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Oromia-Ethiopia: G7′s Dangerous Move

January 10, 2012 at 11:46 pm · Gadaa.com

By Malkaa Guutuu*

This is my take on the recent, stunningly shallow and naïve, declaration of the so-called OLF faction, Jijjirama. It is the first installment of a series I plan to write on this issue.

The history of the Ethiopian Empire is replete with hastily constructed alliances between the Oromo people and the northern kingdoms of Abyssinia that have come to haunt the former. In their constant rivalry with one another, during the 17th and 18th centuries, to be crowned Kings of Kings and keepers of their dubious lineage to a certain ancient dynasty in another country, the various rulers of Abyssinia were entering into tactical alliances with celebrated Oromo warriors of the north, particularly the Yejju Oromo. As we all know, these fateful relationships kicked into high gear with the “alliance” between Menelik and Goobanaa, resulting in the conquest of the Oromo nation.

It is surprising, to say the least, that any rational person would want to play this old game again, just when the rising tide of Oromo nationalism is non-arguably, albeit gradually, undoing the vicious consequences of these historical alliances. What gives? A number of explanations can be offered. Let us consider the possible motivations behind the newly minted agreement from the point of view of both parties to it, one at a time.

One may think that the G7 leaders are politically not savvy, despite the seemingly impressive credentials of some of them. It would not be far-fetched to think that their egos might also be in play as demonstrated by their messengers’ taking credit for making the “OLF” change its political program and ways. Based on these, some may question the political acumen of these people to carefully consider the history of the Ethiopian empire with all its attendant consequences. It would thus be tempting to dismiss the group’s move as not worthy of critical investigation, but there is more to it than what actually meets the eye.

The reality is that G7 and its boosters are well aware of the rising tide of Oromo nationalism and are, in concert with other Abyssinian forces, engaged in a well orchestrated, comprehensive and last-ditch effort to further divide, confuse, and frustrate the Oromo national liberation movement, but with a happier face and friendlier tone than that of TPLF’s. This strategy, which attempts to strike at the heart of the Oromo national liberation camp, appears to have enlisted thinkers, journalists, musicians and other people with platforms. It is an audacious move, but one with significant downsides for the initiators of this plan and the Ethiopian peoples in general, who would face the brunt of such ill considered and maliciously conceived initiative. Let me explain.

The G7 leaders seem to have done their homework in terms of the current difficulties in the Oromo liberation camp. They have had themselves invited to Oromo forums using the pretext of seeking reconciliation and have been taking notes. One could say they have been on a listening tour. They have noticed the never ending bickering in certain segments of the Oromo camp, and could have been emboldened to deal the movement a serious blow by enlisting the weak-kneed, the opportunists, and the unbalanced among us. Here is what the originators of this desperate scheme seem to have misunderstood, however. The bickering parts of the Oromo liberation camp do not represent the entirety of the larger Oromo national liberation movement. The movement is a much broader and deeper phenomena than the schemers have assumed; it is more dynamic than they appear to have given it credit for.

To gain a fuller picture of the Oromo national liberation movement, they should have taken their green-yellow-red blinders off and met our nieces and nephews, the millions of Bilisummaa’s, Oromiyaa’s, Ayyaanaa’s and Ayyaantuu’s, actively reclaiming their identity one small step at a time. The struggle is being waged by them and their teachers in every classroom from Mooyalee to Kamisee, Haroo-maayaa to Begii, and numerous places in between. The battle has been joined in by Oromo artists, some of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The cause is being kept alive and strengthened by dedicated Oromos, who are creating uniquely Oromo institutions, for which this website may serve as a good example. Most importantly, the torch Tadesse Birru, Baro Tumsa, Elemoo Qilxuu, Nadhii Gammadaa and other giants of the Oromo struggle lit years ago with their lives, is actively protected and nourished by our bravest and best.

