Ethiopian News and Opinion Forum


Independent Oromia in Integrated Ethiopia: fact or fancy??

Postby Meraraw » 16 Mar 2007, 09:53


Oromo's political move against Weyane is to be grouped roughly in to three:

1) the struggle for individual FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY in Ethiopia disregarding the national self-determination of Oromos. People like Ad. Birtukan in CUD and Dr. Merera of ONC belongs to this group.

2) the struggle for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY including INTERNAL self-determination of Oromos in Ethiopian context. Ob. Bulcha of OFDM and Ob. Daud of OLF seem to belong to this categorie.

3) the struggle for INDEPENDENT Gadaa Republic of Oromia (EXTERNAL self-determination of Oromos) without any compromise, which is represented by Ob Galaasa of OLF and Ob Jaarra of ULFO.

After many years of struggle, now the trend tends to consolidate in favour of the 2nd option. People in the first group started to recognize that ignoring the right of Oromos to self-determination is no more possible because of the irriversible growth of Oromo nationalism to demand self-rule of Oromia. Poleticians in the third group still heisitate to accept the 2nd option, but the feasibility of their goal with in the current international geo-political condition is minimal, so that many of their supporters also tend to accept the 2nd option as the COMPROMISE solution.

That is why I do dare to say that achieving INDEPENDENT Oromia in an INTEGRATED Ethiopia is the only feasible option. Therefore the move of CUD and OLF to struggle together for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY in Ethiopia is very smart and timely. It is a middle way compromise solution to the apparently irreconcilable goals of these two political organizations (OLF struggles for INDEPENDENT Oromia and CUD wants to achieve an INTEGRATED Ethiopia). AFD is the best way to internal self-determination of Oromos and to the democratization as well integration of Ethiopia. The result will be INDEPENDENT Oromia in an INTEGRATED Ethiopia. It is not just a fancy, but a fact to be realized
Last edited by Meraraw on 16 Mar 2007, 11:18, edited 2 times in total.



Postby GOBEZ G. » 16 Mar 2007, 10:59


Meraraw,
You only mention Ethiopian unity to serve your purpose. You are pathetic. You are indeed suffering from Tribal Cancer. You have denied the CUD leaders their true identity—none of them are 100% Amhara--they are multi ethnic Ethiopians. This should be an alarm to all Ethiopians who read your messages that you do not consider anyone who is half Oromo unless he/she is 100% Oromo. You always make it looks like only Oromos are targeted by this brutal government; you careless how much other ethnic Ethiopians tortured and killed by these Woyanes. Your main purpose is not to unite and fight these monsters but to weaken Ethiopians. You are my friend an Eritrean agent.

This African brother sums it up:
From:Stephen Isabirye peacetoallhomosapiens <waithakh@db.erau.edu
Description: Tribalism in Africa
President Moi of Kenya has characterized tribalism as a cancer. This is an accurate description of a demoralizing challenge that we face in Africa. As an urban raised African I too saw tribalism as an evil that we have to overcome. Increasingly lately I have come to regard tribalism both as a cancer and also a tool that can be used to propel Africa to a new dimension of development.
The majority of Africans are not able or willing to forsake their tribal allegiances so what do we do with this mind set. How can we channel this tribal energy into a national mainstream. We need to understand the tribes before we impose nationalism on them. Tribes are a contradiction in todays Africa they are an evil if your tribe is not in power and a benefit if your tribe is in power. This is due to the nature of our political and government systems whereby there are no checks and balances. This fosters a climate of absolute power resting on the Executive and by extension to the Executive tribe. So what should be done?
The first step to getting rid of an ailment is an acurate diagnosis and an admission by the patient that he has something that ails him. Once the diagnosis and admission have been made then a course of treatment is initiated that allows healing to begin. We need to admit that Africans are by nature tribalistic and this in itself is not inherently evil. Fact: tribes had institutions and systems that catered for the welfare of all the tribal members. Could it be that African States by totally disregarding tribal institutions and systems have weakened themselves? Could it be if you weaken the family you weaken the nation? Africans traditionally belonged to extended families, which in turn belonged to a clan, and which in turn belonged to a tribe. In our haste to make the absurd partitioned Africa (Berlin Conference and the partition of Africa) into nations we chose to totally disregard this established socio-political order to our own peril. So we have tried and failed at making the great leap from individual tribal members to national citizens. For one to have allegiance to a nation the benefits must outweigh those of belonging to a tribe. In most African nations you are defined as a citizen only in paper your primary designation is that of an ethnic group. For example on paper you might be Rwandanese but your benefits or ill fate is determined by whether you are Hutu or Tutsi. This schizophrenic national mind set permeates Africa and its denial only compounds the problem.
African States need to form governments and institutions that have their power base in the tribal institutions because this is where the real power emanates from. i.e. Most Africans respect and have primary allegiance to the tribal structure. The central government is viewed as an outside force that is often hostile and not relevant. I submit that the national government would have more legitimacy if all tribes were represented. All issues in government would be examined using dual standards; a tribal and a national standard. Balance both interests. In most parliaments an upper house should be formed consisting of statesmen who command the most respect and support from each tribe. All tribes would be designated two members very much like the US Senate. This group will balance the State interests versus the tribal interests. An equal representation will ensure that the rights and interests of minority tribes are not trampled upon by majority tribes.
Africa has tribes for better or for worse. If given lemons make lemon juice. It is the hand we have been dealt let us play it to our advantage; turn our cancer into HEALTH. Fellow Africans let me know what you think.



