Jawar Mohammed’s journey from celebrated activist to a controversial figure in Oromo politics reflects a turbulent trajectory shaped by hidden ideologies, contentious alliances, and fractured loyalties. Once a key player in both the Oromo and Ethiopian political landscapes, his career now serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of political opportunism and the consequences of what many perceive as a Trojan horse strategy—Jawar hiding his Ethiopianist agenda while pretending to champion the wellbeing of the Oromo nation [1].
Early Rise: Activism and Political Affiliations
Jawar Mohammed began his career as a prominent activist and a clandestine member of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), a faction within the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). His initial role as an advocate for Ethiopian unity marked him as a unionist, committed to preserving the integrity of the Ethiopian state [2]. However, his unceremonious dismissal from the Ethiopianist camp pushed him toward the Oromo camp as a temporary refuge, which gave him a platform to maintain his presence in the political arena.
Struggling to find a stable political home, Jawar sought refuge in the Oromo Youth Association. The Oromo, recognizing him as a “lost son,” welcomed him into their fold. However, his time with the organization was fraught with controversy. Jawar introduced Ethiopianist ideologies that conflicted with the group’s focus on Oromo autonomy and self-determination. This ideological infiltration alienated many and marked the beginning of his contentious relationship with the broader Oromo struggle.
Media Power and the Qeerroo Uprising
Jawar’s involvement with the Oromia Media Network (OMN) was a turning point in his career. Rising to the position of managing director, under controversial circumstances, he used the platform to amplify his influence within the Oromo community and beyond. Between 2014 and 2018, he became a leading figure in the Qeerroo uprising—a youth-led movement advocating for political change and the rights of the Oromo people. Jawar’s strategic use of media and rhetoric positioned him as a critical voice against the EPRDF regime, garnering him significant support [3].
However, his return to Ethiopia following the political reforms of 2018 revealed cracks in his public persona [4]. Despite his alignment with the reformist agenda led by Abiy Ahmed, tensions with the OPDO resurfaced. His dismissal from the organization and subsequent imprisonment for two years marked a dramatic fall from grace. While in prison, Jawar’s political relevance waned as the Oromo liberation movement evolved beyond his influence.
‘Fallout’ with Abiy Ahmed and Declining Influence
Jawar’s relationship with Abiy Ahmed, once marked by camaraderie, deteriorated over time. While he publicly claims to oppose Abiy’s policies, there are no discernible ideological differences between the two. Both advocate for Ethiopian unity, and their political rivalry appears rooted in personal ambition rather than substantive policy disputes.
Meanwhile, the Oromo nation has moved on from the confusion of 2018. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has emerged as a formidable force, gaining national and international recognition. The Qeerroo, disillusioned by the peaceful struggle, have joined the OLA en masse, signaling a shift toward more assertive methods of achieving Oromo self-determination. Jawar’s inability to adapt to these changes has left him increasingly marginalized within the Oromo political landscape [5].
The Way Forward
Jawar Mohammed’s continued efforts to undermine the Oromo struggle for independence have further eroded his credibility. His use of Oromo symbols, such as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) flag, for personal gain has drawn widespread criticism. To regain any semblance of respect, Jawar must cease exploiting the Oromo cause and align himself with the Ethiopian flag that reflects his unionist aspirations. His recently published book, titled I Will Not Regret, encapsulates his unrepentant stance. This title is both revealing and ominous, suggesting a refusal to learn from past mistakes or a fundamental inability to show remorse [6].
The Oromo nation’s progress and the growing momentum of the OLA indicate that the future of the struggle no longer hinges on figures like Jawar Mohammed. For the Oromo people, the path forward lies in unity and a commitment to their collective goals, free from the distractions of divisive personalities. For Jawar, the most honorable course of action would be to step aside and allow the Oromo movement to chart its own destiny, unencumbered by his divisive presence. The Oromo people too, need to recognize Jawar fully for who he really is that he’s against their collective aspiration to achieve emancipation.
References:
- Eenymaa Jawaar Isa Dhugaa. https://youtu.be/KHwE9s_DQLE?si=ge3p6vWHyYQgUdxK
- Failure to Deliver: The Journey of the Oromo Liberation Front in the Last Two Decades. https://www.opride.com/2009/07/29/failure-to-deliver-the-journey-of-the-oromo-liberation-front-in-the-last-two-decades/
- Jawar Mohammed: A Bull in a China Shop. https://www.aigaforum.com/articles/a-bull-in-china-soup-jawar.pdf
- Jawar Mohammed’s red-carpet return signals Ethiopia’s political sea change. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/20/jawar-mohammed-return-ethiopia-political-change-oromo
- The Rise and Fall of Jawar Mohammed. https://addisinsight.net/2018/11/23/the-rise-and-fall-of-jawar-mohammed/#google_vignette
- Jawar Mohammed’s Memoir: “I Will Not Regret” – A Bold Reflection on Ethiopia’s Political Struggles. https://addisinsight.net/2024/12/14/jawar-mohammeds-memoir-i-will-not-regret-a-bold-reflection-on-ethiopias-political-struggles/