Saree Maraatuu Irraa of Eegaa | Beware of Mad Dogs
Posted: Waxabajjii/June 29, 2014 · Finfinne Tribune | Gadaa.com | Comments
By Ibsaa Guutama* | June 2014
The Oromo people have been struggling for their freedom since they were victimized by “The Scramble for Africa” in the 19th century. Effect of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 is still on their heels. Now, the more they are cornered, the more they are fighting back the enemy. This time, the question is not only the question of national liberation, but more of continuing to exist as a people. For the last more than a hundred years, the enemy had kneaded them hard to destroy all the characteristics of a nation, but for the roots in strong civilization. Their political, economic and social cultures were almost gone. The population was reduced to half, and still culling to reduce their numbers is going on. Only memories of the ancient past and their language remained to remind them to ask who they were. They found it and started to reclaim it back. That was how the struggle for liberation in which thousands of gallant Oromo daughters and sons paid the ultimate sacrifice began. The Oromo are peace loving people. There is no extremism in their blood otherwise fifty million people would not have been kicked around by a group from six million. To say otherwise is a distortion of history.
The atrocities being committed by the Ethiopian government are now starting to get ears from many corners, though those that matter, governments and big media, still prefer silence. Genocide is blooming under their eyes, but temporary national interest is making them see the other way like they did to Rwanda. Otherwise, there is no part of Oromiyaa where mass murder is not taking place even today. It should be shame for humanity that mass grave used by the present and past regimes discovered at Hammaarressa in this month of June 2014 did not attract the media like the smaller ones in oil rich countries. Students are being suspended frequently from universities and training centers and even schools, with the objective of silencing and subduing the Oromo. From this, a lesson is to be learned, it is said even “Waaqaa helps those who help themselves.” It seems that this was realized that Oromo nationals throughout the world rose in unison to make the plight of their compatriots who are falling like autumn leaves is heard all over the world.
Among the various Oromo organizations and communities, which were divided for unknown reasons, many have now realized their errors and started to come together to rescue the fatherland. Unless they are vigilant enough to protect their new found unity, mad dogs running around will contaminate their efforts. They have to say no to any provocation from any camp. It needs courage, magnanimity and understanding to build trust needed for progress after so many trying years of staying apart with negative attitude for each other and different ways of doing things. Community organizations are social organizations, not political parties. Their role is to bring Oromo of all political outlooks, creeds, genders and regions together for social and cultural activities. They have to serve all without discrimination or any sort of favoritism. Oromummaa is the common factor they have to emphasize. By nature, their agenda is local. On the other hand, political organizations are formed by those who entertain similar political outlook their agenda is national agenda. Their objective is to empower the nation politically. To achieve their end goal, they organize and lead nationwide struggle.
Social and political organizations are not rivals, but have different roles to play. Mass movements and uprising need political organization to coordinate their efforts and create a sustainable struggle that can fulfil their aspirations. Community organizations could help in articulating national grievances, and try to get sympathy and support for the national cause from local authorities and humanitarian organizations. They can also help in cultural and linguistic developments and raise funds to support national struggle for development and liberation. If they can stand bigger than personal interests and concentrate only on national cause, there will be nothing they cannot contribute. If one faces obstacle when going to one’s home, one will not quit one’s home for that, but find a way around or will remove the obstacle rather than remaining in the limbo. The same must be true to reach a set goal. No personal or group relation should be greater than national interest to distract one from the long march. Among those coming together, after so many years of schism, are two factions of OLF. Both claimed for over ten years to be the genuine OLF until they realized people recognize them if only they stand as one for there could be only one OLF in nature.
This year 2014 has to be marked as the Oromo unity year. People from all corners of Oromiyaa rose to claim their rights over their land and as human beings. Many lost their lives leaving martyrs whom no national could forget until the cause for their sacrifices is achieved. The two factions of the Oromo Liberation Front started peace talks many years ago. That it was concluded this year is another surprising coincidence. Oromo communities in the diaspora reached spontaneous consensus to stand for their compatriots back home. It is indeed a historic year. It changed the chapter in Oromo history throwing the enemy berserk like a rabid dog. Oromo activists have to keep the momentum never to make the enemy relax.
OLF is now going to be one if everything goes as planned. The National Council from both factions is going to meet for the first time to discuss and promulgate the unifying document. So far, it seems basic understandings are reached. But as told, the National Council as the highest body representing the National Congress has to deliberate and give its final approval that will enable the two factions to operate as one body. Whether all of them are going to the meeting or send representative is not yet sure though several suggestions and speculations are going around. They cannot be blamed not to release details to protect the gathering from unessential elements. In this process, that some points may not be debated should not be expected. The National Council is not rubber-stamp of any one, but an authority by itself. However, documents presented are said to have been browsed by both National Councils. What is going to be done now is to seat together and give it the final touch as one body, not as separate factions.
One cannot expect a uniformity of thought in the organization or in Oromo society or a rubber-stamp membership when it comes to issues in general. But one thing is certain, there is consensus when it comes to unity of the Oromo nation and their vanguard organization. In democracy, everyone is free to express one’s opinion, but is duty bound to abide by majority decision. Oromo have long tradition of native democracy. The issue now is not about mortal individuals and groups, but about the immortal spirit of the nation. All that is happening now is part of history of the nation, and it will go on irrespective of individual idiosyncrasy. The responsibility of every national is seeing to it that facts go down without distortion to satisfy individual egos.
OLF is the spirit of the nation. After a month, it is going to turn new leaf. That is why the enemy wants to destroy it before that happens. This is an organization that remained true to the original Kaayyoo (principled objective) that gained the liberation movement legitimacy. Therefore, for the enemy, it is only destruction of this organization that could assure its dominance in the Horn. Without a firm grasp over Oromiyaa, no one could think to dominate the Horn. Branding OLF as a TERRORIST, it paved a way to silence the Oromo people in cold blood – accusing all as OLF the “terrorists.” Terrorism is what most systems in the world condemn. And so campaign against it gets critical support from a few, but unconditional support from most big powers.
