.

  10. sabboona said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 12:42 pm

    Obbo Mekuria guddoo galatoomi. This is a wonderful article I ever seen. Oromo we have to wakeup and learn from our nationalist intelectauls. This a timely article need all Oromos attention as a nation. If we cannot learn from our failur we cannot fix the the future.somebody like ilmaa ormaa don not warry about OLF. OLF is a preciples of nation as far as one Oromo stand for OLF preciples never die. If you talk about shanee we are already in side.we knew what is going on, every things a matter of time.

  11. falmata said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 2:07 pm

    Dandi said
    “Shanee as organization never backed from independence. Starting from Obbo Daud Ibsaa the majority of Shanee members believe in independence. These are the facts. I still believe your foul cry for several years of “Kaayyoo tu Cabee” was fake.
    It could be true that there are still some shanee members who belive in independence but why didn’t they say a thing when Kamal Gelchu was recurited, given a decisive poistion, why didn’t they oppose when shanee was colborating with Kinijit like kamal is doing with G7 now. What is the difference between kininjit and G7. Is that because Kamal is not from a region you came from? Why did the shane group invited the G7 of Birhanu Nega to OSA to preach his Ethiopian Unity ajenda a year ago. Why didn’t shane members like you, pro independents oppose to these decissions. Before mid 90s the pro ethiopian groups were in their closet, Lenco admited that on one of OSA meetings (in 1997 I think) that he was hiding his ethiopian unity ajenda because he was a minority in the organization.Since then he didn’t hide it, he wrote a book, articles, he went public so are others. Towards end of 90s it was crystal clear who in the OLF leadership is for independence and who is for ehtiopian unity. That is why there is no excuse for shane members not to know the difference. That is why I expect you to see akka “Kayoon cabe”.

  12. Daandii said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 4:32 pm

    Dear Dhagaa Daalaattii,

    Sorry for unintentionally exacerbating your chronic illness.

    Although I still believe the “kaayyoo tu cabee” cry was fake, and breaking the OLF apart based on this fake excuse was a grave historic mistake, I would like to thank the good professor for coming out and saying “the differences between the Dhugaasaa Bakakkoo and Dawud Ibsaa groups have diminished significantly”. It means you now have no excuse for staying away from your lovely Front and sitting in solitary with your handful of isolated and noisy die hard supporters here and there. We don’t need QC-OLF or SG-OLF. We need one strong and united OLF. I hope, after the current jijjiiramaa incident, you realize that there is no real difference between seeking “independent Oromia” and seeking “the right of the Oromo ppl for self-determination (which includes independence)”. Your splitting the hair didn’t help you so far. If you still choose to lament on that so called “difference”, stay where you are and good luck. But, you better listen to your king maker, and the brain of QC, Dr. Mekuria.

  13. WAralataa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 4:42 pm

    Sorry Prof.To tell the one largest single Ethnic group in East Africa now you speak and write in your own language and is taken as a progress is upholing.Tyrant Meles is saying the same thing but you and all of us must undrestand that as the result the Other God given Rihgts of our people is denayed.Even the so called progess is alowed only as far as the cronies of the dictators are around and sound sweet in their ears.If not we have seen Oromoos being massed to prison.So as an individaul I don’t condone it.I don’t undrestand why Gelchu/Berhanu or the Asmara group all of a siden start to bother us.I think what should bother us much must be the absence of a uniting vission that moves the struggle forward.
    In to days World,my way or the high way is not doing us good.Let us come to gether and create a plan that works to kick the despot.If we don’t act on soon I see along way ahead of us.

  14. Dinqaa said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 5:08 pm

    Dr Mekuria,

    1. “Jijjiramni guutuun” yaada Gen Kamaal fudhate jette. Kun dogongora.
    2. Hoogganoonni Oromoo kan at beektu Daa’ud Ibsaa fi Dhukaasaa qofa. “Your heroes”.

  15. Unndinnet said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 6:47 pm

    Dear Shanee members,
    The Oromoo saying goes like this: “Gaangeedhaan abbaanikee eenyuu jennaan, farduu eessumaa koot jeettte jeedhan”. So now some of you are still believing in the original Oromoo Nation’s Kaayyoo!!! That is really wonderful. Because, I happen to know intimately some of you as a real dedicated Oromoos who were/are in the struggle for the independence of Oromia your entire lives long. Remember those golden days when we stood shoulder to shoulder defending the automony of the Oromoo Organization from EPRP, and EDU. Well, life has thought all of us lots of leassons. Can we take there expriences as a teachable moments?
    Asalaam aleikum.

  16. Hillu Ilu said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 6:51 pm

    I find it utterly despicable that true Oromo nationalists would talk about minor differences between them at this time. Whether you support either one of the factions headed by Dawud or Dhugaasa, we all have neo-nefxenyas to deal with and our minor differences, be they real or perceived, have to be put aside. It would be a tragic blunder if the two factions fail to see the current situation as a blessing that tgey can use true Oromo nationalists and move our struggle forward

  17. Daandii said,

    February 1, 2012 @ 11:04 pm

    I enjoyed reading the first part of Dr. Mekuria’s comment, until I saw the unwarranted warning he attempted to give to Sh-G OLF saying “The creation of a strong united OLF requires that the Shanee faction stops once for all its doubletalk of democratizing Ethiopia and liberating Oromia at the same time and join hands with all Oromo organizations that uphold “bilisummaa””. This self righteousness and arogance has always been the problem, it looks nothing has changed as far as QC ppl are concerned. What is more, he showed his double standard, when he said “ironically, there are still those who argue there was no difference between them, and who say that, if it exists, it is nothing but a battle over words or a struggle for power. That kind of self-deception is not useful in terms of Oromo unity. It is, in fact, harmful”. Harmful? Really? How about his unwarranted warning that Shanee should stop “doubletalk”? He criticizes as he likes, yet doesn’t want to be criticized. Double standard!