Intentionally confusing the positions of a few errant individuals with the aspirations of the Oromo masses would be a gamble only the hopeless and reckless could play. This strategy is imprudent and comes with significant risk. As a bluff designed to sow further seeds of discord among the Oromo liberation camp and frustrate the Oromo cause, its downsides should be fairly obvious to anyone capable of rational thought and analyses. If it requires mentioning, it is guaranteed to alienate independent and nationalist Oromos, further antagonizing the core of the Oromo liberation movement with the one-size-fits-all crowd in Ethiopian politics. In their dangerously maximalist approach and malevolent intent to divide the Oromo political class in the Diaspora, G7 and its cohorts have thus revealed themselves to be not worthy of any meaningful partnership, rather enemies the Oromo people must fight.

An intellectually honest observer of the developments in the Oromo nation over the last two decades, and the course of human history in general, would have refrained from either initiating or being a party to an agreement that makes a mockery of the Oromo people’s just cause. It is indeed folly of the highest order to think that Ethiopia’s fundamental political problems could be solved without adequately and properly addressing the Oromo question. The fact is that the Oromo people are never going back to the dark ages of being enablers to their tormentors and spectators in their own country, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds arrayed against them. The just concluded agreement, therefore, does nothing to enhance peace and harmony in the region, other than further complicating the already frayed relationships in the empire. Rather than helping to create a badly needed platform which promotes mutual coexistence, it takes us farther away from a win-win formula that just might be worked out for all. It is thus an unmitigated disaster!

So, why would a group that considers itself a liberation front of the Oromo people enter into such a disastrous relationship with a hardcore my-way-or-the-high-way group, notwithstanding the package its “partner” is marketing itself under, knowing full well, the harsh consequences to the Oromo identity of the earlier similarly ill-conceived alliances? The hopelessly optimistic and myopic among us might still believe that the Generals and their followers are executing a well-planned strategy to fight the current occupiers of Oromia, using any tactical alliances available to them. This view does not pass the smell test. One does not proclaim to change one’s identity in order to enter into tactical alliances. The identity of the Oromo Liberation Front is its political program and cannot be traded away cheaply. It was instituted by our heroes under trying conditions, and the new generation of Oromos are not about to give it up, despite some setbacks and incredible internal and external difficulties. It is thus just not credible that a group that has clearly failed to learn the obvious lessons of history in the Ethiopian Empire, an entity that does not seem to have the slightest clue about even the most basic rules of negotiations, can execute a well considered strategic move, which could bring some relief to the Oromo people. This notion simply defies logic and makes no sense at all!

The mounting evidences point elsewhere. They point to the opportunism of these self-proclaimed Oromo “liberators;” their lack of understanding, substance, and concern for the long-suffering the Oromo people. Genuine Oromo nationalists inside and outside Oromiyaa, particularly in the USA, better heed these evidences about the identity of this desperate group, and deal with it decisively and in a timely manner, because of the dangers it may pause. No true Oromo can afford to disregard these individuals’ history, previous affiliations, and qualifications any longer.

It should be obvious to all that Dergue foot-soldiers turned TPLF messenger-boys turned G7 toys are incapable by constitution to represent anything, let alone a cause millions have died and suffered for, and continue to do so. An Oromo who puts any stock in these individuals henceforth is delusional at best, or actively, in the service of the enemy at worst, and must be put on notice going forward. This group is dying a natural death by its own actions and Oromos, who continue to be affiliated with this group are officially coming out as enemies of the Oromo people. This is one way to unite the Oromo Liberation Front!

* Malkaa Guutuu can be reached at malkaa.guutuu@gmail.com.

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15 Comments »

  1. obsaa said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 2:07 am

    Wonderful analysis. This is an example of how a pen is mighter than a sword. Never give up this kind of fight.

  2. Annoynymous said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 8:48 am

    I like all Oromos to take serious note of this message. These ‘geltus’ are already on the dark side of history. They served enemies of the Oromos all their life, the Dergue, the TPLF and now Ginbot 7. Even in the two years time they spent in the OLF, they did far more harm than good. Genuine Oromos, please take these note and distance yourself from this sell outs.

