The Renaissance Book and Oromo Nationalism

Chapter 8-The Current Issus and Future Prospective

The assassination of popular Oromo singer hachalu hundessa in june 2020 was a traumatic event that highlighted the ongoing tensions and grievances of the oromo people in ethiopia. However, definitive claims of systematic prosecution in the aftermath require careful examination: hachalu's murder sparked massive protests and unrest among Oromo who saw him as a cultural icon and voice for their rights. The government's violent crackdown on these protests led to hundreds of civilian deaths.

Mass arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders, activists and journalists followed, reflecting the Abiy government's authoritarian backsliding in response to unrest. However, the targets were a mix of ethnicities rather than just Oromos alone.There are credible reports of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and detentions without due process. But evidence is unclear on the scale and degree of coordination to prove systematic ethnic-based prosecution.

The government imposed internet shutdowns, stifling information flow during the unrest. Independent verification of events remains a challenge.While the crackdown showed insensitivity to Oromo grievances, making charges of genocide or ethnic cleansing requires very careful scrutiny against the legal definitions, rather than rhetorical use of such terms.Ultimately, Hachalu's killing revealed deep frustrations among Oromos regarding inclusion, rights and ongoing abusive practices by the state. But the full details of events and motivations behind the government's severe response require deeper, unbiased investigation to establish facts.In summary, while deeply concerning, current evidence does not seem to sufficiently demonstrate organized, widespread state persecution specifically targeting the Oromo ethnic group as a whole following Hachalu's assassination. But greater transparency and accountability for the government's handling of protests and dissent is clearly needed.

Hachalu's killing sparked large protests by Oromos who saw him as an important cultural figure and voice for their community. The government crackdown on these protests was harsh, leading to many civilian deaths.In the aftermath, there were concerning reports of mass detentions and human rights violations as the government imposed order. However, the targets appeared to be a mix of political dissidents and opposition figures, not just Oromos.

Some argue the crackdown amounts to systematic ethnic persecution or even genocide against Oromos specifically. However, based on the limited information available publicly, there is not sufficient evidence to make a definitive legal determination on that.Amnesty International reported that at least 166 people were killed during the protests, largely due to use of excessive force by security officers. They also reported mass arbitrary arrests of opposition activists and journalists.The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated at least 30 people were killed and over 100 injured on the first day of protests alone. They cited the cutting of internet services as concerning.Human Rights Watch documented the use of lethal force by security forces against protesters and bystanders, leading to significant casualties.

Oromo rights groups estimate several hundred civilians were killed during the broad crackdown and unrest based on victim accounts. But comprehensive data is lacking.There are reports of incommunicado detentions, with thousands jailed and held without charges or court appearances in overcrowded prisons.Several opposition political figures were arrested, including senior Oromo leaders like Jawar Mohammed, Eskinder Nega and Bekele Gerba.

Amnesty International says thousands suspected of participation in the protests were detained arbitrarily.Overall, independent verification remains a challenge due to lack of access and transparency from the government on actions taken during this highly tense period.Based on my research, the Ethiopian government has not taken substantial actions in response to reports of human rights violations following the unrest over Hachalu Hundessa's assassination. Some observations: The government has not conducted transparent investigations into security force conduct and protestor deaths.

There has been no accountability for alleged excessive use of force.Authorities defended the internet shutdown as necessary to curb violence and hate speech. But rights groups criticized this as concealing abuses.The government claimed investigations showed there was an organized plot by "external forces" to destabilize the country, partially justifying the crackdown. But no evidence was provided publicly.

After several months; the government did eventually release several thousand detained protesters and political figures. However, many others remain imprisoned.Prime Minister Abiy dismissed accusations of repression and prosecution of Oromos as unfounded, stating they are politically motivated claims by the opposition and critics.There have been no initiatives for independent truth commissions, international investigations or other efforts to look into rights violation reports.The government maintains the actions taken were lawful and appropriate responses to violence instigated by opposition groups and ethno-nationalists.

2023

Here are some key points about the current peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA):In December 2022, the two sides agreed to start formal negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire and finding a political resolution to the conflict.These are the first direct peace talks between the government and the OLA, an armed Oromo nationalist group. Previous attempts at dialogue had failed.The talks are being mediated by the Kenyan government and former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Key issues on the agenda include ceasefire monitoring mechanisms, transitional security arrangements, disarmament procedures, and inclusion of the OLA in the political process.The OLA says it is committed to finding a peaceful resolution but wants comprehensive talks on the "Oromo question" in Ethiopia including self-determination.The Ethiopian government wants the OLA to fully disarm and demobilize. It is under pressure to end ongoing fighting amid drought and humanitarian crises.Both sides have agreed to mutual humanitarian access to conflict areas. But major differences remain and a deal is still far from certain.Some see the talks as an opportunity for progress but others worry the deep divisions may be difficult to resolve through dialogue only.

Broader inclusion of other opposition groups and public participation can strengthen the chances of achieving sustainable peace.The outcome remains uncertain but the formal start of talks is an encouraging step after years of violent stalemate. Compromises on all sides will be required to address long-standing grievances and end abuses.The Oromo people are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia and have a long history of struggle against the Ethiopian empire. The Oromo have faced oppression and marginalization for centuries, including forced displacement from their ancestral lands, discrimination, and cultural suppression.

In the late 19th century, the Ethiopian empire, led by Emperor Menelik II, conquered the Oromo and other ethnic groups to create the modern Ethiopian state. The empire imposed its culture and language on the conquered peoples, including the Oromo, and marginalized their languages and cultural practices. The Oromo were also forced to convert to Christianity and Islam, which were the dominant religions in the Ethiopian empire.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Oromo began to organize political movements to resist their marginalization. The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) was established in 1973 with the aim of achieving self-determination for the Oromo people. The OLF conducted a guerrilla war against the Ethiopian government throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but was eventually weakened by internal divisions and government counter-insurgency tactics.