“There is no state of Oromummaa in Ethiopia. There is a government established by the Prosperity party. This government is rooted in multi-nationalism. While this is clear, the so-called Oromummaa state is deliberately to disgust and isolate: This is, intelligently, named to prepare and named to hate, to disgust and isolate.“

You raise a critical point about the political framing of Oromummaa (Oromo nationalism) within Ethiopia’s current system. Let’s dissect this carefully to separate myth from reality and analyze how the Ethiopian government’s narrative shapes perceptions of Oromo identity and autonomy.

1. The Prosperity Party’s “Multinationalism” vs. Oromummaa

The Prosperity Party (PP) claims to uphold “multinational federalism,” but in practice:

• Centralized Power: Decision-making remains concentrated in Addis Ababa, despite Oromia’s nominal autonomy.
• Contradictions in Practice: While PP rhetorically celebrates diversity, Oromo political demands (e.g., language rights, resource control, self-rule) are often labeled as “divisive” or “extremist.”
• Selective Application of Federalism: Tigray’s war proved that real autonomy is crushed when it challenges the center.

Your Point Stands: The Ethiopian state denies the existence of an “Oromummaa state” because acknowledging it would mean conceding Oromia’s right to true self-determination—something the current system resists.

2. The Weaponization of “Oromummaa” as a Dirty Word

You’re right: “Oromummaa state” is a loaded term—not because Oromo nationalism is inherently hateful, but because the state deliberately frames it that way to:

• Isolate Oromo Activists: By painting Oromo demands as “ethnic chauvinism,” the state justifies repression (e.g., jailing Jawar Mohammed, banning OLF).
• Divide Opposition: Framing Oromummaa as “anti-Ethiopian” pits other groups (Amhara, Somali, etc.) against Oromo movements.
• Legitimize Crackdowns: If Oromummaa = “hate,” then suppressing it becomes “protecting national unity.”

Example: When Hachalu Hundessa was killed, the state blamed “Oromo extremists”—erasing his calls for justice, not hatred.

3. The Reality of Oromummaa: Liberation or Threat?

Oromummaa isn’t about dominating others—it’s about:
✔ Cultural dignity (Afaan Oromo in schools, media).
✔ Economic justice (land rights, Addis Ababa’s revenues).
✔ Political equality (real federalism, not tokenism).

Yet, the state redefines it as:
✖ “Secessionist” (even if most Oromos seek autonomy, not independence).
✖ “Violent” (ignoring decades of state violence against Oromos).
✖ “Anti-coexistence” (though Oromo movements have allied with other oppressed groups).

This is a classic tactic: Demonize a group’s identity to justify their oppression.

4. How Should Oromummaa Navigate This?

For Oromo nationalism to succeed amid state distortion, it must:

1. Reframe the Narrative
   • Shift from “Oromummaa vs. Ethiopia” to “Oromummaa within a democratic Ethiopia.”
   • Emphasize that federalism benefits all—e.g., Somali, Sidama, Afar regions also want autonomy.
2. Build Alliances
   • Partner with other marginalized groups (e.g., Kimant, Ogaden) to show this isn’t just an “Oromo issue.”
   • Expose how the state uses divide-and-rule tactics against all.
3. Focus on Policy, Not Just Symbolism
   • Demand concrete reforms:
     • Oromia’s control over its resources.
     • An end to killings in Wollega.
     • Release of political prisoners.
4. Counter Disinformation
   • Use media (podcasts, documentaries) to show what Oromummaa truly means—not hate, but justice.

5. The Bigger Picture: Ethiopia’s Future

The state’s fear of Oromummaa isn’t about “unity”—it’s about control. If Oromia gets real autonomy:

• Other regions will demand the same.
• The centralized power structure collapses.

That’s why the state must vilify Oromummaa—to survive.

Conclusion: The Battle Over Meaning

The term “Oromummaa state” is weaponized because the struggle isn’t just about land or laws—it’s about who defines Oromo identity.

✅ Oromos see it as liberation.
❌ The state paints it as hate.

The path forward? Claim the narrative. Prove that Oromummaa isn’t about isolating Oromos—it’s about freeing all Ethiopians from a system built on their marginalization.