By Mammo Abb-Kebede

The Oromo people have long been a symbol of resilience, courage, and hope. For centuries, they thrived under their own laws and systems, living in stability, peace, and prosperity. But the 20th century brought with it a wave of oppression that shattered this harmony. Local colonial armies, armed with European weapons, disrupted their peace, violated their rights, and stripped them of their freedom. For decades, the Oromo people endured subjugation from successive Ethiopian regimes, their identity polluted and their existence threatened.

Yet, in the face of this adversity, the Oromo spirit refused to be broken. The flame of resistance was lit, and the struggle for freedom began. Organizations like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) emerged, each fighting in their own way to reclaim the rights, freedoms, and identity of the Oromo people. Their shared vision was clear: to end subjugation and restore dignity to their people.

But as the struggle evolved, so did its challenges. Internal divisions, ideological differences, and a lack of unity among these organizations weakened their collective impact. The Oromo people, who had placed their hopes in these movements, watched as their leaders, members, and supporters became entangled in disputes, leaving the just cause of their people unaddressed. The result? A fragmented struggle that has yet to achieve its full potential.

Today, the Oromo struggle stands at a crossroads. The question is no longer whether the Oromo people can achieve freedom and equality, but whether their leaders can unite to make it happen. This is why the call for a public debate among Oromo political entities is not just timely—it is essential.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲

The idea of a public debate is not new. Visionaries like Seenaa G-D Jimjimo and Girma Gutema have advocated for such a platform. Seenaa Jimjimo argues that a debate would allow Oromo leaders to present their visions, address their differences, and chart a new path forward. She believes that the Oromo people deserve to hear from their leaders directly, to evaluate their strategies, and to decide the best course of action.

Girma Gutema, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of unity and pragmatism. He sees the recent OLF-OFC conference as a step in the right direction, a sign that Oromo leaders are beginning to prioritize collaboration over division. For Gutema, a structured debate is not just about airing differences; it is about finding common ground and crafting a unified strategy that can bring meaningful change.

Both proposals share a common thread: the belief that the Oromo struggle can only succeed if its leaders come together, set aside their differences, and focus on the greater good.

𝗔 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

So, what would such a debate look like? First and foremost, it must be structured to foster productive dialogue, mutual understanding, and potential collaboration. The tone should be one of respect and shared purpose, avoiding inflammatory or accusatory language. The goal is not to win an argument, but to identify common ground and address differences constructively.

The debate should begin by reaffirming what unites the Oromo people: their shared vision of freedom, equality, and self-determination. From there, leaders can discuss their differences, not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and innovation. Finally, the debate should end with actionable outcomes—a clear plan for collaboration that prioritizes the needs of the Oromo people over partisan interests.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

The stakes could not be higher. The Oromo people have suffered for too long, their dreams of freedom deferred by division and disunity. A public debate offers a chance to change this narrative. It is an opportunity to transform potential division into an opportunity for dialogue, mutual learning, and stronger alignment.

But this is not just about the Oromo people. The destinies of the Oromo and Ethiopia are inseparably linked. A united Oromo front could reset the dynamics of Ethiopian politics, compelling the government to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the root causes of conflict. In this way, the Oromo struggle is not just a fight for one people; it is a fight for the future of an entire nation.

𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The time for division is over. The time for unity is now. The Oromo people deserve leaders who are willing to set aside their egos, embrace their shared destiny, and work together for the greater good. They deserve a debate that is not just about words, but about action.

To the leaders of the OLF, OFC, OLA, and all Oromo political entities: The world is watching. The Oromo people are waiting. Will you rise to the occasion? Will you put aside your differences and come together for the sake of your people? Will you prove that the Oromo struggle is not just a fight for freedom, but a testament to the power of unity?

The choice is yours. Let us choose unity. Let us choose progress. Let us choose the Oromo people.