It seems as if there is belief of more return from destruction of Oromiyaa, in land, mines and manpower than from protection of human rights. That probably is why mass murder of the Oromo people and baseless allegation against OLF is ignored. The enemy is not leaving alone any promising intelligent young Oromo. He or she should either join their party, selling her or his conscience or must be killed or imprisoned. These are trying options. That is why Oromo who want to live with their conscience are running to unknown destinations to survive the onslaught. That is why there is constant flow of refugees to neighboring countries where they thought they were safe, but it is not always.
All regimes that ruled the Empire state had been busy destroying all persons who could possibly provide leadership to the nation. This time, the speed, efficiency and effectiveness at which that is done exceeds all past records. The Oromo people are being pushed to a corner for destruction. Let alone such a great people, the minutest worm will not give up its life and freedom without fighting back. That is what the Oromo are doing at this moment. They are standing their grounds against multifaceted attack from several directions. It is up to Oromo activists to give leadership to the ongoing mass uprisings if the nation has to be saved from extinction. There is now an opportunity to set one’s home in order.
All old walls built for group self-defense have to be dismantled, and all inclusive outlooks developed. National interest has to take precedence over personal or cliquish interests. The right to national self-determination is the birth right of the Oromo people. It is up to them to choose the type of political system that suits them. The role of political organizations is not to sabotage this right, but to canvas for the system they support. The OLF has made it clear that it stands for independence, so it campaigns for that to be realized. It is to be understood that to reach to this level did not come without sweating. Nerves were rocked, blood spilt, bones broken and resources depleted, and time and energy consumed. OLF was trying to move with many that were not true to the idea of independence. As a result, there were failures and betrayals more than successes on its way.
The past is gone, and all bad habits and practices related to it have to be discarded, and a new beginning ushered in. Every activist is responsible for sickness of the past. No one can point fingers to the others as the only culprits. In both factions of the OLF, there are revolutionaries who are tested in the struggle, and cadres who have played great roles in raising national political awareness. Therefore, there is no winner and loser because of peace settlement. Both only won pride for the Oromo people. It has to be written down without distortion if it may serve the coming generation, not to repeat mistakes done, but use the strong points to enrich their own. For the organization turning new leaf should not mean overhauling the old beyond a transitional short time, but turning new in reality. Now an honest revolutionary new beginning has to be put in motion. The youth (Raabaa and Doorii) have to come forward and assume responsibility. It is time to consider Gadaa model of leadership formation. No machination can stop people’s struggle for emancipation. With strong and determined leadership, the struggle will never be frustrated. Stay collected, there are many tasks ahead. Beware of mad dogs, good luck!
Honor and glory for the fallen heroines and heroes; liberty equality and freedom for the living and nagaa and araaraa for the Ayyaanaa of our fore parents!
* Ibsaa Guutama: Gubirmans.com
Erga gaaga’ammi Hirmannaa Afriikaa jaarraa 19ffaa irra gahe ummati Oromoo bilisummaa saaniif qabsaawuu hin dhaabne. Miiddhaan Kora Barliin 1884-85 ammayyuu biraa hin hafnee. Amma yeroo golee galfaman ofirraa dachaasuuf caalaatti faciisaa jiru. Si’ana gaaffiin jiru kan bilisummaa sabaa qofa utuu hin ta’in kan akka ummataatt badii irraa ooluutisii. Waggoota dhibba darban caalaafi dinni jabeessee sukkuumuun bifi dhalootaa hamma yartuutuf irraa hafe. Aadaan mulbulchaa, diinagdee fi hawaasomaa xifa badanii oolan. Dilormaan saanii walakkaatti gadi cabeee hardhass keessa keessaa aramamaa jira. Qaabannoo fi afaan saaniitu turun nuti eenyu jedhanii akka of gaafatan tolche. Eenyu akka ta’an argatanii deeffachuuf gaafachuu eegalan. Akka kanatt kan qabsoon bilisummaa ijoolee saanii jannoota kumootaan wareega isa dhuma baasise eegale. Oromoon ummata nagaa jaallatani. Karisummaan dhiiga saanii keessa hin jiru. Sanaaf malee murni kumkuma jaha hincaalle keessaa baate kumkuma shantama naannesitee hin dhiittu turtee. Sana akka biraatt dhiheessuun seenaa garadhabsiisuu dha.
Badiin mootummaa Itophiyaan tolfamaa jiru golee hedduu gurri itt qeenfamaa jiratullee mootummootii fi qubqabsiisoti gurguddaan silaa dhimma baasan ammalee callisuu filataa jiru. Fixiqacee isaan fulduratt daraaraa jira garuu fedhi saba saanii ija hin qabne akkuma Ruwandaa tolchan gara ilaalchisaanii jira. Sanaaf malee bakki Oromiyaa keessatt tuutaan ajjeechaan it thin tolfamin hin jiru. Awwaalii tuutaa ji’uma Waxabajjii 2014 kana Ammmarreessatt argame akka kanneen xixinnoo biyya ogana qabanii qubqabsiisota hin millachiifnee.Baratooti yeroo hedduu akeeka Oromoo callisiisuun universitootaa fi wiirtota leenjiitii fi wabaroota olhaanoo irraallee raarraafamaa fi ari’amaa jiru. Kana irraa barnooti argamu “Waaqi kan of gargaaran gargaara” is jedhu. Kun qayyabatamee fakkaataa sabboonoti Oromoo addunyaa keessa jiran iyyati obbolaa saanii akka baalaa harca’aa jiranii hundaan akka dhagahamu tokkummaan ka’uun sagalee saanii dhageessisaa jiru.
