Synopsis The name Ethiopia is often presented as an unbroken historical identity, tracing back to ancient times. However, a closer examination of historical records, international registrations, and linguistic origins reveals that the name Ethiopia, as applied to a modern empire-state, lacks continuity before the 20th century. Instead, it was a political rebranding strategy, gaining official…
Public office is not a playground for personal arrogance, nor is it a stage for hurling insults at those with differing perspectives. It is, above all, a responsibility—a duty to conduct oneself with dignity, reason, and respect. Obbo Hailu Adunya, the spokesperson of the Oromia Regional Administration, seems to have missed this fundamental truth in…
DISCLAIMER This editorial opinion of OROMIA TODAY has been formulated in consultation with opinion influencers. What Just Happened? Reportedly, delegates representing a broad spectrum of political, civic, and faith-based organizations—16 in total, as stated—convened to deliberate on the political and security situation in Oromia. While the stated purpose was to discuss these pressing issues,…
Introduction Shimelis Abdissa, the President of Oromia, has introduced a new term—possibly a novel entry into the Afan Oromo lexicon—magaalomsuu, derived from magaalaa, meaning town. The term magaalomsuu is intended to mean “to urbanize,” and it resonates deeply in the context of Oromia’s rural-urban divide with strong socio-political connotations. He further stated, “Waan sadii magaalomuu…
There exists, in the crumbling, treacherous landscape of modern politics, a rare and nearly mythical figure—the Politician of Unyielding Principle. Unlike the fair-weather careerists who slither from one political feast to another, sniffing for power like a desperate hound at a butcher’s door, this individual is cut from stone, his convictions carved deep, immovable, impervious…
The Elephant in the Room The Ethiopian Empire, as it stands today, is a product of the late 19th century “Scramble for Africa,” when European colonial powers carved up the continent among themselves. Unlike most African countries, Ethiopia managed to resist outright European colonization. However, its imperial formation under Emperor Menelik II followed a similar…
A famous intelligent person once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That is precisely the dilemma Ethiopian opposition groups and liberation fronts find themselves in today. Despite repeated betrayals, failed negotiations, and a rigged political landscape, opposition parties continue engaging with a regime that has never…
Background As I watched a video clip of a recent parliamentary session from distance—courtesy of YouTube—I was caught off guard by a moment that, while unexpected in such a formal setting, was hardly surprising given Ethiopia’s deep-rooted ethnic tensions. During the Q&A session, Dr. Desalegn Chanie, an Amhara politician, deliberately referred to Adama by its…
I am looking at a picture of two young girls—perhaps in their late teens or early twenties. Their beauty is undeniable, yet it is not the kind of beauty that comes from youth alone. It is the beauty of conviction, of courage, of defiance. They are not dressed for leisure, nor are they indulging in…
Some mistakes are mere slip-ups, while others leave the world scratching its head. The latter category—unforced errors of a daft kind—carries a special weight, often revealing deeper flaws in leadership, judgment, and strategic thinking. These aren’t the minor lapses of an exhausted official or the misstatements of an off-the-cuff remark; rather, they are self-inflicted wounds…
“Believe it or not, we did not torture a single person.” These were the words spoken by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister just days ago. A bold statement. A lie so audacious, so detached from reality, that it serves as the mother of all lies. The truth is written in blood and suffering. The Oromia region alone…
The Oromo’s journey reflects the universal struggle for freedom and equality. From resisting colonial subjugation to fostering a democratic renaissance through Gadaa and Oromummaa, their story is a testament to the enduring power of collective identity and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. FREEDOM JUSTICE PEACE Proud to be an…
This article was part-featured in Ethio Forum’s news documentary: የሽመልስ አብዲሳ የምስጢር ሠራዊት፤ ነጌኛዎቹ ወታደሮች (5 Feb 2025). What Do You Do When Power Becomes the Criminal? How do you describe the indescribable? How do you find words for a reality so twisted that it defies logic, morality, and even the most basic human decency?…
Introduction
The human thirst for power knows no bounds. Again and again, history and fiction remind us that when power is at stake, no bond—whether of blood, ideology, or brotherhood—is sacred. The annals of history are littered with betrayals that make us shudder at the sheer depravity of man’s ambition. Historical Echoes of Treachery Julius Caesar…
1. Land of Mass Incarcerations and Extra-Judicial Executions Courtesy of the Prosperity Party (PP) government, Ethiopia—particularly the Oromia region—has become a land marked by mass incarcerations and extrajudicial executions. These events have become so routine that they rarely make the news anymore. Leading up to the last election, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed orchestrated a sweeping…