  3. Jara said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 11:41 am

    Malkaa Guutuu of Oromia = Meles of Tigray

    => both seek power in their own people blood …

    Please we ormomias are not benifited from your divisive so Called History – we are more than history !!!!!
    WE seek Unity and Peace – we are going forward not backward !! Beka!!!!!

  4. Dhagaa Daalaattii said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 3:00 pm

    Dear Malkaa,

    Thank you!! I agree intoto!

  5. Cirrii said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 5:48 pm

    Obbo Malkaa Guutuu,

    As they say we learn either from excellent writings or smart people. I rarely come across people who write well and know what they are writing about. You are a rare example.

    Thank you and please forward the article to Habesha websites.

  6. castro said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 6:32 pm

    You sound like one of those Russian doctors during the Durg time, to every injured limbs amputation was the order of the day, no thought were given to treat its injure with care.
    “So, why would a group that considers itself a liberation front of the Oromo people enter into such a disastrous relationship with a hardcore my-way-or-the-high-way group,” said the writer, i say, Pleas wakeup from your deep hateful slumber. you are one of those lazy bums who can only see the solution to what ever problem the Oromo people might have had as nothing but separation, amputation or partition as the remedies to all of its ailments and couldn’t stomach the idea of unity to resolve any grievance Oromo people might have from past mistakes. Today we have a new generation and this new educated young generation,should be given a chance to negotiate peacefully what kind of future it want.

  7. Abbaa Roobsan said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 7:40 pm

    I think the author speaks for all of us in truly articulating our real current emotional status and the general position of the majority of the Oromo person as the result of this fraud alliance between miss-guided and opportunists Oromo individuals and the Abysinian forces or the so called Ginbot 7. Thank you so much Malkaa!

  8. adane said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 8:31 pm

    You must lisn Bulcha Demekssa resent interview.

  9. Oromiyaan ni bilisoomti! said,

    January 11, 2012 @ 10:58 pm

    Whether we like it or not, currently, the Oromo struggle for freedom is stuck, mainly due to a well designed strategy by Abysinian elites – from two poles. One who seriously follows the flow of patterns in their political manipulations can easily understand thta, there is a secretive (hidden) deal between Ginbot-7 and Wayane to dismantle the OLF completly – by streching it appart – from two sides. Wayane could force the OLF to take refugee. Ginbot-7 could divide the OLF in refugee. This means, that, while Wayane wages the war on OLF at homebase, Ginbot-7 continues the same war against OLF in Diaspora. So far, this strategy of Abysinian elites is succesful. Are OLF the leaders and the Oromo public really aware of what is cooking? I doubt it.

  10. Huluqa Haroo said,

    January 12, 2012 @ 1:37 am

    Kamaal Gantuu become general by killing thausends of Oromo, not by fighting for Oromos. He was not OLF and can not be leader for oromos. He is a professional tritors from Derg to Woyane, from Woyane to OLF, from OLF to Gimbot 7, from Gimbot 7 to a hell. ***

  11. Ilma Ormaa said,

    January 12, 2012 @ 1:53 am

    Thank you Malkaa, Galata guddaa qabda! It was a great mistake to trust Derg foot solders, TPLF messenger boys and G7 toys as you put it. A spade must be called by its name.

