The authoritarian development model is running up against limits
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http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dc27603e-6b7d-11e6-ae5b-a7cc5dd5a28c.html#axzz4InAscXPx
In recognition of his enduring legacy, OROMIA TODAY solemnly declares this month of June as Hacaaluu’s Month.
Hacaaluu Hundeessa was not merely a musician. He was a living embodiment of Oromo hope and pride. Through his songs, he articulated the unspoken grief of generations, gave rhythm to the resistance, and sang dignity into identity. His artistry was more than melody—it was a medium of healing and awakening. We see now that his voice became part of the Oromo self, internalized by millions. His music didn’t just narrate life; it narrated their life.
The emerging Habesha Axis—an uneasy alignment of Amhara, Tigray, and Eritrean elites—reveals a deeper truth: historic rivals will unite to suppress Oromo political empowerment. Despite decades of hostility, these actors find common cause in opposing self-determination for Oromia. This convergence is not about unity, but about preserving an old imperial center. Naming it for what it is, the article argues that it is crucial to understanding why Ethiopia’s future hinges on justice for the Oromo and Oromia.
Amhara Fano’s response to the U.S. call for negotiation reveals an expansionist agenda cloaked in grievance. Their demand to “return” disputed regions like Wolkait and Raya signals territorial revisionism. In contrast, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) emphasizes accountability and genuine dialogue. As journalist Sajid Nadeem noted in his May 24 podcast, Fano’s maximalist tone risks undermining peace. Negotiation must be rooted in inclusivity—not in reclaiming imperial boundaries through the language of justice.
You were not born to be bowed. You were born to rise. In politics, society, and your own mind—never let anyone write your story in your silence. Assert your rights boldly, for the dignity of your people and the clarity of your truth.
Oromo refugees in Saudi Arabia are enduring appalling conditions—crammed in overcrowded cells, denied proper food, medicine, and justice. Most are victims of human trafficking, not criminals. Some now face execution on fabricated charges, while the Ethiopian embassy remains shamefully silent. The world must act before more lives are lost.