  18. Yaa Jamaa said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 2:22 am

    Oromoon hedduun waan isin barresitan kana akka dubbisan beektuu? Him Akka dubbisanin jedhe. Wanta isin post gootan kana ammoo kara maataa isaanii akka hiikatan beektuu? ergaa maalii dabarsuu akka barbaaddan itti yaadaa jirtuu? Maal ta’a yoo waan gaarii qofaa barreesitan? Yoo inni tokko yaada isatti fakkaate lafa kaa’ee inni tokkommoo maal ta’a yoo mormii isaa kara ulfina qabuun (With respect) lafa kaa’e? Hundumtuu tokkummaaf boo’a. Tokkummaan keessa isaa garuu barbaadamee hin argamu. yoom gara qabsootti deebina laata. Dura qabsoo arrabaa fixna waan jenne fakkaataam. Hedduun waan danda’u godheera. Kara itti fakkaateen. Namni Hin arrabsamne xiqoo dha. maaltu akka nu eeggatu gara wallaaluuti jira. dura walii keenya waliin raawachuu waan qabnu natti fakkaata.

  19. Hawwinee Barii said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 3:23 am

    Obbo Daandii,
    I was also in Shanee Gumii and bent on defending this group blindly without knowing the damage i was causing to the Organization and it’s cause for which many gallant Oromoo died. Remove your shanee eye glass and see the Oromos around you. Shanee is the most hated Oromo political group next to OPDO. Look at the number of people Shanee Gumii lost to wayyaanee, the number of people who left this group to form another group and how many people left this group for life in foreign countries.

    Brother, as far as you are blinded by Shanee Gumii, you can not see the truth. You are totally isolated and no one wants to be associated to this group. Since I left this group, I feel I really belong to Oromo people who are pro independence. Since I left shanee, I feel proud, loved and protected by Oromo people who are yearning for independence. Since I left Shanee Gumii, I found true Organization,QC-ABO, who has good history among Oromo people, solid reputation in fighting for independence, loyal to the cause of Elaemo Qilxuu, Magarsaa Barii, Baaroo Tumsaa and etc and determined to bring continue until the end. Since I left Shanee Gumii and started channeling my effort toward this organization, I feel that I am really doing good job now and my conscience is clear.Since I found true liberation organization, I now feel free and feel no guilty conscience .

    I hope you will one day realise and come to your sense to enjoy the confidence I’m enjoying by contributing to the true vanguard organization for independent Oromiyaa.

  20. Aannanee Mokonnon said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 4:01 am

    Thank you professor. I forwarded your article to more than 87 Oromoo students. From among these students, 76 of them totally agreed to this article 4 opposed it, 10 undecided. This means that 87% of these students have totally agreed to your article. There is also high probability that the undecided can shift to the majority. Most importantly, these 87% of student have decided to forward this article to at least 5 students.

  21. Hawwinee Barii said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 4:28 am

    Qabsa’a,
    Kunoo yoo dhugaa feete seensi walta’iinsa Shanee Gumii fi qinijjit akka armaan gadii ti. Dhugaan waan nama walaboomsuuf dhugaa kana hin baqatinaa. Dhugaan waan nama tokkoomsuuf dhugaatti baqadhaa malee dhugaa hin jibbinaa.

    STATUTES OF THE ALLIANCE FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY
    >
    > Reaffirming their unwavering determination to put an end to the underlying causes of repression, bloodshed, insecurity, political instability and exclusion in Ethiopia and the region which is inflicting severe hardships and suffering on all the people, and seriously hampers the prospects for development and the attainment of equality and social justice;
    >
    > Reaffirming their commitment to shape a political order and a system of government inspired by the universal aspiration for freedom and founded on the values of justice, liberty, equality, democracy, good governance, pluralism, respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, solidarity, mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation;
    >
    > Convinced that the realization of these ideals demands the cooperation of the Parties and the coordination of their activities towards the establishment of a democratic process leading to genuine healing and reconciliation and lasting peace;
    >
    > Conscious that the failure of the political forces opposed to the TPLF regime to develop mutual understanding and coordinate their struggle benefited no one but rather contributed in prolonging tyranny and perpetuated the misery and agony of all,
    >
    > Convinced that working together to materialize the higher interests of the people and the establishment of a genuinely democratic transition where competing visions could freely and peacefully compete for the verdict of the people is in the best interest of the Parties;
    >
    > Resolved therefore to guarantee freedom and democracy in Ethiopia and the region,
    >
    > Have in consequence decided to set up the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy, and have for this purpose adopted this Statute:
    >