  12. anonymous said,

    January 12, 2012 @ 7:18 am

    “Faaqiin faaquu dadhabde, Saree ariisaa dhaqxi”, jedha Oromoon yommuu mammaku.
    Mee Halagaa komachuu diisitii, malif akka qabsoon hummataa maseenee deebii nuuf kennu yaali. Hoojiin hojjatame yoo jiraate hamma hardhaatti dhaaba kanaan, Gartuu hoomishuu dha. Gartuun immo kan hoomishamtu, lafaa ka’ee miti. Rakkina (Dadhabina) yommu jiratu dha. Ilbiisonni adda adda, yommuu haala rakkisaan uummatu, wanti isaan gochuu danda’an, of-jiraachisuuf jecha, gar-malee wal-horuu ( produce multiple offspring) dha. Akka fakkenyatti fudhachuf, biyyoyyin hiyyeeyyii akka Itoophiaa faa kan ilmaan bay’inaan dhalatanif ( high fertility rate) sababii kanafi. Kuni nyaata (nutrition) dhabuu ykn bodaatti hafuu irra kan ka’e otoo hintaane, haala uumamatu dirqisiisa. Akkuma kana haala jaarmayaa Oromoofan qabsaa jedhu kanaa yoo ilaalle, qabsootti wanta jiru hinfakkatu. Bu’a inni fudes wanti qabatamatti muldhatu hinjiru. Garuu hummanni Oromoo immo sababii dhaaba kanan ka’e lafa irraa dhumaa jira. Herga dhumaattin isaa hinollee, maaf of-irratti lolee hindhumne?. Wanta tokkotti ba’uu danda’a. Akkuma faranjiin oggaa mammaku: ” Victory has many parents, defeat none” jedhu sana, maqaa ABO kan dhiigaaf lafee ilmaan Oromoon beekamtee fudhatama argatte kana irratti kan wal-falmu guutee jira, garuu maaliif akka qabsichi akka maseene kan itti gaafatama fudhatcuf gad-baye hinjiru hamma har’aatti. Kana dogoggoree, kana sirrin hojjanne, kan dogoggorre kana sirrefachuu qabna, kan sirrin hojjanne immo itti fufuu qabna kan jedhu hinjiru. Akkuma asiindura barametti itti-fufna ykn “business as usual” deemuu qaba kan jedhu kan nuti yero hunda arginu. Gama biraatini, ani yaada ati dhiheesite fi qabiyyee yaada ke irra komii hinqabu. Dogoggoras irratti hin-argu, garuu dhibdee tokkon arga. Innis maal inni yoo jette, akka mammasi oromoo ” Baka loon hin-oolletti, Faltii barbaaduu” jedhu sana, biyya “logic” fi Dhugaan hinojjanneetti, lojikaan nama amansiisuuf dhama’u keti. ABOn hujii dabballummaa qofa danda’aa?

  13. Oromummaa said,

    January 12, 2012 @ 10:47 pm

    Thanks for a very insightful article. It captures the essence of what has been going on in the Ethiopian Empire for more than a century and draws some parallels with the announcement of G7 in relation to the Oromo liberation struggle. Since the inception of the Ethiopian Empire, its rulers, by default the Abyssinians has been using the divide and rule strategy to concur the Oromo people. As its last standing defender, G7 is applying its last and desperate effort to save the Empire by recycling the same old strategy to fulfill its agenda in the name of unity.
    Who is to say decades of struggle for the Oromo cause and the ultimate sacrifices of those brave and generous Oromos is all of a sudden replaced by the Pseudo- OPDO’s agenda. Let’s not make any mistake; this group of so-called members of the central committee of the OLF who dropped the right to self-determination by no means represents the ambition and aspiration of the OLF and more importantly the aspiration of the more than forty million Oromos. These same people, a mere four or five years ago under the tutelage of the Weyyanes were imprisoning, torturing and killing the very same people they now claim to represent. The history of the Oromo liberation movement is marred by individuals like the “generals”. If it were not for the betrayal acts of those who short change the Oromo cause, no enemy has a chance to stand in front of the Oromo people.
    Last but least, as proven time and again the Oromo people is known to co-exist with its neighbors. We have a proven record of being a good host. But all we are struggling and asking for is a basic and fundamental human right issue. Let us practice our right on the land of OROMIA!
    Thanks again for the wonderful writing and let’s keep the good work.

  14. Sura said,

    January 13, 2012 @ 12:41 am

    Gelchu’s group is downgraded to F(-) on bilisummaa scale which is below OPDO. They are mercenaries!

  15. abdi said,

    January 18, 2012 @ 11:11 am

    Oromia, Somali Ogaden, Somalia, Somaliland, Sidama, Afar self determination is our right and we should never give up. These people who are saying Oromo self determination is finished are fools, they don’t speak for 30 million people. Also what fool would not fight for his or her people, the country and langauge. 30 million people fighting for self deterimantion will not listen to loser who is saying accept being oppressed and your lanague to be destropyed.

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