Maalifaa hin beekamneen dhaaboti Oromoo diigamaa turan amma dogoggora ofii baranii biyya abbaa saaniif birmachuuf walitt dhufaa jiru. Tokkummaa saanii haaraa argame kana dammaqanii hin eeggatan taanaan saree maraatuun olii gadi xallisaa jirtu ifaajjee isaan faaluu dandeessii. Tuttuqaa mooraa kamiiyyuu dhufu hin ta’uu dhaabbadhu jechuu qabu. Bara qoramsaa wal ciigaha yeroo dheeraa fi muuxannoo walirraa addaa horatan booda wal amantee tarkaanfiif barbaachisu ijaaruun jannummaa, namguddummaa fi wal qayyabannoo gaafata. Dhaaboti hawaasaa ijaarsa hawaasomaa malee goloota malbulchaa miti. Qoodi saanii Oromoo ilaalcha malbulchaa kamiiyuu, amantoota, saala fi godinaa gara garaa dhimma aadaa fi hawaasomaaf walitti fiduu dha. Hundaa faanfana yk leelloo addaa tokko malee tajaajiluu qabu. Oromummaan taasisa gad jabeessuu qabani. Uumaan bu’uurri saanii naannaan daangahama. Karaa biraammoo dhaaboti malbulchaa namootaa ilaalchaa walfakkaata qabaniin ijaaramu. Bu’uurri saanii sabaawaadha. Kaayyoon saanii ummataaf aangoo malbulchaa argamsiisuu dha. Akeeka saanii bakkaan gahuuf qabsoo biyya guutuu ijaaranii gaggeessuu dha.
Jaarmoti hawaasomaa fi malbulchaa nakkarii mitii garuu qooda gumaachan adda addaa qabu. sochooti ambaa fi kaka’ooti tattaaffii saanii qindeessuu fi qabsoo walirraa hin citne gaggeefachuf dhaabotati malbulchaa isaan barbaachisu.Dhaaboti hawaasaa hawaasaa iyyannoo saanii sirreessanii kaasaa sabaafi abbootii tahitaa naannaa fi dhaabota namoomaa irraa deggersaa fi mararfannoo argamsiisuu danda’uu. Misa aadaa fi afaanii deggeruu fi qabsoo sabaa, guddinaa fi bilisummaa tolfamu gumaata walitti qabuun gargaaruu danda’u. Yoo fedha ofii irra guddatanii mullachuu fi kaasaa sabaa qofa irratt xiyyeeffachuu danda’an wanti isaan gumaachuu hin dandeenye hin jiraatu.
Nammi tokko yeroo manatt galu gufuun karaa yoo itt cufe mana ofiitt galuu hin lagatu garuu karaa naannaee bira darbu yk akka itti of jalaa kaasu fala malee qaratt hin hafu. Itt gala kaawwatan gahuufis kun barbaachisaa ta’aa. Karaa irraa nu ceesisee dhiichaa dheeraa irraa nu hanqisuuf, hariiroon ofii yk murnaa fedha sabaa caalu jiraachuu hin qabu. Waggoolii hedduuf gargar bahani kanneen walitt dhufuuf deeman keessaatt murnoota ABOti argamu. Lachanuu umama keessatt ABOn tokkicha waan ta’eef tokko yoo ta’an qofaa ummati akka isaan beeku hanga hubatanitt, kara karaan anatu isa kaan caalaa ABO dhugaati jedhaa bahan.
Barri 2014 kun akka bara tokkommaa Oromoott hubatamu qaba. Ummati golee Oromiyaa hunda irraa mirgoota lafaa fi mirga namoomaa saanii gaafachuuf walqabatanii kan itt ka’ani. Hedduun lubbuu itt dhabanii dabaankufummaa sabboonaan kamu hanga akeeki saanii bakka gahutt hin irraanfanne dhiisanii darban. Murnooti ABO walgidduutt araara buusuuf waggoota hedduu dura tattaafii jalqabani. Bara kana fiixaan baafachuun saanii wan walirra bu’a malalchiisaa ta’e tokko. Haaawsi Oromoo Badiin lammi saanii biyya jiraniif dhaabachuf walta’insa akka tasaan walfaana ka’anii. Kun dhuguma bara seena qabeessaa. Boqonnaa seenaa Oromoo jijjiiree diina akka saree maraatuu ababbarsiise. Diinni aara galfachuu hin qabu qabsaawoti Oromoo haalichi akka hin qabbanoofne itt afuufuu qabu.
Wanti halle akka karooraatt yoo deeme ABOn dhiheenyati tokko ta’uuf deema. Gumiin Sabaa gar lachanuu si’a jalqabaaf wal gahee mari’achuun barruu tokkomsaa raggaasisuuf adeema. Hanga yoonaa waliigalteen bu’uuraa irra kan gahame fakkaata. Garuu Gummiin Sabaa qaama olhaanaa Koraa Sabaa bakka bu’u waan ta’eef sirnaan mari’atee ragaasisa dhumaa itt gochuun, murni lamaan akka qaama tokkoott socho’uu hayyama jedhamee eegama. Miseensoti saa hundi argamuun haa ta’u iddoosota ergachuun walgahuunis hanga yoonaa hin beekamu. Garuu yaadotii fi ta’innaa hedduutu naanna’aa jira. Gabaasi feccoon dhaggeeffataa hundaaf kan kennamu waan hin taaneef irra hin laalamu. Of eeggannoo inni jedhamu sana gaafata. Lakkoofsa murnoota fedha adda addaa qaban kanneen tokkummaa Oromoo fashalsuuf halkanii guyyaa bobba’a iif sun barbaachisaa dha. Yaa’ii kana keessatt tuqaaleen tokko tokko irra deebi’amanii hin mari’ataman jedhamee yaadamuu hin qabu.. Gumin Sabaa damboobsa eenyuu utuu hin ta’in innumti abbaa tahitaati. Haa ta’u malee barruuleen dhihaatan Gumii sabaa lamaanuun irra deemamanii turuutu himama. Kanaaf inn ammaa akka gareett utuu hin ta’in akka qaama tokkooti waliin taa’anii cululuqsuu ta’aa.
Nammi tokko yaada walfakkaataa dhaaba keessatt yk hawaasa Oromoo keessatt yk miseensa hundaaf tole qofa jedhu eeguu hin qabu. Garuu wanti tokko hin haalamu, tokkummaa sabaa fi dhaaba kallacha saa ta’e irratt waliigaltee hundaatu jira. Demokrasii keessatt hunduu yaada ofii ifsuuf bilisummaa qaba garuu murti wayyabaan buluun dirqama. Oromoon dudhaa democraasii dhalootaa dheeraa qabu. Qabatteen jiru waa’ee abba tokkoon du’a hin oollee utuu hin ta’in waa’ee ayyaana sabichaa barabaraan jiraatuti. Kanaa alatt kan of ilaalu yoo jiraate taajjaba qofa buufata. Waanti ta’aa jiru miiraa addaa abba tokkootaa utuu hin laalin karaa saa itt fufa. Abbawummaan tokko tokkoon sabboonotaa mirkanii jiran ofiffumaa abba tokkootaa quufsuu utuu hin laalin akka gadi darban tolchuu dha.