  22. Bookaa Bantii said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 6:51 am

    Dear Dr. Mekuria,
    Mixing facts and lies in this kind of academic article does not serve the purpose it is intended to. “ In public, the idea was expressed, albeit somewhat ambiguously, with the formation of the AFD in May 2006, a few months before General Kamal and his men marched into Eritrea and joined the Shanee faction.” The history of OLF working with the Ethiopian Organizations did not start in May 2006 when the AFD was declared as you mentioned. What about the OLF joining the TPLF/EPRDF to form the TGE in 1991? How about the Paris Conference in 1993 when Obbo Ibsa Gutema was sent to Finfinnee by J/Galasa Dilboo for a coalition Conference and ended up in Maikelawi? Weren’t these OLF attempts to work with the Ethiopian oppositions? “Doubletalk Harms: Truth Heals: ” This double talk you raised if at all there was double talk, what were the objectives of the OLF in the above stated phenomenon? You wanted to tarnish some with some labeling which you called it whatever you intended to while you wanted to clean others. Don’t twist facts and hide history if you want to heal as you claim to. You cannot hide that the whole purpose of your article was to misrepresent facts and hide history clouded with lots of facts to justify the 2001 split of QC-ABO. That does not help to move forward. A lot could be said on the contradictions of some parts of your article with facts and history of the OLF. Let’s be bold enough to speak truth without distortions.

  23. Kutu said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 7:23 am

    Galatoomi professor, its is value laden and critical article.

    @ Daandii, u could be an Oromo nationalist and u could be not, but please dont try to divert the point of discussion to very rud character assasination. Qc ta’us shannee ta’uus kaleessa waanti bade badeera harra immoo maal goonee saba keenya fura jechuu qabu. Insulting our nationalists is nothing but a clear implication of working for the enemy. Please please Oromo let iginore minor and value less discourses and emphasise on the one and core objective of liberating Oromo and Oromia from the tyranny.

    Obsaa fi murannoon injifannoo saba oromoo mirkaneesina!

  24. Hillu Ilu said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 11:13 am

    Hawwinee Barii
    You write like a Watabe, you talk like a Watane and, of course, you stink like a Wayane. You are foolish to think Oromos would fail to underdtand your agenda.

  25. Gadaa Visitor said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 12:03 pm

    Dr. Mekuria galatoomi.
    Qabsoo uummata Oromoo fi Abashaa ilaalchisee waan barreessite hedduun itti gammade. Gama dhibdee paartiilee Oromoo gidduu garuu akka ofii kee barbaaddetti ilaalte natti fakkaata. Hundaafuu kan keenya mariin sirreeffachuu dandeenya, dhimma alagaa irratti waan jette hundaaf galata guddaa qabda.

  26. Billoo Boshee said,

    February 2, 2012 @ 3:25 pm

    Dr Mekuria,

    It is good to come to your senses after a decade or more. You and the lunatic Gurrachoo Silgaa (asking for statitics of the dead and wounded at the Badme Front, what a fool) had been instrumental in splitting OLF in 2001. The only difference between you and Kamal is that t this crude Militia is of course a traitor whose sole source of knowledge was the TEHADSO and who still does not understand what OLF is up to and you are a well read crooks who knowongly undrmined a group of OLF leadership that was not willing to bow to your idiocy. Otherwise, your group and Kamal’s had been diligently working to destroy the OLF, you for your arrongance and the militia for his ignorance.
    Better late than Never: Now continue the course and forget about justifying your self and your group’s actions to vindicate yourself that you “were” right. Dawuud Ibsaa was and is the only man who stayed the course for over 35 and if one has to be vindicated, it should be Dawud Ibsa.
    In general, let’s forget the gradges and come together. We still have a duty and a mission to accomplish. We can do it together too

  27. Saartuu Magarsaa said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 1:38 am

    Daandii,

    Oromoo ka tokkomsu, dantaa ummata bal’aa Oromoo, kan mootummaa walaba Oromiyaa ijaaruu qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu, murtii waliin murteeffatan amanamummaadhaan yogguu irratti hojjetan qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu, sagantaa siyaasaa waliin baafatan fi heera waliin raggaasifatan irratti amanamummaan yogguu hojjetan qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu, dantaa dhuunfaa fi bolola aangoo xoophiyaa keessatti argatan dhiisanii, dantaa ummata bal’aa Oromoo yoo jilbeenfatanii fi ummata Oromoof hiyyummaa keessatti qabsaawuuf yoo filatan qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu, ilaalcha fi madaala dhugaa fi haqaa yoo qabaanne qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu,dantaa ummata Oromoo, dhugaa fi haqa irratti hundoofnee kan: yaadnu, haasofnu, gamaaggamnu, murteessinu, ijaaramnu, hojjennu fi hariiroo tolfannu yoo ta’e qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu, ummata Oromoo hunda ija tokkoon kan ilaallu yoo ta’eef hundaaf madaala tokko kan qabnu yoo ta’e qofa. Ummata bal’aa Oromoo kan tokkoomsu, olaantummaa seeraatti kan amannu yoo ta’e fi Oromoo hundi seera, dhugaa fi haqa duratti walqixa ta’uutti kan amannu yoo ta’e fi jireenya keenya keessatti kan ittiin masakamnu ykn qajeelfamnu yoo ta’e qofa.

