The question of how the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF/ABO) can develop a common narrative is both timely and essential. A unified narrative serves as the intellectual and moral foundation upon which political movements build solidarity, communicate their vision, and mobilize support. Drawing on recent discussions within Oromo intellectual and political circles, several key principles and practical steps emerge.

The Imperative of Historical Honesty

A compelling narrative must begin with an honest reckoning with history. As Maatii Sabaa argues in a recent commentary, “speaking our history—the full history of a people’s resistance against successive repressive systems—is not separate from the struggle. It is an essential organ of it” .

The OLF’s journey—from its intellectual germination in the early 1970s, formal establishment in 1973, articulation of its political program in 1976, through decades of immense sacrifice, targeted killings, imprisonment, and exile of its intellectuals and heroes—constitutes “the origin story of a modern political consciousness” . A common narrative must embrace this full history, including internal fractures, political alliances, strategic crossroads, and difficult choices.

The fear that examining complex history might destabilize the movement is misguided. As Sabaa notes, “unity forged in silence is fragile; unity built on a shared, honest understanding is unbreakable”. Today’s generation, which has demonstrated formidable political maturity through movements like the #OromoProtests and Qeerroo mobilization, is capable of engaging with complexity.

Centering the Core Grievance

A common narrative must clearly articulate the fundamental injustice that animates the struggle. Research on the discursive construction of Oromo identity emphasizes how Oromo elites have constructed a narrative around marginalization within the Ethiopian state . This includes:

• Historical conquest and incorporation into the Abyssinian empire
• Systematic cultural suppression, including marginalization of the Oromo language
• Economic exploitation and land alienation
• Political exclusion and denial of self-determination

The narrative must make clear that the OLF’s struggle is a response to these conditions, not their cause.

Unity Through Dialogue

Recent efforts toward political unity offer a model for narrative development. The joint call for dialogue by the OLF and Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) in late 2025 represented “rare strategic unity among major Oromo forces”. This collaboration signals convergence around peaceful, negotiated solutions and reduces the perception of permanent fragmentation among Oromo political actors.

Such unity strengthens the legitimacy of Oromo political forces “in the eyes of Oromo communities, other Ethiopian actors, and international partners looking for credible interlocutors for a peace process”. A common narrative should build on this foundation of unity, emphasizing shared goals while acknowledging strategic differences.

Inclusive and People-Centered Framing

The envisioned joint conference between OLF and OFC aims to involve “all sections of the community” rather than limiting talks to elites . This principle should guide narrative development as well. A common narrative must:

• Incorporate the voices of victims of violence and displacement
• Include perspectives of elders, women, youth, and local leaders
• Reflect the experiences of diverse Oromo communities across regions
• Address gender dimensions of the struggle, including the Siinqee tradition and women’s contributions

Any peace process or political framework that excludes these voices “risks reproducing the same injustices that fuelled the conflict”.

Addressing Counter-Narratives

A common narrative must also contend with competing narratives that seek to delegitimize the Oromo struggle. Some critics have characterized Oromo nationalism as exclusionary or extremist, drawing comparisons to historical fascism and alleging anti-Semitic discourse targeting Amhara and Tigrayan populations. Such characterizations have been used to frame the OLF as a threat to Ethiopian national unity.

Academic analysis also documents an “institutionally crafted Amhara-domination narrative” that has been deployed by various political actors over time, contributing to inter-ethnic tensions. A thoughtful Oromo narrative must acknowledge these complex dynamics while clearly distinguishing legitimate Oromo grievances from the inflammatory rhetoric attributed to extremist elements.

The response to such counter-narratives should be grounded in facts, historical evidence, and a consistent commitment to human rights and inclusive politics.

Practical Framework for Cooperation

Drawing on analysis of potential OLF-Prosperity Party engagement, several principles apply equally to internal narrative development:

1. Dialogue and Negotiation: Open, sincere dialogue within Oromo political forces to address grievances, build trust, and find common ground
2. Inclusive Governance: Ensuring that all Oromo voices are represented in developing the common narrative
3. Addressing Grievances: Clearly articulating specific concerns such as land rights, cultural recognition, and political representation
4. Reconciliation and Justice: Establishing mechanisms to address past injustices and promote healing within the movement
5. Public Engagement: Engaging with constituencies to explain the narrative and build support

The Role of Research and Documentation

Academic work on Oromo identity construction provides valuable insights. Research on the discursive construction of Oromo identity demonstrates how Oromo elites have developed a coherent discourse around marginalization, and how this discourse has been taken up in international media coverage of Oromo protests. This suggests that a well-developed narrative can successfully communicate Oromo perspectives to global audiences.

The OLF should continue to support research, documentation, and analysis that strengthens the evidentiary basis for its narrative while ensuring accessibility to diverse audiences.

Conclusion: Narrative as Revolutionary Act

Ultimately, developing a common narrative is itself a revolutionary act. As Sabaa concludes, “The final struggle is not just against a visible enemy; it is against the forgetting, the fear, and the fragmentation of our own story. To remember completely, to analyze courageously, and to speak truthfully is, itself, a revolutionary act”.

A common narrative for the OLF must be:

• Historically honest, embracing both triumphs and challenges
• Clear in its articulation of Oromo grievances and aspirations
• Unified in its message, building on strategic convergence among Oromo forces
• Inclusive of diverse voices, particularly those most affected by conflict
• Resilient against counter-narratives, grounded in evidence and principle
• Forward-looking, offering a vision of a just and peaceful future

The work of narrative development is never complete. It requires ongoing reflection, dialogue, and adaptation as circumstances evolve. But the foundation—honest history, clear principles, and inclusive process—will serve the Oromo people well in their ongoing struggle for self-determination and justice.