ABOn ayyaana sabichaati. Torban booda baala haaraa baafachuuf deema. Diinni sun akka hin taaneef balleessuunii barbaada. Dhaabi kun dhaaba kaayyoo ganamaa kan seerawummaa argamssiiseef gad hin dhiisin jiru. Diinaaf isa balleessuu qofatu olhantummaa Gaanfa Afrikaa irratt qabu mirkaneessaaf. Qabaa Oromiyaa irratt qabu utuu hin jabeeffatin Gaanfa irratt olhantummaa qabaachuun eenyuufuu hin yaadamu. ABOtt gubaa “gooltuu” jedhu itt baasuun karaa ummata Oromoo akka malee dhabamsiisu haxawatee jira. Gooltummaa waan sirnooti addunyaa garri caalan balaaleffatani. Kanaaf duulli itt tolfamu yartuun qeeqaan yoo deggeramu, anga’oota gurgadaa gara caalan irraa garuu deggersa hin daanga’amne argata.
Tarii badiisa Oromiyaa irraa bu’aan gara lafaa, albuudaa fi humna namaan argamu mirga ilmaan namaa deggeruu irra wayyaa taanaan ummati Oromoo tuutaan yoo ajjeesuu fi ABO irratt haddheessaan sobaa yoo tolfamu gara ilaalame ta’innaa? Diinni dargaggeeyyii Oromoo qaroon garamitti bahu jedhaman callisee hin dhiisuu; seexaa ofii gurguranii miseensota garee saanii ta’uu yk hidhaa fi ajjeefamuutu isaan eeggata. Kanneen filmaata qorama keessa nama galchani. Kanaafi ijoolleen Oromoo seexaa saanii waliin jiraachuu filatan ajjeechaa jalaa bahuuf itt gala hin beekamnett baqataa kan jiran. Kanaafi baqataan walirra cita malee ollaatt nagaa wayyaan argadha jechuun, itt yaa’aa jira, nagichi alii alii dhugaa ta’uu dhiisuun ni mala.
Bulchooti Finnaa Empayeraa namoota sabichaaf hoggansa kennuu danda’u jedhan dhabamsiisaa jiraatani. Yeroo ammaa ariitii, harka o’uu fi fiixaan baasuun galmee darban hundaa oli. Ummati Oromoo badiif goleett dhiibamaa jira. Ummata guddaa akkasii hafee raammoo bucureenillee utuu ofirratt hin lolin lubbuu fi bilisummaa see gad hin dhiistuu. Kan Oromoon amma godhaa jiran sana. Haleellaa fuula hedduu kara karaan itt dhufe jala dhaabbachuun ofirraa faccisaa jiru. Fincila ummataa adeemaa jiru, yoo sabichi badii irraa haa baraaramu jedhamee hooggansa kennuun qooda qabsaawota Oromooti. Mana ofii soneeffachuuf carraan jiru ammaa.
Gidaarrii of golguuf ijaarame diigamee ilaalcha hunda haammatuun bakka bu’uu qaba. Fedhi sabaa, kan ofii fi garee caalaa durfannoo argachuutu eegama. Mirgi hiree ofii ofiin murteeffachuu saabaa mirga dhalootaa ummata Oromooti. Sirna malbulchaa fedhan filachuun giroo saaniiti. Qoodi dhaabota malbulchaa mirga kana hankaaksuu utuu hin ta’in yoo fedhan sirna barbaadan dhaadhessuu dha. ABOn akka walabummaa deggeru ifa godheera. Kan inni itt duulu sana dhugoomsuutt. Kan qayyabatamuu qabuu as gahuun tolaan utuu hin ta’in itt dafqameetu. Rifattuun rommitee, dhiigi dhangala’ee, lafeen caccabee fi qabeenyi itt xuruufamee fi yeroo fi giidoon gubateetu as gahame. Deemsa irratti fashalli, milkiinii fi ganamuun turani.
Kan darbe sokkeera, kanaaf barsiifataa fi shaakalli fokkuun sanaan walitti eejjan gatamanii eegalli haaraan simatamuu qaba. Dhibee darbeef qabsaawaa hundi abbaa’wummaa qaba. Aka balleessaa tokkichaati eenyuu eenyuttuu quba qabuu hin danda’uu. Murnoota ABO lachanuu keessa warraaqxota qoramanii fi dabballoota ofbaraa malbulchaa sabichaa olkaasuutt qooda guddaa gumaachantu argama. Kanaaf waliigaltee nagaaf jedhee kan mo’es kan moo’ames hin jiru. Lachanuu ummata Oromoo qofa boonsuu. Dhalooti itt haanu akka dogogora ture irra hin deebinee garuu tuqoota ciccimoo ta’an kan offii gabbisuuf maayii baasa yoo ta’e akka fudhataniif utuu hin jajallifamin barreeffamuu qabaa. Dhaabichaaf baala haaraa baasuu jechuun kan ture kakkabeessanii yeroo cehumsaa gabaabduu achi dabarsuu jechuu miti garuu dhugaati haarommsuu jechuu dha. Amma sochiin warraaqsaa gara jalqaqaba amanamaa haaraatti konkolaachifamuu qaba. Dargageeyyii n (Raabaa Dooriin) fulduratt bahanii egeree saaniif abbaawumaa akkka itt fudhatan mijjeessuu dha. Fakmishoo Gadaan hoogansa uumuuf qabu keessa ilaaluun ammaa. Qabsoo ummati birmadummaaf godhu dhaabuu shirri kamu hin danda’u. Hoogansa cimaa fi kutataa qabaannaan Qabsoon hin fashalu. Sonaawaa eegaa, jiruu hedduutu fuldura jiraa. Saree maraatuu eeggadhaa, milkiin baha.
Ulfinaa fi surraan gootota kufaniif; walabummaa, walqixxummaa fi bilisummaan kan hafaniif; nagaa fi araarri Ayyaana abboolii fi ayyoliif haa tahu!
