The Renaissance Book and Oromo Nationalism

Chapter 7- Oromo Nationalism

This chapter covers the growth of Oromo nationalism over the decades and the calls for self-determination from Oromo opposition groups, activists and politicians. It traces the history of Oromo resistance and documents the demands for equal rights, freedom and democracy. on the future prospects and aspirations of the Oromo people:After over a century of oppression and marginalization under various Ethiopian rulers, the Oromo people today find themselves at a pivotal moment in their history. The era of mass protests led by Oromo youth has shaken the foundations of the long-standing political order. However, the path ahead remains uncertain.
Fundamental reforms are still required to address historic Oromo grievances and accommodate their aspirations for self-determination, cultural rights, political voice, economic empowerment and equitable development. Pan-Oromo politics remains fractured and faces internal and external challenges.Some Oromo visions center on reforming the Ethiopian federation to guarantee autonomy and fair resource sharing while others call for outright independence and re-imagining the Ethiopian state. Most likely an incremental approach balancing these visions is needed.Further democratization, strengthening local governance and administration, equitable economic policy, and robust constitutional reform to enshrine Oromo rights will be essential. Progressive forces must unite across ethnic lines around a shared vision of an inclusive, just and democratic political and social order.
Oromos must break free from corrupt elite capture and build strong independent civil society institutions and mass-based development organizations to drive social change from the grassroots up. The potential of the Qeerroo movement must be consolidated into enduring political vehicles.Also vital is overcoming inequalities and divisions between urban elites and rural peasants, the diaspora and local populations, different sub-regions and clans to build common purpose. FOundational myths and narratives must be reframed to capture Oromo diversity and heritage.

With effort and goodwill from all sides, a reimagined Ethiopian federation or confederation that upholds Oromo rights can emerge. Oromia's place as the spiritual heartland and economic engine of the Horn of Africa can be fulfilled.The Oromo people's incredible perseverance over centuries inspires confidence that the marginalization they have endured will give way to equitable inclusion and prosperity. But this requires sustained struggle, progressive leadership, and pragmatic vision to fulfill their aspirations.
Here are some additional details on potential paths forward for the Oromo people:Building coherent political institutions and policy platforms from the grassroots up that can mobilize support across Oromia and represent Oromo interests nationally.Investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure and opportunities for Oromo youth to provide the foundations for sustainable development.Promoting equitable growth, local enterprise, and diversified livelihood sources to reduce economic marginalization of Oromo farmers and workers.Developing Oromo language institutions, media outlets, educational materials, arts and culture to strengthen identities and self-awareness.Overcoming fragmentation and mistrust between different Oromo political factions to build a common platform based on core aspirations.
Bridging divides between Muslim and Christian Oromos through interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and recognizing shared values.Formulating progressive land policies that provide security for smallholder Oromo farmers while also supporting increased commercial investment.Building independent, capable and impartial judicial institutions to uphold rights and ensure accountability for past abuses.Carrying out constitutional reform that guarantees language rights, political participation, resource sharing, and autonomy.Fostering reconciliation through acknowledgement of past repression and its impacts as well as memorialization of the struggle.
Oromo struggles and the Ethiopian empire.The Oromo people have a rich cultural heritage and a unique language, which is one of the largest indigenous languages spoken in Africa. However, the Ethiopian empire imposed its own language, Amharic, as the official language and suppressed the use of other languages, including Oromo.The Oromo have also faced economic marginalization, with many forced to work as laborers on coffee and other plantations owned by wealthy elites, including the Ethiopian royal family. This economic exploitation has contributed to poverty and underdevelopment in Oromia.
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) was formed in 1973 in response to these injustices. The OLF fought a guerrilla war against the Ethiopian government for over two decades, but was weakened by internal divisions and government counter-insurgency tactics.In 1991, the Ethiopian government was overthrown by a coalition of rebel forces, including the OLF. However, the OLF withdrew from the coalition after the new government failed to meet its demands for self-determination and recognition of the Oromo people's rights.
The Ethiopian government, led by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), established a federal system of government in 1995 that recognized the autonomy of Ethiopia's ethnic groups, including the Oromo. However, the EPRDF was criticized for not fully implementing the federal system and for suppressing opposition and dissent.The 2015 protests in Oromia, which were sparked by the government's plans to expand the capital, Addis Ababa, into Oromo lands, led to a wider movement against political repression and marginalization of the Oromo people.
The government responded with a harsh crackdown, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests.In 2018, Abiy Ahmed became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and introduced a series of reforms aimed at opening up the political space and promoting reconciliation among the country's ethnic groups. Abiy released political prisoners, including many Oromo activists, and invited exiled opposition groups, including the OLF, to return to Ethiopia and participate in peaceful political activities.Despite these reforms, there are still ongoing tensions and conflicts between the Oromo and other ethnic groups, as well as with the Ethiopian government. The Oromo continue to struggle for their rights and self-determination, and the future of Ethiopia's ethnic federalism remains uncertain.
The Oromo people have long called for the right to self-determination, which would allow them to have control over their own political, economic, social, and cultural affairs. This includes the right to govern themselves and make decisions about their land, resources, language, and culture.The call for self-determination is rooted in the history of the Oromo people's oppression and marginalization by the Ethiopian empire, which has denied them basic human rights and freedoms. The Oromo people have been subjected to forced displacement, discrimination, and cultural suppression, and have been denied the right to express their identity and culture.