    Isin warri sirna, seera fi kaayyoo irra ijaajjitanii dantaa nam-tokkeef falmitan, sirna dhablummaa babal’isaa akka jirtani fi ummati Oromoo seeraan buluu kan hin dandeenye fakkeessitanii ija addunyaa duratti dhiyeessaa akka jirtan beekuu qabdan. Kun ammoo, qabsoon ummata Oromoo deggeraa ykn mararfannoo akka hin qabaanne kan godhuu dha. Hooggana kaayyoo fi seera cabse nammi deggeru nama seeraan buluutti hin amanne waan ta’eef nammi amanee hariiroo hojii waliin tolfatu hin jiru. Kanaaf, yakka Daawwit Ibsaa deggeruu keetiin, Oromoon seeraan akka hin bulle fi tokkoomuu akka hin dandeenye namatti himaa waan jirtuuf, ummati akkasii akka bilisoomuu

  28. Gobeellee Waayyuu said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 1:55 am

    Daandii,
    Look at the following naked truth and join long list of Oromo independence fighters.

    If A=B and B=C, then, A=C. With the same token,

    If both Qinijjit and G-7 are ethiopian political parties and fight for Ethiopian unity then,

    Qinijjit = G-7

    If Qinijiit and Daawwit Ibsaa agreed to fight for Ethiopian unity, then,

    Qinijjit = Daawwit Ibsaa of Shanee Gumii

    If Kamaal Galchuu agreed to protect Ethiopian unity with G-7 then,

    Kamaal Galchuu = G-7

    If Kamaal Galchuu= G-7, and Qinijjit =G-7 and Qinijjit =Daawwit Ibsaa of Shanee Gumii, then

    Daawwit Ibsaa of Shanee Gumii =Kamaal Galchuu of jijjiirama faction.

  29. Galgalo Geenda said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 6:48 am

    Maal Wayya

    Jarana waan dr. Mekuria jechaa jiru dhiistani maaliif waan hintaane odeyssitu? He did not say people such as Dima, Leenco or A bba Biya who he mentions in the article, did not contribute to Oromo struggle. He did not say Obbo Daud is not an Oromo nationalist. Not from what I read in his article. All he says to my understanding is forget the wrong question of democratizing Ethiopia and let us unite and liberate Oromia. Why do people like Obbo Daandi just look for negative things and attack people they don’t like? Is it wrong to say let to people learn from our mistakes as Dr. Mekuria said. After all what he is saying about AFD and the like is what we already know. Why are some Oromos so nervous when the name of their organization mentioned?

    Nothing is far from the truth as saying that dr. Mekuria was active in splitting the OLF in 2001 as Bilo says. The truth is that he was active in trying to reconcile the two groups. We contributed money together to the Shanacha (jarsumma) effort led by Dr. Hamdesa Tuso and others to reconcile the two groups. Check with the Shanacha group. The Sweden branch of OLF organized a workshop together with a conference on the Horn of Africa which was internationally announced in 2001 or 2002 with aim solving the problem within the OLF. Obbo Daud’s group did not turn up at the meeting. My information is that Obbo Daud was contacted and that his group’s representatives were promising to attend until the last minute. It is important to say here that the Sweden branch of OLF and Dr. Mekuria left Obbo Daud’s group only after the “famous” Bergen conference to which only Obbo Daud’s group was invited. For those who have read or remember, the statement of the Sweden OLF branch regarding decision to side Obbo Dhugasa’s group was put on the OromiaNet of Dr. Solomon at that time.

    It is sad that we like to attack people who want to make contribution to the struggle is manner. It is no wonder that Oromo scholars are not willing to participate in public debate in Oromo forums when people do not read what they write or listen to what they say but only ready to attack them because they do not like them for some reason. I hope Dr. Mekuria will write again on this website.

    Disappointed Observer

  30. Bosharaa Qarshii said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 7:29 am

    Billoo Boshee,

    Some how I like your conclusion, “…In general, let’s forget the gradges and come together. We still have a duty and a mission to accomplish. We can do it together too” but of course without the word “garbage” which I like to call factional “ENDLESS BICKERING”

    If the others are partly crude Militia as well as well read crooks I wonder as to why all of you guys are not able to put together the crudeness, the shrewdness and “refinements?” and convert the whole thing in to the common duty and mission to be accomplished beyond the talk talking and take it to the walk walking.