* Ibsaa Guutama: Gubirmans.com
Beware of Mad Dogs
By Ibsaa Guutama* | June 2014The Oromo people have been struggling for their freedom since they were victimized by “The Scramble for Africa” in the 19th century. Effect of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 is still on their heels. Now, the more they are cornered, the more they are fighting back the enemy. This time, the question is not only the question of national liberation, but more of continuing to exist as a people. For the last more than a hundred years, the enemy had kneaded them hard to destroy all the characteristics of a nation, but for the roots in strong civilization. Their political, economic and social cultures were almost gone. The population was reduced to half, and still culling to reduce their numbers is going on. Only memories of the ancient past and their language remained to remind them to ask who they were. They found it and started to reclaim it back. That was how the struggle for liberation in which thousands of gallant Oromo daughters and sons paid the ultimate sacrifice began. The Oromo are peace loving people. There is no extremism in their blood otherwise fifty million people would not have been kicked around by a group from six million. To say otherwise is a distortion of history.
The atrocities being committed by the Ethiopian government are now starting to get ears from many corners, though those that matter, governments and big media, still prefer silence. Genocide is blooming under their eyes, but temporary national interest is making them see the other way like they did to Rwanda. Otherwise, there is no part of Oromiyaa where mass murder is not taking place even today. It should be shame for humanity that mass grave used by the present and past regimes discovered at Hammaarressa in this month of June 2014 did not attract the media like the smaller ones in oil rich countries. Students are being suspended frequently from universities and training centers and even schools, with the objective of silencing and subduing the Oromo. From this, a lesson is to be learned, it is said even “Waaqaa helps those who help themselves.” It seems that this was realized that Oromo nationals throughout the world rose in unison to make the plight of their compatriots who are falling like autumn leaves is heard all over the world.
Among the various Oromo organizations and communities, which were divided for unknown reasons, many have now realized their errors and started to come together to rescue the fatherland. Unless they are vigilant enough to protect their new found unity, mad dogs running around will contaminate their efforts. They have to say no to any provocation from any camp. It needs courage, magnanimity and understanding to build trust needed for progress after so many trying years of staying apart with negative attitude for each other and different ways of doing things. Community organizations are social organizations, not political parties. Their role is to bring Oromo of all political outlooks, creeds, genders and regions together for social and cultural activities. They have to serve all without discrimination or any sort of favoritism. Oromummaa is the common factor they have to emphasize. By nature, their agenda is local. On the other hand, political organizations are formed by those who entertain similar political outlook their agenda is national agenda. Their objective is to empower the nation politically. To achieve their end goal, they organize and lead nationwide struggle.
Social and political organizations are not rivals, but have different roles to play. Mass movements and uprising need political organization to coordinate their efforts and create a sustainable struggle that can fulfil their aspirations. Community organizations could help in articulating national grievances, and try to get sympathy and support for the national cause from local authorities and humanitarian organizations. They can also help in cultural and linguistic developments and raise funds to support national struggle for development and liberation. If they can stand bigger than personal interests and concentrate only on national cause, there will be nothing they cannot contribute. If one faces obstacle when going to one’s home, one will not quit one’s home for that, but find a way around or will remove the obstacle rather than remaining in the limbo. The same must be true to reach a set goal. No personal or group relation should be greater than national interest to distract one from the long march. Among those coming together, after so many years of schism, are two factions of OLF. Both claimed for over ten years to be the genuine OLF until they realized people recognize them if only they stand as one for there could be only one OLF in nature.
This year 2014 has to be marked as the Oromo unity year. People from all corners of Oromiyaa rose to claim their rights over their land and as human beings. Many lost their lives leaving martyrs whom no national could forget until the cause for their sacrifices is achieved. The two factions of the Oromo Liberation Front started peace talks many years ago. That it was concluded this year is another surprising coincidence. Oromo communities in the diaspora reached spontaneous consensus to stand for their compatriots back home. It is indeed a historic year. It changed the chapter in Oromo history throwing the enemy berserk like a rabid dog. Oromo activists have to keep the momentum never to make the enemy relax.
OLF is now going to be one if everything goes as planned. The National Council from both factions is going to meet for the first time to discuss and promulgate the unifying document. So far, it seems basic understandings are reached. But as told, the National Council as the highest body representing the National Congress has to deliberate and give its final approval that will enable the two factions to operate as one body. Whether all of them are going to the meeting or send representative is not yet sure though several suggestions and speculations are going around. They cannot be blamed not to release details to protect the gathering from unessential elements. In this process, that some points may not be debated should not be expected. The National Council is not rubber-stamp of any one, but an authority by itself. However, documents presented are said to have been browsed by both National Councils. What is going to be done now is to seat together and give it the final touch as one body, not as separate factions.
One cannot expect a uniformity of thought in the organization or in Oromo society or a rubber-stamp membership when it comes to issues in general. But one thing is certain, there is consensus when it comes to unity of the Oromo nation and their vanguard organization. In democracy, everyone is free to express one’s opinion, but is duty bound to abide by majority decision. Oromo have long tradition of native democracy. The issue now is not about mortal individuals and groups, but about the immortal spirit of the nation. All that is happening now is part of history of the nation, and it will go on irrespective of individual idiosyncrasy. The responsibility of every national is seeing to it that facts go down without distortion to satisfy individual egos.
OLF is the spirit of the nation. After a month, it is going to turn new leaf. That is why the enemy wants to destroy it before that happens. This is an organization that remained true to the original Kaayyoo (principled objective) that gained the liberation movement legitimacy. Therefore, for the enemy, it is only destruction of this organization that could assure its dominance in the Horn. Without a firm grasp over Oromiyaa, no one could think to dominate the Horn. Branding OLF as a TERRORIST, it paved a way to silence the Oromo people in cold blood – accusing all as OLF the “terrorists.” Terrorism is what most systems in the world condemn. And so campaign against it gets critical support from a few, but unconditional support from most big powers.
It seems as if there is belief of more return from destruction of Oromiyaa, in land, mines and manpower than from protection of human rights. That probably is why mass murder of the Oromo people and baseless allegation against OLF is ignored. The enemy is not leaving alone any promising intelligent young Oromo. He or she should either join their party, selling her or his conscience or must be killed or imprisoned. These are trying options. That is why Oromo who want to live with their conscience are running to unknown destinations to survive the onslaught. That is why there is constant flow of refugees to neighboring countries where they thought they were safe, but it is not always.