Postby Meraraw » 16 Mar 2007, 11:09


Gobez,
now you are alarmed and become nervous by just reading that Amharas, Oromos and other nations in the empire are coming together to forge a very working compromise: INDEPENDENT Oromia in an INTEGRATED Ethiopia.

You being either from TPLF or EPRP camp don't have now a reason to accuse both CUD and OLF. You used to accuse CUD as if it endangered Ethiopian INTEGRATION and villified OLF as uncompromising SEPARATIST. Both are false, so that you now got angry for I took away all your arguements against AFD!!!



Postby Meraraw » 16 Mar 2007, 12:57


Enjoy the following discussion in Oromo forum:

oromia001
We heard what the American diplomat said regarding about choosing one ethnic coalition over the other. Its a logical statement and one that should be AFD's challenge.

Well if enough focus is put in, then the work of the AFD should be a matter of assembling enough and able international lawyers to start lodging complaint and human rights abuse lawsuit against the ethnic coallition that is currently ruling Ethiopia.

I was wondering, is this same diplomat going to be the judge too? I don't think so. So how about playing the game the way he sees it?

Has any one started lobbying the democrats yet? i am doing my best. i have signed up to moveon.org membership and you may see what i have been posting in their forums regarding Ethiopia. I am also sure that somebody at Obamaa's headquarters have read one of my emails on Oromia. I am working clinton now. Do you believe i got an email from her husband asking me for funding? Guess what he got in response? $5.00 and Oromo's plea.

I think it should be all of us in this forum that must participate in US politics specially when it comes to foreign policy. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I think Walfidaa is right. Something similar to AFD is the way forward.


Walfidaa
You just disclosed the difference between the two coalitions: their PERFORMANCE in the area of HUMAN RIGHT!! So Americans could have chosen the one with no or less human right's violation!!!


oromia001
AFD is also one that doesn't have a track record nor tested. A lot of policies must be formulated such as stand on terrorism, economy, foreign relations and etc. This is another challenge also. A buch of people can come together and call themselves a coallition. More work must be done in this coallition may be something like a MEGA CONFERENCE. Inelectuals from across the globe must be invited. Organizations of Sociologists, Economists, Medical professionals, Engineers, Enviromentalists and etc.

At the same time intensify the lobbying effort on behalf of them to China, EU and USA.

Has AFD done anything recently?


Dawe
I still couldn't swallow the AFD thing. I don't trust Amharas much but I strongly believe that Oromo struggle should adjust itself to a viable and pragmatic international politics with minor concessions. But before approaching such big international bodies we should mobilize our folks otherwise it might weaken our position with such fragile unity among us.


Walfidaa
You are right all such moves are necessary. But the start of AFD by itsself is smart. It is not easy to bring such polarized forces together and forge a common vision with common mission. There are also forces from different sides who vehemently fight the alliance and hinder the development.

AFD is being fought by UEDF who is a die-hard Ethiopian unitarist and who wants to see only Amharic speaking uniform empire, by TPLF who fear loss of power and by ULFO who is concerened about the liberation movment of Oromos being potentially weakened by formation of the alliance.

Now the member organizations need to come up with a working procedure and try to convince other opposition movements.

I also do have the same concern like you!! Amharas are not as such trustible. We need our strong position and possibly the support of the majority Oromos to go to the alliance. Otherwise, it is just the forum to find a working compromise in a reality of the current international geo-political situation.

Being stubborn from both Amhara and Oromo sides is contraproductive for both Oromia in particular and Ethiopia or Hoafrica in general.

Oromia001
I don't think anyone have said it is going to be a drink of water. Assuming ULFO and UEDF as a threat to AFD is minimal compared to the threat AFD faces from EPRDF. Except for TPLF the other two will be forced to join in. they will find a role to balance the equilibrium between the two opposing curves if AFD succeeds.

