Uniting Oromo communities and media for Oromia Liberation
Those of us in the Diaspora have better access to information compared to our people in Oromia who are forced to live under primitive conditions with one of the most backward governments in the world. But we have so far failed to utilize our resources fully. What is the solution?
There are various obstacles in front of us, which we should analyze before we seek solutions. For example, with some rare exceptions, the Oromo Diaspora is very dis-connected from each other, geographically, ideologically, religiously and sadly even politically. We are also somewhat disconnected from the day-to-day situations in Oromia. Some of us have cultural and linguistic disconnection but sustain strong political connections. Others have financial connections but no political unity with other Oromos, especially on the ground back home. Such disconnections are the first part of our obstacles.
Secondly, we also have lack of material and political resources. Let alone making noise in the international political, economical and media arena, we are not even as powerful as the Amara/Tigre diaspora establishments. The Amara/Tigre/Gurage Diaspora communities aka “Ethiopian” or Habashas, have used their Diaspora presense and maximized it to the level that some American Congressmen and US politicians have become dependant on these “Ethiopian”/Habasha Diaspora communities to be elected. The day we reach this level of unity and power will be the day we finally see our country liberated from colonial Ethiopia. The Habasha Diaspora have used their Diaspora resources and network to challenge the TPLF regime. They failed because they have no anti-TPLF Habasha army on the ground. This means, if our Oromo Diaspora communities become as politically powerful in the Diaspora, we will gain victory because we already have our OLA military presense on the ground as well.
Unity is the key
If we are to make our Diaspora and international presense strong, we have to be united. It is very sad to see division and hatred between different OLF branches the last few years. OLF needs to get its act together and show its unity and strength once more. We have witnessed some OLF groups attacking other OLF groups or some OLF splinters filing lawsuit against other OLF branch. This must stop!! The second solution is uniting all Oromo media outlets and coordinating our presense in the international arena. Oromo media outlets can learn a lot from the Habasha and Somali media outlets. We have to establish a network or an association for Oromo-centered and/or Oromo-owned media outlets. Thirdly, our Diaspora communities have to become united by ending regional and religious divisions. We have to hold forums and frequent conferences to achieve such unity. Thanks to the 21st century information technology, worldwide Oromo conference can even be held electronically or online. If we take these three steps toward full unity, victory will become closer than we think.
03/26/2009 at 3:45 pm |
well said. unity is the only way. why not unite on the broad parts that brings us together while keeping specific interests on the side??
LONG LIVE OROMIA!!!!
03/26/2009 at 4:39 pm |
Anticipating freedom from pirates and Black dogs??? No!!!
I am writing this official letter by the name of Waaqaa and on behalf of my race to make it readable on your website. I am an Oromo man born from Oromo parent in the rural region of Oromia. I don’t want to mention specifically where I born. It can be in shewa, Arsi, Wollega, Hararge, Bale and anywhere else in Oromia. Oromo is one. The natural heredity makes Oromo one. The cultural identity makes Oromo one. The compatibility of genes that expresses similar phenotype makes Oromo one. As a result, a continuous century of struggle against colonization/colonizers/black life (torture, arrest, and killings) makes Oromo one. The most important for me is that I am sharing the same historical challenge with all Oromos since 130 years. I am well aware/conscious of what I lost, am loosing in my life and my race/Oromo generation will loose as a result of colonization and being an Oromo at home.
During the past 20 years I have had a great concern about my race (nation). This concern is natural not politics. Oromo resistance is natural one. It is a polotics while different groups in the same nation compete based on their distinct political programs. Thus, those who define Oromo resistance/struggle as politics are superficial Oromos run for power ambition or Oromos who are not conscious yet. Because the relationship between Abasha and Oromo is a food chain shaded by ideology/propoganda of polotics. I have read Oromo history, simultaneously become conscious about Abashas problem against Oromo people. I have known that the problem of Abasha was/is not the integrity/history/polotics of Ethiopia but the economic problem that they confront in the northern region.
Everyone recalls that Oromo struggle toward liberation has failed three times. 1) During Menilik invasion and resistance that has reduced Oromo population into half; 2) Known as Bale struggle that had liberated southeast Oromia and collapsed by air attack and diplomacy; and 3) a storm of OLF led struggle before a decade that becomes weaken but still in the motion. Currently, most of the Oromos become the side of Gobana history (Black dogs) as an option; a means of struggle for existence. However, the same gap is formed as previous history. What will be the next step? What we learnt from the past history?
It is not wise to anticipate democracy and equity from both Tigrians and Amharas. Because, they deeply think that sharing power with Oromos is automatically loosing economic control that they have been extracting for a century. Thus, at any time don’t expect even the principle of democracy from poor. Poorness always leads to be a pirate. Abashas are pirates invaded Oromia because they had no options. Abashas have no true personality in their culture. If they were not pirates they would have been negotiated with Oromo to run a real government. On top of this, they are always in doubt about their future, and make their life on corruption. In corruption there is no development. Pirateness and corruption are the major reasons to Ethiopia to be the tale of the world in economy and civilization.
From the above concept, I want to forward the major important things to OLF: 1) don’t anticipate a diplomatic solution to solve the problem of Oromo in the absence of obligating conditions that force Abasha/pirates; 2) don’t economize Oromos life to pursue the fate of colonization; let Oromo sacrify to liberate himself for his human dignity. While enemy dies to colonize Oromo, there is no logic why millions of Oromos donot sacrify themselves for liberation; 3) don’t afraid like a child the term “terrorism” aired by TPLF but has no meaning currently in world politics; especially after Barack Obama administration; 4) don’t give warning to enemy to save them like our fathers who made enemies a family; the descendants of many OPDOs/Gobana today are the ancestors of this family.
I am giving these notes to OLF because I don’t see any other natural group that stands for the right of Oromo people yet. I am here alive because of the existence of OLF. I am speaking my language because of the existence of the same not only as a name but also as a hope for my liberation as a leadership. The day will come when my children freely jump in Oromia without any fear and interference of pirates, and adaptation of enemy’s identity.
Final Message
► Keep in mind the above lesson for Unity rather than fighting in western world while Oromos are being raged by historical enemy at home.
Next to Waaqa for Oromo is OLF
Waaqa always with you.
03/27/2009 at 1:19 am |
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03/27/2009 at 11:52 am |
I am one of the believers of Oromo unity that I witnessed back home working in different regions of Oromia. Unfortunately, the politicians have used the minor differences that exist among us to score minor points to divert attention from accountability that people demand. It is the responsibility of you and me not to be part of the politicians wishes. We can demand the politicians to show us their diversity. We can results without resorting to region and religion. Let’s remember that division is not only of ours. Actually we have been a strong source of division for others as well. We have the means and true Oromos whose mission is to advance Oromos cause than personal fulfillment.
03/27/2009 at 6:50 pm |
The invisible hands of the Habeshas are still disarraying the Oromo camp. I am witnessing from where I am as they they strive to become beneficiary at the expense of the agony of the Oromo people.Specifically the current chaos in the Oromo camp created a fertile ground for them.It is true that today they are more united than ever.
04/23/2009 at 3:03 pm |
i don’t know what to say,i have never seen oromia,but i have a dream one day to see my fathers land,God bless you and free our land and people.
love you my people