  31. Waqjiraa Gudataa said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 7:43 am

    Dear Prof.Mekuria and the above opinionst-Oromo nationalists,
    Thanks for your very articulated article which should be taken as a blueprint for our Tokkummaa as an urgent more than ever and interesting to see all criticism pro and contro for the cause of our national struggle for Liberty and Identity,respectively. Prof. Mekuria is one of the most outspoken among Oromo intellectuals for the cause of our struggle, who never ever compromise on our destiny. His intellectual input for our nation from “the Oromo Commentay” to “Oromo Workshops” puts him in a historical record and proud of him by his nation.
    Our respect, trust and national love towards our Shanee Gumii is still high next to QC-ABO,but now the real testing opportunity and truth is approching how our two factions must give an urgent response to our nation what the Oromo nation is crying for our Tokkummaa. We are not interested for the past mistakes where Shanee Gumii tried via democratizing the empire as a strategical move for our kaayyoo,but for that failed project, Shanee should not be blamed rather it is a test,but it should be on ahmara’s political culture. Furthermore it proved for ever the Political Alliance between Oromos and Ahmaras is like walking on Eggshells- The Mission Impossible. Now, our national demand for Tokkummaa should not be a hostage of different ways of approches, when we left only with one approch : for Independent & Sovereignty of Oromiyaa.
    Our two factions oppened our door to our foes, as a consequence our internal gantuus prefered to serve their worest enemies-ahmaras whiclh led our national anger against both enemies Kamal gantuu and G7.Now when our national Identity and our internal affairs threatened by our historical enemy, our national reconcilation based on true Oromummaa is as an urgent response than ever. It is based on such national call by All Oromos around the globe to move in Unison as recently called by

  32. Waqjiraa Gudataa said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 9:12 am

    Continued from above’
    ABDII BORUU, the author of this article, Oromo webs, Oromo artists,Oromo nationalists like the above mentioned obbo respected MORTAR, HILLU and others who are calling for the true reconcilation taking Oromummaa first as the daughters and sons of our Gadaa root in helping our Qeerroo who is confronting the enemies. Look brothers and sisters how Oromo nationalism is becoming like wild fire even inside OPDO by genuine Oromos for the cause of our nation. So what is the point as usual a silent voice from our leaders?.IF NOT today, when?. They are not so matured for the sense of Oromummaa?, IF they are,there is no any reason as an obstacle for our unity OR personal interest over national interest.
    History is taking a note, look how true nationalism won over the most powerfull empire of the contemporary world- Briitish empire where the Scottish nationalists for the last 300 years suffered by the divide and rule system, but in 2007 after four generations the Scottish new generatios requenquered their lost Identity by true nationalist: Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Robin COOC even at the helm of UK ruling class, la historia fatta-history being done. Remeber there was an approch coflict between Blair and Gordon,confederalist and Independist,respectively. But, when Blair observed the endless attempt of divide and rule, he shited to his brther’s Vision-called Max devo which gave the SCOTS and WELSH to decided on their own affairs towards referendum in 2014 for the Scotland. Oromo nationalists are better placed in helping one another to et conjugaison du mot-requinquer our lost Territory and Identity against the too weak and least developed empire to fall on its grave.
    As a conclusion, the Oromo Civic Organizations and our masses should continue to make a pressure on our leaders for our desired Tokkummaa. If our call ignored, we should support the one who leads us for our destiny before an eventual caos will follow .

  33. Lakkii said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 9:38 am

    Obbo Daandii

    The fact that Kamal galchu and his group became open about their intension dose not make Daud’s group pro independence, just read the 2004 OLF program they claim amended and many other fact. If you can’t believe what you read and if you cannot look at some political actions critically that is your problem.

  34. sabboona said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 2:35 pm

    Harka fuune Oromo
    Haala yeroo amma moora QBO keessat mul’aate laalchiise barreefamni Obbo Mekuria akka gaarriit lafa kaa’e .garuu Oromoni garin yeroo waa bareesan yaaduma duraa dhaabachuuf malee barbaachiisuma barreefama kana waan hubatan hin fakkaatan. Arraantana sabni Oromoo rakkoo hamtuu keessa akka jiruu fi yoo haali kun akka kanaan itti fufamee boruu ammo jireenyi Oromoo fi Oromiyaa akka gaaffii jala galuuf ta’u hireegun nama hin dhiibu kanaaf sabboonuma dhara fi siyaasaa if qoolumaa dhiifnee dhimma Saba fi biyya badiiraa olchuuf hojjachun amma tahuu Kanneen hubanee fi dhimma Saba waan hunda duraa ansuu dandeenyu osoo olle bule tokkummaan haa hojjanu. Oromoni akka shanee pls waa dubbiisa. Waa hubadha yeroo heddu akkataan issin waan hunda itti laaltani nama qanfachiisa.

  35. Nagari Ganjji said,

    February 3, 2012 @ 5:16 pm

    Hillu Ilu,

    Absolutely I am in support of your excellent comment.

    It is more than shame that learned people continuously and willingly reduce themselves to vision less petty bickerers rather than rising up over and above themselves, form a win-win positive alliance and bring about the necessary and long overdue positive change which is ripe like big red-yellow orange fruits and waiting to be picked up and harvested.

  36. Silaoka Egeree said,

    February 4, 2012 @ 4:53 am

    We supporters of Daawwit Ibsaa must start thinking on how to liberate Daawwit Ibsaa from slavery under Ertirea. Daawwit is really lame duck who is totally under the control of Ertirea and through Ertirea under the control of xoophiyaa. From the way our chairman is being fought in Asmara by Kamaal Galchuu who is also in Asmara is the clear indication of how Ertirea is engineering the division and weakness of Oromo peoples’ struggle. Due to the fact that Ertirea does not want to see independent Oromia, she works hard for OLF not to be united. Therefore,Daawwit Ibsaa kan not heed the call for unity of OLF because of this. That means, our group is becoming an obstacle to unity of OLF. If we really love our organization,we should stop being blind and think of how to replace Daawwit Ibsaa with a leader who is free to make a decision. We must quickly replace Daawwit Ibsaa with a leader who is not under the control of Ertirea.If we are true Oromo nationalist,we supporters of Daawwit Ibsaa must free our group from Ertirean domination and control.Doing this is a patriotic and nationalist act.If do not embark on this, we are going to be left out from the unity of Oromo independence fighters that is the offings.