This will be a test for AFD's leadership. Let CUD deal with UEDF and OLF deal with ULFO. OLF can serve as a legal council for UFLO in the courts of AFD, that is protect Oromo's voice within the AFD coallition as a representative of ULFO and co. ULFO in return will serve as a watchdog for OLF's actions. Same for the CUD. Else the radicals will crumble on their own. They will not get anywhere. For AFD to get international acceptance it must move on and forge ahead with it's own plan.



Postby Meraraw » 16 Mar 2007, 13:11


"Let CUD deal with UEDF and OLF deal with ULFO" is a very good expression and a good positioning of the responsibility to where it belongs!!



Postby Meraraw » 16 Mar 2007, 18:06


Cont. from Oromo forum:

Abbayyii
Unless the US administration invades Ethiopia and puts AFD in charge of the country by force as they did elsewhere around the world, I think there is no way Oromo people will freely elect these people for very simple reason. The current OLF leadership betrayed them and the cause of their fallen children!! This is fact. You are fully underestimating the struggle and commitment of the Oromo people for REAL freedom to determine their future by themselves with NO strings attached!

Anyone interested in ''current international geo-political situation'' could do a better service for the US if he cleans streets of DC. This means let us not fight for our freedom until the US grants your absolutely nonsense INDEPENDENT Oromia within integrated Ethiopia, which are mutually exclusive and rubbish even to think of.

It might help some individuals assume political posts until they get kicked out as usual via Bole and has nothing to do with Oromo politics.

True and lasting independence for which I think the oromo people are paying heavy price can only come by force. Not more, not less. If I were you I would work with other Oromo organizations on ways of strengthening our muscles rather than anything else. For this you need to precisely define your goal and stick to it till the end.

You don’t always have to apply this force fully to your enemy. The mere possession overwhelming standing army will place you in much better position for any negotiation. The minimum you should done do is to approach your enemy in consultation with your people. You haven’t done that and he people have legitimate write to be skeptical of you.

Now you go to conference to give us US-approved ‘independent Oromia’ within ‘integrated Ethiopia’ by begging, technically empty handed. Good Luck.

No country on earth can prevent our just fight for freedom in our own home land. Our struggle is no different from all independence struggles around the world all of which ended up with truly independent countries, from much smaller (recent example is Eritrea) and much bigger (USA) than Oromia. They all achieved this at different times in different ‘international geopolitical situations’ with bitter sacrifices. As long Oromos remain the most peace loving people of on earth with no history of connection with international terrorism there is no one on earth who denies us our right for self determination of our destiny.

What you are preaching is some sort of half pregnancy which I think is naturally impossible unless it is an abortion. You can not compromise my freedom in my own home! Otherwise I fear we might head for an ugly situation.

I would be so happy if Oromians are asked today in a free and fair election and determine which one of the parties you listed (am member of none of them) is best for their country. To get at this stage is no business of the white house but of Oromos themselves. I hope you don’t oppose this either. Or?

Galatoomi,

Nagaati.


Walfidaa
thanks for your opinion. Don't misunderstand me, I belong to neither of the above political organizations or groups. I just put forward my observation. I am an INDEPENDENT Oromo individual who do support any small step in Oromo liberation movement towards the END (Self-determination of Oromo people).

I do completely support your wish of "truelly" liberating Oromia to get complete INDEPENDENT Gadaa Republic of Oromia if that will be the result of self-determination. I am not against this KAYYOO per se, but I don't see at its feasibility at the moment and I am not yet sure of its benefit to Oromos in comparison to being Independent in an integrated Ethiopia. So INDEPENDENT Oromia in an INTEGRATED Ethiopia is what I think we now can achieve and may be it is also beneficial economically if we really are independent to decide on our fate. Then we will see if there will be a change in the international geo-political situation to favour our attempt to move forward to the END goal you suggest, if that is the wish of Oromo people.

Supposing that the END is a complete Independence of Oromia, my question to you is: why should you oppose sitting in Diredhawa the trip to Adaama (with no/little hinderance) eventhough your final destination is Finfinne (full of hinderance)? Should you fight with your friends who say let's first move to Adaama (nearer to the destination) and we will see if we can move on to the supposed END, Finfinne? Should you make them to your enemies and hinder the common journy from Diredhawa to Adaama?

Just as example, let's assume all Oromo poletical groups started the journey from Djibouti to Finfinne together and they all are now in Diredhawa. Then the difference between the Oromo groups/organizations looks as follows:
- OPDOs say Diredhawa is the END of our trip, we have reached our destination, so we just stay here.
- OFDM/FFOS people say we can move to Adaama, that is our destination.
- FIDO/ULFO people say whatever the hinderance, we have to push till Finfinne!!
Now it seems that OLF tries to support the move from Dirdhawa to Adaama and then see if the move till Finfnne will be feasible, beneficial and if it is the wish of Oromo majority. Is this bad???


Galatoomi, nagaa Waaqa Gadaan!!


