By Yaadasaa Dafa*
In this very short article, I would like to convey my persuasions on the Nation of Oromo’s new generations with new realities and outlook.
One may question oneself or others about … “What is new?” in the political hemisphere of the Nation of Oromia! Yes, on the surface, not much appears to have changed. Politically, the Nation of Oromia is still under Abyssinian colonization. The people of the Nation of Oromia is still unjustly harassed, imprisoned, tortured, and deprived and drived out of their own lands to accommodate the foreigners either from the neighbouring nations/nationalities, or from far oversees: in the face names of investment. The Abyssinian project to degrade, impoverish, and violate the basic and fundamental rights of the people of Oromia is proceeding with a fascinating speed and frequencies. But, on the other hand, the episodes of the true achievable journey for the Nation of Oromian freedom are just starting. The Oromo young generation is approaching their historical responsibilities from totally different angle. This is not what our respected founders of the Oromo Nation’s genuine struggle had envisioned. But, make no mistake, the differences in strategy and approach do not make or disqualify their ways of interpreting present realities, and commit to their strategic moves.
At any given Nation’s generational gap, historians, social scientists, politicians and the dominant elders often conceptualize the commitments of their new generations in a various determining venues. Yes, it is natural to be suspicious of their younger generations, and even some times to try to discredit them purposely, presumably when the younger generation vacillates and violets from the cornerstones of the established generational values of the Nation. Coming back to the Nation of Oromia, we need to evaluate, if this generation of mine (the older guard) has done all the possible scenarios to stimulate our younger citizens to carry on the torch towards the freedom of Oromia: the torch – that had been passed down to us from our dedicated elders like Gen. Tadasaa Biruu, Mamo Mazamir, Dr. Baaroo Tumsaa, Jaarraa Abbaa Gadaa, Elemo Qilixxu, Saartuu Yusouf, Arbii Miilii, … and the list goes and goes on. We truly need to ask ourselves whether we have stimulated proportional sufficient strategic formula for the freedom of the Nation of Oromia. In fact, you may independently answer this burning question depending on your own beliefs, commitments and dedications to the freedom of the people of Oromia.
It is always appropriate, positively engaging, and serves “in the best interest” of the people of Oromia to take timely corresponding measures. Therefore, please allow me to start my point with intimately relative questions. (1) Do you believe that we need to empower our Qubee/Qeerroo generation at this given time in our history? (2) Do we have to compete with the Qubee/Qeerroo generation for power? (3) Why do we fail to fully comprehend that “the ultimate power” belongs to the people of Oromia? My response to the first question is, YES. We absolutely need to empower the Qubee/Qeerroo generation, which is climbing on the enemy’s tanks singing “Maasaan gamaa lafa hinbaatu, talbaa facaafata ta’ati, Tokko du’e tokko hinnyaatu, wol gagaalafata ta’ati” … as well as discussing openly how the Habashes snatched our own lands and started to call their own seating in the Finfinee/Addis Ababa’s Municipality Hall, and all other Higher Education campuses of the country. My response for the second question is also on the same line. The formation of the Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) is great. But, does it have to be by the old guards? The mere presence of any of the old guards in any new Oromo or non-Oromo organization changes the total dynamics of the mission – how far convincing or beautiful it may appear on the surface! You be the judge, or the jury for my third (3rd) question.
Overall, I do believe, with all my heart, that the old guards need to retire respectfully. There are new realities, and we do have abundantly capable new generation, new ways of understanding, and new manners of approach – which my old brain may fail to comprehend its total picture, and the commitments it would entail to be victorious so as to serve “in the best interest” of the Oromo Nation. Furthermore, there are other realities as well – which could take the volumes of books to narrate entirely – why, going up to be in competition in the Colonial Ethiopia for the Colonial Palace, does not serve the best interest of the Nation of Oromia at this time. Our persistence and commitment had been tested; therefore, our dedication in serving the Nation of Oromia is not new to the Oromo people. Now, should we prove, once again, that our goal and lifelong commitment are to inherit Emperor Haile Silasee’s, Colonel Mengistu’s, and Meles Zinaw’s palace only? If so, the Nation of Oromia will dictate that you are on your own, and please, do not drag the whole Nation of Oromia in the pursuit of your own individualistic agenda.
Aslaam aleikum,
* Yaadasaa Dafa: yaadasaa@gmail.com