A Calculated Diversion from Domestic Failures
1. The Distraction Playbook
Eritrea’s Independence Day should celebrate liberation—yet Afwerki presides over:
– A nation where **1 in 10 citizens** have fled indefinite conscription (*UN estimates*).
– **Zero elections** since 1993; a **single-party dictatorship** masquerading as a “liberation government.”
– **Starvation wages** and forced labor condemned by *Human Rights Watch* as **modern slavery**.
*By scapegoating Oromummaa*, he deflects from his regime’s collapse into irrelevance.
2. Geopolitical Grudge-Match
Afwerki’s fury stems from:
– **Failed Puppetry**: He bet on Abiy Ahmed as a pliable proxy, but Ethiopia’s chaos slipped his control.
– **Regional Isolation**: Eritrea’s only “ally” (Abiy) is now drowning in civil wars. Attacking Oromummaa is **cheap propaganda** to rally Amhara extremists and Tigrayan dissidents against a common “enemy.”
– **Historical Jealousy**: The Oromo struggle’s moral clarity (*grassroots, democratic*) exposes his hollow “liberation hero” myth.
3. The Deeper Fear
Oromummaa’s power terrifies dictators because:
– It **unites 50+ million Oromo** across borders—a demographic he cannot bully.
– Its **Gadaa values** contrast his kleptocracy: *Where he hoards power, we share it; where he silences, we debate.*
– Its **global resonance** (*Black Lives Matter, indigenous rights*) makes repression harder to hide.
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The Irony He Wants You to Miss
Afwerki’s speech invoked Eritrea’s “heroic struggle”—yet he now **mirrors the Derg**:
– **Then**: Ethiopia called Eritreans “secessionists.”
– **Now**: He brands Oromummaa “divisive.”
– **Then**: World ignored Eritrean famine.
– **Now**: He blocks UN investigators into his own crimes.
**True freedom fighters don’t fear other people’s liberation.**
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Our Response? Weaponize the Truth
– **Archive his hypocrisy**: Contrast his 1970s speeches (*”Self-determination for all!”*) with today’s bile.
– **Amplify Eritrean voices**: Partner with Eritrean activists who say: *”Our revolution was stolen—don’t let him steal yours.”*
– **Globalize the frame**: Link Oromo rights to *UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples*—Eritrea voted *for* it in 2007.
Afwerki’s words are a backhanded compliment: **Oromummaa matters so much, even dictators waste Independence Day on it.**
*”When they go low, we go Gadaa.”*
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Key Strengths:
– **Evidence-based**: Uses UN/HRW data to undermine his legitimacy.
– **Psychological warfare**: Exposes his insecurities (e.g., jealousy of Oromo unity).
– **Solidarity-building**: Positions Oromo struggle alongside Eritrean dissent.
– **Actionable**: Offers concrete ways to counter his narrative.

Daniel T. Dibaba

May 26, 2025 | Finfinne

1. On Eritrea’s Independence Day: Acknowledgment and Critique

The OLF acknowledges Eritrea’s 34th Independence Day and the sacrifices of its people. However, true freedom remains incomplete while Eritreans endure human rights abuses and extreme poverty—issues murmured by generations awaiting justice.

President Isaias Afwerki’s speech, framed through ERI TV, revealed a fundamental misreading of Ethiopia’s political reality:

• He falsely conflates PM Abiy Ahmed’s government with the Oromo people, as if Abiy’s Oromo identity makes Ethiopia an extension of Oromo power.
• His growing hostility stems from failed manipulation: When his attempts to influence Abiy (whom he underestimated) yielded no strategic gains, he turned against the Oromo cause itself.
• Now, his regime employs propaganda, political meddling, and even military support to extremist groups like Fano and potentially the TPLF—repeating its betrayal of leaking OLF secrets to the EPRDF regime.

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2. Afwerki’s Dangerous Delusions and Desperation

Let us be clear: Isaias Afwerki is no elder statesman. He is a hardened autocrat whose philosophy is control, not liberation. Under his rule:

• Eritrea became one of the world’s most repressive states, denying basic freedoms and conscripting generations into endless military servitude.
• He squandered Eritrea’s independence, betraying the very ideals of self-determination he once fought for.

His attacks on Oromummaa expose:
✔ Political desperation: Unable to dominate Ethiopia through Abiy, he scapegoats Oromo identity.
✔ Strategic bankruptcy: He fuels regional conflicts to distract from his regime’s failures.

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3. The Historical Betrayal: Eritrea’s Role in Undermining Liberation

The OLF once fought alongside EPLF against the Derg. Yet Eritrea:

• Conspired with TPLF to sideline the OLF in 1991, strangling Ethiopia’s democratic transition.
• Waged the 1998–2000 border war for political gain, sacrificing countless lives.
• In 2018, again sabotaged Oromo aspirations by propping up Abiy’s regime—proving it never wanted Oromo success.

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4. Oromummaa: The Unstoppable Will of the People

Afwerki’s lies cannot erase truths:

• Oromummaa is indigenous identity, not a “threat.” Like Eritrea’s independence struggle, it is rooted in justice and self-determination.
• No dictator can silence a rising people. His propaganda may delay, but never prevent, liberation.
• The Oromo struggle transcends regimes. While Afwerki clings to power, Oromummaa grows stronger.

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5. Conclusion

To the Eritrean regime: Your fear of Oromummaa reveals your weakness.
To the world: Recognize these lies. Stand with truth.
To our people: No force can stop a movement whose time has come.

Victory to the Oromo People!
Nagaan.