  37. Galgalo Geenda said,

    February 4, 2012 @ 8:23 am

    Oboo Daandii,
    I want just some clarifications; please try to give me your straight answers to my questions.
    1. You say QC-OLF has not achieved anything in the last ten years. What is significant that the Shanee group achieved which QC-OLF group did not achieve? As an outsider I want to know.

    2. You tell Prof. Mekuria that “your lame excuse of Kaayyoo tu cabe was a historical mistake which devastated your group and also QBO. That is why you failed to get any significant followers over the last 10 or so years.” I understand that you mean QC is small and Shanee is large. How did you come to this conclusion? Since many members left the Shanee group and formed Jijjiirama in 2008 I think Shanee membership diminished and is diminishing radically. Tell me if I am wrong. Is that the case also with QC membership or is it stable and increasing? Please enlighten me.

    3. The other thing which comes to my mind when I read your interventions here is the question of followers: you told Prof. Mekuria that he his group has “failed to get any significant followers over the last 10 or so years.” Do you mean in the diaspora or also in Oromia? My understanding of the situation at home is that the QC politics of independence has the support of the Oromo majority? Am I wrong?

    4. Is QC argument about kayyoon cabe is fake as you say? Do you mean the politics of the “democratization of Ethiopia” is the same with the politics of Bilisummaa? Or as Prof. Asafa Jalata articulated it in a recent article: “Can Oromummaa and Ethiopianism Reconcile?” What do you think?

  38. Galgalo Geenda said,

    February 4, 2012 @ 8:35 am

    Obbo Daandii:

    I want just some clarifications; please try to give me your straight answers to my questions.
    1. You say QC-OLF has not achieved anything in the last ten years. What is significant that the Shanee group achieved which QC-OLF group did not achieve? As an outsider I want to know.

    2. You tell Prof. Mekuria that “your lame excuse of Kaayyoo tu cabe was a historical mistake which devastated your group and also QBO. That is why you failed to get any significant followers over the last 10 or so years.” I understand that you mean QC is small and Shanee is large. How did you come to this conclusion? Since many members left the Shanee group and formed Jijjiirama in 2008 I think Shanee membership diminished and is diminishing radically. Tell me if I am wrong. Is that the case also with QC membership or is it stable and increasing? Please enlighten me.

    3. The other thing which comes to my mind when I read your interventions here is the question of followers: you told Prof. Mekuria that he his group has “failed to get any significant followers over the last 10 or so years.” Do you mean in the diaspora or also in Oromia? My understanding of the situation at home is that the QC politics of independence has the support of the Oromo majority? Am I wrong?

    4. Is QC argument about kayyoon cabe is fake as you say? Do you mean the politics of the “democratization of Ethiopia” is the same with the politics of Bilisummaa? Or as Prof. Asafa Jalata articulated it in a recent article: “Can Oromummaa and Ethiopianism Reconcile?” What do you think?

  39. Hammayya said,

    February 5, 2012 @ 10:54 am

    Hello,

    Professor Bulcha’s article is a timely call based on the current move under the cover of OLF. Or in view of the so called change group’s desperate attemt of betraying the entire situation of the Oromian led movement. The aricle has disussed and elaborated the internal crisis which led to the surrender of Oromo generals who joined the camp of oromia liberation struggle since 2006. In my view, oromians need to use the honored views of our nationalist experise and work to furher the noble cause so as to meet the ultmate goal!! Dewilling on the past and pointing finger to Dr. Bulcha and his Co only help our arc enemy to prevail.

    The artcle is very eductive and insightful especially for most of the Shane members who have been confused for long.
    The only way out of the current stalmaate is to join hand in hand with all the freedom loving (Humnota Walabumma Oromiyaa) .

  40. qero said,

    February 5, 2012 @ 1:56 pm

    Hi,

    thank you Prof. Mekuria Bulcha.

    It is oromo saying, ” Gowan yeroo hundumaa sirbaa tokkoma siribaa jedhama”. Nuse akkas akka hin tanee yerro dhera dhaf shane, jijirama , QC jechatuma wa’ee dinaa iraanfechaa jiraa natii fakkata. Mee dinnii male karoorefatee? dinii kana godhuf demaa kana irratii sagalee kenyaa ha dhagesisinu? Kanadle light (vigil) waraa mana hidhatii rakkataniff ha gonu? Itii fufinessaan namotaa mana hidhdatii gurmaniif xalayaa addaa adaa ji’aa saditii yookana ji’aa afuretii illee ha baressinu?Oromoto OPDO kessaa ta’aanii umetaa issanii irratii dinaa walliin ta’aanii namootaa hojataan akkamiitii sabaa issanitiif akkaa dhabachu danda’aan goresina?Oromotaa basasetu wayanee ta’aanii hojaataan akkamitii saba issaniif dandetii issanii olechu danda’u kane jedhu irratii otto hassofinee hin wayu?

    galaatoma,

    Support the people!!! the true leader!!!

    qero

  41. Hirmataa said,

    February 5, 2012 @ 3:48 pm

    Dr. Mekuria,

    Thank you for this very important analysis of the problems in the Oromo struggle. I leaned a lot from it. It is a timely paper. It gives an eye opening analysis. All must read and learn from it. Thank you, thank you again. Galata ol’aanaa qabda.