Abbayyii
First, the Oromo people had never known free elections since they had fallen to colonialism. We would not have needed all these rubbish discussions and insults if this were the case. And, I would never encourage my people to take part in any fake election. No REAL liberation has ever been achieved like that. I hope you understand me.


Secondly, comparison of a project like liberation of an occupied country is no match for a trip from DirreDawa to Finfinnee and I hope you understand this.

Even if I have to, because you brought the analogy, then I would take the so called morning bus which definitely takes me to Finfinnee without a stop in Adamaa, a town in which I have no friends but heinous enemies. It is worth staying that one more day with my friends and take that early morning bus than take the risks. If my illogical friend who knows no tomorrow insists to go today, then he must really be having some hidden agenda IN ADAMA other than the longer trip to Finfinnee.

Even in reality when I was a student at a large town in Oromia, I had exactly this problem of buses.

I had to wait one or two days on a street for the RIGHT bus rather take a bus that stops in a midway town and never goes further. There were sometimes connecting buses. Even then you have to pay more and when you try to change buses there are enough unknown bozonees who challenge you with your belongings. The town was foreign to me I had no friends but deadly enemies. Any one would beat me and rob me of my little money and most importantly my galaa for one week consisting of cuukkoo (immm), bassoo (immm), qincee (immm), daabboo (immm), etc. all made by mom if I ever stopped there. Yes this happend! As I was not armed I could not defend my self. This is very real. No one would risk this unless one is armed to his teeth. Sii galee? That was one day and I learned fro my mistake which no one else did the hard way. In my destination town, however, I had no fear as I had a lot of friends there; it was my other home.

So, unless I am armed to teeth to kill off all possible hyenas in Adamaa I won’t advise my good friend to leave today. If HE has urgent business IN ADAAMAA, then he can decide for himself, but my early morning bus tomorrow is very fast and will not stop to pick him up in Adaamaa. He may join us in Finfinnee another day, if he really had that destination in the first place.

Yoo innuu har’a fira fakkaatee natti garagalee nasaamee woo biyyan ani himbeeknetti? Himmm!!!

Is this not exactly what happened in 1992, Obboo Walfidaa? Do you also think that Oromos are foolish? It is in the interest of every freedom loving Oromo to put end to the suffering of our people as soon as possible. However, in my view, it must be done in a more responsible and calculable way than this repeatedly failed short-cut approach.

Sii galtee dubbiin?

Nagaati!


Walfidaa
galatoomi, dubbiin akka salphaatti waan ilaalan miti. "it must be done in a more responsible and calculable way than this repeatedly failed short-cut approach!" This is what we two can agree on. Just look at the benefit and risk of both approaches and agree on the more beneficial or the less risky one. But we have to go beyond such abstract view and take concrete measures!!!!



Postby bench sebari » 16 Mar 2007, 20:20


Meraraw

Your brain is as narrow as the chicken [deleted] like your party OLf members and SHabia idiots. You want to grab power no matter what happen to Ormo people. That is awful and abbssurd. You think all Oromos are morons to follow your stupid ideas like this for the sake of grabing power and to put you onyour delusional throne.

So far I read most of your threads and posts all of it is garbage and old fashion becouse infact you are acting like king of Oromia. some times your long and boring article order oromos to follow and excute your stupid ideas. But the truth is you are a power hungry person who want to be king of oromia on the expense of the poor Oromo people. But so far no avail from no one.

Grow up budy. dont you understand that AFD is dead long time a go but you still insist that it is still alive. I dont think you follow world news more often. It is the 21st centuary. What you want is so far to bring to Oromos is the 18th centuary medival kind of life stile. You want to enslave them and rob them. It is not going to happen!!!!!

Peace!!!



Postby sony » 17 Mar 2007, 00:48


Meraraw,
Don’t you know there is only one middle in given situation?

That middle is occupied by CUD, what other middle are you talking? Or was it meant to confuse people? In any ways, don’t be fool and underestimate others. As I have told you time again, you will not reproduce Eritrea’s strategies of the 60s of the 20th century, in 21st century. That is gone forever, no mater how hard you try, and it will not come back again. Even Eritreans cannot repeat it now, if they would try it once again. Please, try some thing else, which may have even a slight chance of success instead.



Postby A.Geremew » 17 Mar 2007, 06:21


Dear Boot Leaker,

What is all this utter garbage statement about ULFO? Is it your freakish party which is a non-existence to bring it from the air? You are really "MESAKIA"

It is shame to see a living toy like you in this forum. You lost all your sense what you want to write about and to judge the right and the wrong. You are the one who never know the OLF agenda why naively targets the Oromo Ethiopians. A great surprise even for the people in this forum is you are known as the enthusiast supporter without a knowledge what ideology OLF has endorsed. "MAFERIA"

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