All regimes that ruled the Empire state had been busy destroying all persons who could possibly provide leadership to the nation. This time, the speed, efficiency and effectiveness at which that is done exceeds all past records. The Oromo people are being pushed to a corner for destruction. Let alone such a great people, the minutest worm will not give up its life and freedom without fighting back. That is what the Oromo are doing at this moment. They are standing their grounds against multifaceted attack from several directions. It is up to Oromo activists to give leadership to the ongoing mass uprisings if the nation has to be saved from extinction. There is now an opportunity to set one’s home in order.
All old walls built for group self-defense have to be dismantled, and all inclusive outlooks developed. National interest has to take precedence over personal or cliquish interests. The right to national self-determination is the birth right of the Oromo people. It is up to them to choose the type of political system that suits them. The role of political organizations is not to sabotage this right, but to canvas for the system they support. The OLF has made it clear that it stands for independence, so it campaigns for that to be realized. It is to be understood that to reach to this level did not come without sweating. Nerves were rocked, blood spilt, bones broken and resources depleted, and time and energy consumed. OLF was trying to move with many that were not true to the idea of independence. As a result, there were failures and betrayals more than successes on its way.
The past is gone, and all bad habits and practices related to it have to be discarded, and a new beginning ushered in. Every activist is responsible for sickness of the past. No one can point fingers to the others as the only culprits. In both factions of the OLF, there are revolutionaries who are tested in the struggle, and cadres who have played great roles in raising national political awareness. Therefore, there is no winner and loser because of peace settlement. Both only won pride for the Oromo people. It has to be written down without distortion if it may serve the coming generation, not to repeat mistakes done, but use the strong points to enrich their own. For the organization turning new leaf should not mean overhauling the old beyond a transitional short time, but turning new in reality. Now an honest revolutionary new beginning has to be put in motion. The youth (Raabaa and Doorii) have to come forward and assume responsibility. It is time to consider Gadaa model of leadership formation. No machination can stop people’s struggle for emancipation. With strong and determined leadership, the struggle will never be frustrated. Stay collected, there are many tasks ahead. Beware of mad dogs, good luck!
Honor and glory for the fallen heroines and heroes; liberty equality and freedom for the living and nagaa and araaraa for the Ayyaanaa of our fore parents!
* Ibsaa Guutama: Gubirmans.com
Saree Maraatuu Irraa of Eegaa
Ibsaa Guutama irraa* | Waxabajjii 2014Erga gaaga’ammi Hirmannaa Afriikaa jaarraa 19ffaa irra gahe ummati Oromoo bilisummaa saaniif qabsaawuu hin dhaabne. Miiddhaan Kora Barliin 1884-85 ammayyuu biraa hin hafnee. Amma yeroo golee galfaman ofirraa dachaasuuf caalaatti faciisaa jiru. Si’ana gaaffiin jiru kan bilisummaa sabaa qofa utuu hin ta’in kan akka ummataatt badii irraa ooluutisii. Waggoota dhibba darban caalaafi dinni jabeessee sukkuumuun bifi dhalootaa hamma yartuutuf irraa hafe. Aadaan mulbulchaa, diinagdee fi hawaasomaa xifa badanii oolan. Dilormaan saanii walakkaatti gadi cabeee hardhass keessa keessaa aramamaa jira. Qaabannoo fi afaan saaniitu turun nuti eenyu jedhanii akka of gaafatan tolche. Eenyu akka ta’an argatanii deeffachuuf gaafachuu eegalan. Akka kanatt kan qabsoon bilisummaa ijoolee saanii jannoota kumootaan wareega isa dhuma baasise eegale. Oromoon ummata nagaa jaallatani. Karisummaan dhiiga saanii keessa hin jiru. Sanaaf malee murni kumkuma jaha hincaalle keessaa baate kumkuma shantama naannesitee hin dhiittu turtee. Sana akka biraatt dhiheessuun seenaa garadhabsiisuu dha.
Badiin mootummaa Itophiyaan tolfamaa jiru golee hedduu gurri itt qeenfamaa jiratullee mootummootii fi qubqabsiisoti gurguddaan silaa dhimma baasan ammalee callisuu filataa jiru. Fixiqacee isaan fulduratt daraaraa jira garuu fedhi saba saanii ija hin qabne akkuma Ruwandaa tolchan gara ilaalchisaanii jira. Sanaaf malee bakki Oromiyaa keessatt tuutaan ajjeechaan it thin tolfamin hin jiru. Awwaalii tuutaa ji’uma Waxabajjii 2014 kana Ammmarreessatt argame akka kanneen xixinnoo biyya ogana qabanii qubqabsiisota hin millachiifnee.Baratooti yeroo hedduu akeeka Oromoo callisiisuun universitootaa fi wiirtota leenjiitii fi wabaroota olhaanoo irraallee raarraafamaa fi ari’amaa jiru. Kana irraa barnooti argamu “Waaqi kan of gargaaran gargaara” is jedhu. Kun qayyabatamee fakkaataa sabboonoti Oromoo addunyaa keessa jiran iyyati obbolaa saanii akka baalaa harca’aa jiranii hundaan akka dhagahamu tokkummaan ka’uun sagalee saanii dhageessisaa jiru.
Maalifaa hin beekamneen dhaaboti Oromoo diigamaa turan amma dogoggora ofii baranii biyya abbaa saaniif birmachuuf walitt dhufaa jiru. Tokkummaa saanii haaraa argame kana dammaqanii hin eeggatan taanaan saree maraatuun olii gadi xallisaa jirtu ifaajjee isaan faaluu dandeessii. Tuttuqaa mooraa kamiiyyuu dhufu hin ta’uu dhaabbadhu jechuu qabu. Bara qoramsaa wal ciigaha yeroo dheeraa fi muuxannoo walirraa addaa horatan booda wal amantee tarkaanfiif barbaachisu ijaaruun jannummaa, namguddummaa fi wal qayyabannoo gaafata. Dhaaboti hawaasaa ijaarsa hawaasomaa malee goloota malbulchaa miti. Qoodi saanii Oromoo ilaalcha malbulchaa kamiiyuu, amantoota, saala fi godinaa gara garaa dhimma aadaa fi hawaasomaaf walitti fiduu dha. Hundaa faanfana yk leelloo addaa tokko malee tajaajiluu qabu. Oromummaan taasisa gad jabeessuu qabani. Uumaan bu’uurri saanii naannaan daangahama. Karaa biraammoo dhaaboti malbulchaa namootaa ilaalchaa walfakkaata qabaniin ijaaramu. Bu’uurri saanii sabaawaadha. Kaayyoon saanii ummataaf aangoo malbulchaa argamsiisuu dha. Akeeka saanii bakkaan gahuuf qabsoo biyya guutuu ijaaranii gaggeessuu dha.