  42. Daandii said,

    February 5, 2012 @ 9:13 pm

    Obbo Galgalo,
    I am not here to say Shanee is the absolute clean and perfect front for QBO. But I can assure you QC is the worst. Because they only talk the talk, never walked the talk. Weak or strong they may be, OLF lead by Daud ibsa is the only organzation that is doing something. The only front that has some connection to the Oromo ppl inside Oromia. It is the one front that the Woyane fears the most. To know this, just watch the so called “Akeldama” video of the Woyane matchine. In that video, only the name and picture of Daud and co is mentioned. None whatsoever of the others. Of course, no mention of QC, as they don’t seem to know even their existence. Not even jijjiiramaa (before they come to the current disaster). They only fear the OLF lead by Daud. This is the fact on the ground. Ironically, the QC ppl also hate Sh.G OLF, just like Woyane. This is sad and unfortunate.

    That is all I have to say about your inquiry. I believe this answers all the 4 questions. Thank you for your civil discussion.

  43. Daandii Boruu said,

    February 5, 2012 @ 10:18 pm

    yaa waaqa irraa gora nu’oolchi dogongora nu’oolchi Dura dursee Dr Makuriyaa galatoomi warroonni yaada keessan ibsitan cuftuu galatoomaa wanti naaf galuu didee diina dhiif nee ofiif wal’irratti qabsaayu kenna ”namichi waan jedhe ijji tiyya cimtuu asteettee bahaara gamatti cuuqqoo kajeellaatti.”jedhe dhugaan gamas arguu hin dandayu cuuqqoonis hin jirtu nucuftuu qaroo fagotti waa argu taanee wal rakkisutti jirra duradusaati dhabakamuu irraa of qulqulleessa dhabni cuftuu keenna waan ta’aniif yoo nuti hin deegarin boruu nadeegaraaf dhufuun hin hafu gafas naaannummaa mataa keessan keessa qul qulleessa waan ummmata keenna tokko godhu qofa dubbadha yoo waan garaagarummaa balleessina jettanii yaaddan garaagarumma biraa fiddan kanaaf yaa ilmaan oromu wan nama yaada keessan dubbisu harkisu qofa barreessaa wal abaaruun addaan nufageessa dura dursoo kutaan, naannoon,gandaafi firaan wal hin deegarinaa dhugaa qoradhaa ”dhugaafi jabbiin galgalagalti” jedhu oromoon kan darbe gataa dagadhaa seenaan qofti isa haayadatu yerookeenna kan kanarratti fixne gaabbuun keenya hin hafu maaliif jennaan kan haga ammaatti barreeffamaa jirus ta’ee kan dubbatamaa jirus komii qofaafi wal abaaruu qofa kanaaf hegereen keenna maal fakkaata isa jedhu irratti xiyyeeffachuu qabna”waan jedhu oromoon ”Aanan guchuma luffichaa haguma dhaqqaban ol qaban.” waan darbe biruma darbuumeree? kan badii hojjate yeroon isa baasuun hin hafu kan beekuu qabdan warroonni biyya alaa taa’nii barreessaniifi kan olola oofanis alumattihafu kan oromiyaa bilisa baasu biyyuma keessa jira warra kallattiin rakkinni isaan mudataa jiru kanatu waafiduu dandaya.fkn fi kan akka Galaasaa, Diimaa ,Leencoo,Kamaalfi Ibrahim Dawit Dhgaasa kun cuftu seenaa isaanii malee armaan booda wanti isaan irraa egdan akka hin jiraanne kan dabreef haagalatooman .jarri cuftu qabsootana keessatti qooda fudhatan kara sirriitiin ta’ee karaa sirrii hin ta’iniin kan hin dagatamnee wanta isaanhujan qofa kana booda tokkummaa qofatu nubilisoomsa.

  44. Qamadii Maccidii said,

    February 6, 2012 @ 6:07 am

    Hirmataa,

    You are right in stating that Dr.Mekuria is an eye opening writer. That is also what is expected from all the educated Oromos regardless of region, religion, gender clan, etc. But what we Oromos are currently lacking are not only eye openeres but also mind openers with unifying and activi transformational leadership qualities that are also able to walk the walk in practice and on the ground but not only hang in the mist and clouds above the ground and only talk the talk alone just for the sake of talking as an end in itself.

