Oromian Economist

De-empiring Ethiopia’s Structure: A Path to True Self- Determination August 26, 2024

De-empiring Ethiopia’s Structure: A Path to True Self-Determination

Empire the Vampire

Ethiopia, often celebrated for its ancient history and cultural diversity, has a complex and contentious political structure rooted in its imperial past. This structure, established by Emperor Menelik II in the 19th century, was built on the conquest and subjugation of various ethnic groups, including the Oromo, Sidama, Qimant, Agew,  Afar, Ogaden, Silte, Hadiya, Kambta, Gumuz,  Gambella, and Wolayita. These groups were incorporated into the Ethiopian state not by their own free will, but through the colonizing efforts of Menelik, an Amharic warlord and slave trader.

Historical Context

Menelik II’s expansionist campaigns in the late 19th century were driven by a desire to consolidate power and create a centralized Ethiopian empire. This process involved the forceful annexation of territories and the imposition of Amharic culture and language on diverse ethnic groups. The resulting multiethnic empire was characterized by a hierarchical structure that privileged the Amhara elite and marginalized other ethnicities.

Institutionalized Oppression

The legacy of Menelik’s conquests has persisted through successive Ethiopian governments, which have maintained the centralized and oppressive structure of the state. This institutionalized colonial framework has led to widespread suffering among the majority of Ethiopia’s ethnic groups, who have been denied genuine self-determination and autonomy. The current government, like those before it, continues to uphold this system, perpetuating the dominance of Amharic elites and suppressing calls for self-determination, decentralization and federalism.

Parallels with Yugoslavia

The situation in Ethiopia bears striking similarities to the former Yugoslavia, where Serb extremists under Slobodan Milošević sought to impose a centralized state structure, leading to violent conflicts and eventual disintegration. In Ethiopia, Amharic extremists and the central government similarly impose a unitary state model, disregarding the aspirations of other ethnic groups for greater autonomy and self-governance.

The Case for Decentralization

Many of Ethiopia’s ethnic groups, including the Oromo, Sidama, Qimant, Agew, Afar,  Silte, Waliyta, Ogaden, Gumuz,   Hadiya,  Kambata, Gambella, and Tigray, and more advocate for a federal system  and autonomy that allows for self-determination and respects the cultural and political rights of all communities. Such a system would enable these groups to nurture their unique cultures and economies, fostering development and stability. Decentralization has been shown to contribute to Ethiopia’s development in the past, as seen in the period following the end of the civil war in 1991, when the country adopted a federal structure and experienced significant economic growth.

The Danger of Centralization

While promoting slogans like “Ethiopia First” and “Ethiopia Shall Continue,” the central government has been attacking and undermining the very building blocks of the  country —its ethnicities, cultures, and languages. This approach has bred misery and danger, as it disregards the rich diversity that forms the DNA of Ethiopia as a country . The suppression of these fundamental elements only exacerbates tensions and fuels conflict.

International Community’s Role

To achieve lasting peace and development, it is crucial for the international community to recognize the need for a fundamental restructuring of the Ethiopian state. Supporting efforts to dismantle the imperial framework and promote a decentralized, federal system can help address the root causes of conflict and ensure that all ethnic groups have a voice in their governance. This approach, akin to the dissolution of Yugoslavia, could pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Conclusion

De-empiring Ethiopia’s structure is essential for achieving true self-determination and development for its diverse ethnic groups. By embracing decentralization, federalism and self-determination Ethiopia can move towards a more inclusive and just society, where all communities can thrive.

Amnesty International : BBC : LSE International Development : Africa at LSE : Al Jazeera : The Guardian : Foreign Policy: AI Info.

Sifan Hassan: A Remarkable Journey from Oromo Roots to Olympic Glory August 18, 2024

Photo credit: Copilot

Explore

Sifan Hassan: A Remarkable Journey from Oromo Roots to Olympic Glory

Sifan Hassan’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, determination, and triumph. Born in Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 1993, Hassan’s journey from a young refugee to a celebrated Olympic champion is nothing short of inspirational.

Early Life and Oromo Heritage

Hassan’s early years were spent in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, where she was part of the Oromo ethnic group. The Oromo people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their strong sense of community and resilience. This background played a significant role in shaping Hassan’s character and determination.

At the age of 15, Hassan moved to the Netherlands as a refugee. The transition was challenging, but it also marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in athletics. Settling in a shelter for young asylum seekers, Hassan quickly adapted to her new environment and began to pursue her passion for running.

Rise to Athletic Stardom

Hassan’s talent was soon recognized by Dutch athletics coaches, and she was sent to the elite Olympic training center in Papendal. Her rise in the world of athletics was meteoric. She gained Dutch citizenship in 2013 and won the European U23 cross-country title the same year¹.

Her breakthrough on the global stage came at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where she won gold in both the 1500 meters and 10,000 meters, becoming the first athlete in history to achieve this double².

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: A Historic Triple

Hassan’s performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was nothing short of legendary. Competing in six races over eight days, she won gold medals in the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters, and a bronze medal in the 1500 meters¹. This unprecedented achievement made her the only athlete in Olympic history to win medals across a middle-distance event and both long-distance races in a single Games².

Paris 2024 Olympics: Continuing the Legacy

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Hassan continued to defy expectations. She secured bronze medals in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters, and capped her performance with a gold medal in the women’s marathon³. This made her the only woman to win Olympic gold in the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, and marathon races².

Impact and Legacy

Hassan’s journey from a refugee to an Olympic champion has made her a symbol of hope and perseverance. Her achievements have not only brought pride to the Netherlands but also to her Oromo heritage. She often speaks about the importance of resilience and never giving up, a message that resonates with many around the world¹.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Hassan’s story highlights the potential of refugees and the positive contributions they can make to society. Her success serves as an inspiration to young athletes, especially those from marginalized communities, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Sifan Hassan’s remarkable accomplishments on the track and her inspiring personal journey make her one of the most extraordinary athletes of our time. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

The article generated with help of AI

#Sifan #Hassan #Paris #Olympics #Marathon #Oromia #AthleticNation