Jaarmoti hawaasomaa fi malbulchaa nakkarii mitii garuu qooda gumaachan adda addaa qabu. sochooti ambaa fi kaka’ooti tattaaffii saanii qindeessuu fi qabsoo walirraa hin citne gaggeefachuf dhaabotati malbulchaa isaan barbaachisu.Dhaaboti hawaasaa hawaasaa iyyannoo saanii sirreessanii kaasaa sabaafi abbootii tahitaa naannaa fi dhaabota namoomaa irraa deggersaa fi mararfannoo argamsiisuu danda’uu. Misa aadaa fi afaanii deggeruu fi qabsoo sabaa, guddinaa fi bilisummaa tolfamu gumaata walitti qabuun gargaaruu danda’u. Yoo fedha ofii irra guddatanii mullachuu fi kaasaa sabaa qofa irratt xiyyeeffachuu danda’an wanti isaan gumaachuu hin dandeenye hin jiraatu.
Nammi tokko yeroo manatt galu gufuun karaa yoo itt cufe mana ofiitt galuu hin lagatu garuu karaa naannaee bira darbu yk akka itti of jalaa kaasu fala malee qaratt hin hafu. Itt gala kaawwatan gahuufis kun barbaachisaa ta’aa. Karaa irraa nu ceesisee dhiichaa dheeraa irraa nu hanqisuuf, hariiroon ofii yk murnaa fedha sabaa caalu jiraachuu hin qabu. Waggoolii hedduuf gargar bahani kanneen walitt dhufuuf deeman keessaatt murnoota ABOti argamu. Lachanuu umama keessatt ABOn tokkicha waan ta’eef tokko yoo ta’an qofaa ummati akka isaan beeku hanga hubatanitt, kara karaan anatu isa kaan caalaa ABO dhugaati jedhaa bahan.
Barri 2014 kun akka bara tokkommaa Oromoott hubatamu qaba. Ummati golee Oromiyaa hunda irraa mirgoota lafaa fi mirga namoomaa saanii gaafachuuf walqabatanii kan itt ka’ani. Hedduun lubbuu itt dhabanii dabaankufummaa sabboonaan kamu hanga akeeki saanii bakka gahutt hin irraanfanne dhiisanii darban. Murnooti ABO walgidduutt araara buusuuf waggoota hedduu dura tattaafii jalqabani. Bara kana fiixaan baafachuun saanii wan walirra bu’a malalchiisaa ta’e tokko. Haaawsi Oromoo Badiin lammi saanii biyya jiraniif dhaabachuf walta’insa akka tasaan walfaana ka’anii. Kun dhuguma bara seena qabeessaa. Boqonnaa seenaa Oromoo jijjiiree diina akka saree maraatuu ababbarsiise. Diinni aara galfachuu hin qabu qabsaawoti Oromoo haalichi akka hin qabbanoofne itt afuufuu qabu.
Wanti halle akka karooraatt yoo deeme ABOn dhiheenyati tokko ta’uuf deema. Gumiin Sabaa gar lachanuu si’a jalqabaaf wal gahee mari’achuun barruu tokkomsaa raggaasisuuf adeema. Hanga yoonaa waliigalteen bu’uuraa irra kan gahame fakkaata. Garuu Gummiin Sabaa qaama olhaanaa Koraa Sabaa bakka bu’u waan ta’eef sirnaan mari’atee ragaasisa dhumaa itt gochuun, murni lamaan akka qaama tokkoott socho’uu hayyama jedhamee eegama. Miseensoti saa hundi argamuun haa ta’u iddoosota ergachuun walgahuunis hanga yoonaa hin beekamu. Garuu yaadotii fi ta’innaa hedduutu naanna’aa jira. Gabaasi feccoon dhaggeeffataa hundaaf kan kennamu waan hin taaneef irra hin laalamu. Of eeggannoo inni jedhamu sana gaafata. Lakkoofsa murnoota fedha adda addaa qaban kanneen tokkummaa Oromoo fashalsuuf halkanii guyyaa bobba’a iif sun barbaachisaa dha. Yaa’ii kana keessatt tuqaaleen tokko tokko irra deebi’amanii hin mari’ataman jedhamee yaadamuu hin qabu.. Gumin Sabaa damboobsa eenyuu utuu hin ta’in innumti abbaa tahitaati. Haa ta’u malee barruuleen dhihaatan Gumii sabaa lamaanuun irra deemamanii turuutu himama. Kanaaf inn ammaa akka gareett utuu hin ta’in akka qaama tokkooti waliin taa’anii cululuqsuu ta’aa.
Nammi tokko yaada walfakkaataa dhaaba keessatt yk hawaasa Oromoo keessatt yk miseensa hundaaf tole qofa jedhu eeguu hin qabu. Garuu wanti tokko hin haalamu, tokkummaa sabaa fi dhaaba kallacha saa ta’e irratt waliigaltee hundaatu jira. Demokrasii keessatt hunduu yaada ofii ifsuuf bilisummaa qaba garuu murti wayyabaan buluun dirqama. Oromoon dudhaa democraasii dhalootaa dheeraa qabu. Qabatteen jiru waa’ee abba tokkoon du’a hin oollee utuu hin ta’in waa’ee ayyaana sabichaa barabaraan jiraatuti. Kanaa alatt kan of ilaalu yoo jiraate taajjaba qofa buufata. Waanti ta’aa jiru miiraa addaa abba tokkootaa utuu hin laalin karaa saa itt fufa. Abbawummaan tokko tokkoon sabboonotaa mirkanii jiran ofiffumaa abba tokkootaa quufsuu utuu hin laalin akka gadi darban tolchuu dha.