    Additionally, it is a pity that you have just received a new eye opener after some 120 years of languishing under the tyranny of various Abesha groups and still thinking to win the race in this global space only by talking and mainly only by turning your swords against Oromo groups just like a football player kicking the ball in to his own goal. Victory may easily achieved through multiple forms of struggles(economic, political, social,diplomatic,military,networking,etc.) and through formation of coalitions both at the local and global levels between oromos and oroms, between oromos and the various Abesha groups, the entire horn, entire Africa as well as the whole planet that have currently become a single village, so to say. In all of these forums you are suppose to promote your interests while keeping in mind others’ interests too on win-win mutual interest protection basis but with out compromising an iota on your core interest. But ONE DIMENSIONAL THINKING and my way or no way alone may not take us forwards! That is why all the Oromo organizations whether within the ruling party, within the opposition parties as well as within the Fronts need to stop their useless dis empowering divisive petty bickering but instead hold hands in unity/alliance within their existing diversities and work for the BIGGER PICTURE and THE OVER ALL NATIONAL INTEREST. Petty bickering only leads to failures and damaging to the Oromo and the HORN.:)

  45. Iidnaad said,

    February 8, 2012 @ 10:35 pm

    Daandii said “OLF lead by Daud Ibsa is the only organization doing some thing” What thing???? You must be dreaming, what is that thing? Tell me if Daud is free to do any thing of substance while in Asmara?

  46. Deenta said,

    February 13, 2012 @ 2:23 am

    Galatooma Professor Mekuria

    The article provides much needed factual critic. Hopefully, Kemal Galchu’s actions will slow down the divisive retoric that continues to haunt Oromo national struggle.
    At this time, we are in a fragile balance between Oromo youth pushing for change, Oromo elders providing guidance and calm and Oromo national struggle where it is today. If the latter does not meet the needs of the Oromo populus, a potential could be the the Oromo youth will take the healm without the needed guidance and advice from the elders. If that happens, we could still end up with a free Oromia but live with corruption like what we see ANC experiencing in South Africa. The energy of the young need the advice of the elders and leadership from the experienced. Othewise, we move forward but will not know the outcome until it is too late.

  47. bulbulaa kallatti said,

    March 11, 2012 @ 12:22 am

    All time when I jot down my comment u remit irt out I have not as you are dicator as Malles zenawi,all of u are working for the benefit of your regionalist desire b/c you dont let others to be inpower just propogating about the greatness of those who failed to bring about bilisummaa and birmadummaa for oromo no even single teritory under oromos but roaring like a lion in foreign country could not benefit asny one dont just fool your self the broad mass knows what he require dont obcure reality and edceive nation for nothing.

  48. Qanquree Atomsa said,

    March 12, 2012 @ 11:27 pm

    We all are to blame: Thank you for your article. Gobanism , antinationalism, and opportunism have adulterated the true Oromo national movements and they were able to cut short Baro Tumsa , Aboma mitiku and other nationalists about 40 years ago and got upper hand in the Oromo freedom movement. True, they have also changed the original document of the Kaayoo : now they are for it, now they are against it, confusing all of us. Their various actions brought unbearable sufferings to the Oromo people.
    An observation of one of their members who left them recently sent a chill to my bones.
    Quote, “Our leaders are not able to unite us or lead us but mislead and divide us, and since they are all over the hills they seem to enjoy the status quo and work vigorously to stay in it because they don’t seem to have anywhere to go. Had they worked so hard for the libration of the Oromo people instead of eluding us with their chicanery, there is no doubt in my mind the Oromo people could have achieved a lot within these 40 years.
    They have made names for themselves in the process and they were able to control donations from foreign governments, from few well to do Oromo individuals and from some Oromo groups in the name of the Oromo people. They use the funds to destroy any Oromo nationalist organizations which disagree with them to the extent of joining the enemy to eliminate them. Any discussions of Oromo cases with foreign diplomats are done through them. They or their agents sit at the front row of almost all Oromo organizational meetings; as the saying goes in France,” The French Jews are more French than the French;”of course there is a reason for that. They grab the microphone and tell their audience what they want to hear and shed crocodile tears. They control the communication channels and tell the Oromo people to do something without leading them in the true struggle from within. They are stateless dictators who want to deal with complaisant and compliant Oromo only for their interest. They have intentionally and successfully dismantled the Oromo forces several times and divided the Diaspora Oromo instead of uniting them.” Unquote.
    Well my friend; the blame goes to all of us for having let these free lancers do their dirty jobs for so long.
    Our job is three fold right now: 1. Deal with these free lancers. 2. Deal with the chicanery of the Habashas who still carry their odds of history which never understand logic but brute force and violence.3. Deal with their foreign sympathizers.
    No matter who does what, in the final analyses, the truth will stand out sooner or later. There is no easy way out my friend but continue to struggle without giving up because no power on earth can stop a nation fighting for its freedom and inalienable rights. By the way my friend, the psychos of slavery of 120 years are unbearable, however, how far can a man’s gut shrink and how fast do men turn to women in our generation, especially in our country? I rest my case.

  49. Ilma Xiiqii said,

    March 17, 2012 @ 11:05 pm

    Thanks Dr. Makuria History of various freedom struggle and that of ourselves proofs to us, that there is no short way. If you want your freedom back, get ready to hear the noise of bullet. we have thausends of propoganda but no single bullet. or authentic practical action,we are tired of empty talks and false newses .It is very clear Shanes are the first advocates of the so called building new Ethiopia. So it shuld not surprise us if one of their functons say “i am a better slave ” to their masters.for they run out of hope on means of self support and long way to freedom. they all amended and altered and did all possible fakes against oromo people KAYYOO documents and interest Finally they beterayed each other over their master the oromo people shuld have known them better by know.