Exploring new political alternatives for the Oromo in Ethiopia: report from Oromo Workshop and its after-effects

Exploring new political alternatives for the Oromo in Ethiopia: report from Oromo Workshop and its after-effects

Published Jan 2009

Author

S. Pausewang (ed)

Publisher

Focus themes

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Alternative social structures in Oromo: allowing elected administrators to represent the interests of peasants

This report aims to stimulate a thorough debate in a particular ethnic and social group – the Oromo of Ethiopia. The paper states that the Oromo people are in a crucial and unique situation. Indeed, their plans and actions during the coming years may be key to determining conditions of life in Ethiopia.

The paper indicates that the Oromo might contribute substantially to peace, protection of human rights and freedom in a region where conflict, insecurity and lawlessness have too long characterised the political game. However, the paper notes that the Oromo need to clarify their political positions and to develop a credible political alternative vision.

The paper concludes that if the Oromo want to convince others, both in Ethiopia and the international community, they need to offer a prospect of a genuinely bottom-up democratic alternative for Ethiopia and for the region. Yet, three major important imperatives confront Oromo's efforts to bring the political resolution for their situation rather than other choices:

  • to re-unite the Oromo groups, so that they can speak with one voice
  • to create an internal dialogue, so that they can build their political positions on a strong internal democratic legitimacy
  • to be prepared for negotiations both with the international community and with the Ethiopian government and other political groups in Ethiopia.
The paper suggests thorough and detailed planning for alternative social structures on local level. This would allow elected administrators and independent civil servants and public functionaries to represent the interests of peasants and local people in the higher political institutions, rather than blindly executing orders from above.

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