ABOn ayyaana sabichaati. Torban booda baala haaraa baafachuuf deema. Diinni sun akka hin taaneef balleessuunii barbaada. Dhaabi kun dhaaba kaayyoo ganamaa kan seerawummaa argamssiiseef gad hin dhiisin jiru. Diinaaf isa balleessuu qofatu olhantummaa Gaanfa Afrikaa irratt qabu mirkaneessaaf. Qabaa Oromiyaa irratt qabu utuu hin jabeeffatin Gaanfa irratt olhantummaa qabaachuun eenyuufuu hin yaadamu. ABOtt gubaa “gooltuu” jedhu itt baasuun karaa ummata Oromoo akka malee dhabamsiisu haxawatee jira. Gooltummaa waan sirnooti addunyaa garri caalan balaaleffatani. Kanaaf duulli itt tolfamu yartuun qeeqaan yoo deggeramu, anga’oota gurgadaa gara caalan irraa garuu deggersa hin daanga’amne argata.
Tarii badiisa Oromiyaa irraa bu’aan gara lafaa, albuudaa fi humna namaan argamu mirga ilmaan namaa deggeruu irra wayyaa taanaan ummati Oromoo tuutaan yoo ajjeesuu fi ABO irratt haddheessaan sobaa yoo tolfamu gara ilaalame ta’innaa? Diinni dargaggeeyyii Oromoo qaroon garamitti bahu jedhaman callisee hin dhiisuu; seexaa ofii gurguranii miseensota garee saanii ta’uu yk hidhaa fi ajjeefamuutu isaan eeggata. Kanneen filmaata qorama keessa nama galchani. Kanaafi ijoolleen Oromoo seexaa saanii waliin jiraachuu filatan ajjeechaa jalaa bahuuf itt gala hin beekamnett baqataa kan jiran. Kanaafi baqataan walirra cita malee ollaatt nagaa wayyaan argadha jechuun, itt yaa’aa jira, nagichi alii alii dhugaa ta’uu dhiisuun ni mala.
Bulchooti Finnaa Empayeraa namoota sabichaaf hoggansa kennuu danda’u jedhan dhabamsiisaa jiraatani. Yeroo ammaa ariitii, harka o’uu fi fiixaan baasuun galmee darban hundaa oli. Ummati Oromoo badiif goleett dhiibamaa jira. Ummata guddaa akkasii hafee raammoo bucureenillee utuu ofirratt hin lolin lubbuu fi bilisummaa see gad hin dhiistuu. Kan Oromoon amma godhaa jiran sana. Haleellaa fuula hedduu kara karaan itt dhufe jala dhaabbachuun ofirraa faccisaa jiru. Fincila ummataa adeemaa jiru, yoo sabichi badii irraa haa baraaramu jedhamee hooggansa kennuun qooda qabsaawota Oromooti. Mana ofii soneeffachuuf carraan jiru ammaa.
Gidaarrii of golguuf ijaarame diigamee ilaalcha hunda haammatuun bakka bu’uu qaba. Fedhi sabaa, kan ofii fi garee caalaa durfannoo argachuutu eegama. Mirgi hiree ofii ofiin murteeffachuu saabaa mirga dhalootaa ummata Oromooti. Sirna malbulchaa fedhan filachuun giroo saaniiti. Qoodi dhaabota malbulchaa mirga kana hankaaksuu utuu hin ta’in yoo fedhan sirna barbaadan dhaadhessuu dha. ABOn akka walabummaa deggeru ifa godheera. Kan inni itt duulu sana dhugoomsuutt. Kan qayyabatamuu qabuu as gahuun tolaan utuu hin ta’in itt dafqameetu. Rifattuun rommitee, dhiigi dhangala’ee, lafeen caccabee fi qabeenyi itt xuruufamee fi yeroo fi giidoon gubateetu as gahame. Deemsa irratti fashalli, milkiinii fi ganamuun turani.
Kan darbe sokkeera, kanaaf barsiifataa fi shaakalli fokkuun sanaan walitti eejjan gatamanii eegalli haaraan simatamuu qaba. Dhibee darbeef qabsaawaa hundi abbaa’wummaa qaba. Aka balleessaa tokkichaati eenyuu eenyuttuu quba qabuu hin danda’uu. Murnoota ABO lachanuu keessa warraaqxota qoramanii fi dabballoota ofbaraa malbulchaa sabichaa olkaasuutt qooda guddaa gumaachantu argama. Kanaaf waliigaltee nagaaf jedhee kan mo’es kan moo’ames hin jiru. Lachanuu ummata Oromoo qofa boonsuu. Dhalooti itt haanu akka dogogora ture irra hin deebinee garuu tuqoota ciccimoo ta’an kan offii gabbisuuf maayii baasa yoo ta’e akka fudhataniif utuu hin jajallifamin barreeffamuu qabaa. Dhaabichaaf baala haaraa baasuu jechuun kan ture kakkabeessanii yeroo cehumsaa gabaabduu achi dabarsuu jechuu miti garuu dhugaati haarommsuu jechuu dha. Amma sochiin warraaqsaa gara jalqaqaba amanamaa haaraatti konkolaachifamuu qaba. Dargageeyyii n (Raabaa Dooriin) fulduratt bahanii egeree saaniif abbaawumaa akkka itt fudhatan mijjeessuu dha. Fakmishoo Gadaan hoogansa uumuuf qabu keessa ilaaluun ammaa. Qabsoo ummati birmadummaaf godhu dhaabuu shirri kamu hin danda’u. Hoogansa cimaa fi kutataa qabaannaan Qabsoon hin fashalu. Sonaawaa eegaa, jiruu hedduutu fuldura jiraa. Saree maraatuu eeggadhaa, milkiin baha.
Ulfinaa fi surraan gootota kufaniif; walabummaa, walqixxummaa fi bilisummaan kan hafaniif; nagaa fi araarri Ayyaana abboolii fi ayyoliif haa tahu!
* Ibsaa Guutama: Gubirmans.com
