July 7, 2025
The Habesha
The situation in Oromo tribal lands is strikingly complex and filled with challenges. With political divisions based on regions, religion, and culture, it’s no wonder that chaos seems unavoidable. Law and order have shattered, and tens of thousands find themselves imprisoned.
As Jawar Mohammed puts it, “Tribal politics might be great for mobilizing protests, but when it comes to governing a nation, it’s a different story.”
Many are curious about why the Oromo elites support tribal politics. Is it truly a strategic move that might harm the Amharas more than themselves?
Peace seems elusive in regions like West and East Wollega and parts of Shewa, even after a 2024 agreement. As we navigate these issues, understanding the role of internal power struggles and historical grievances can shed light on this unfolding drama.
Current State of Oromia Amidst Chaos
The Oromo tribal land is in total chaos. The region is engulfed in political division based on regions, religion, and culture. Law and order is shattered with tens of thousands of Oromos in prison, highlighting a grim picture of the current state of Oromia.
Political Instability in Oromia
Political instability in Oromia is a major concern as the situation spirals out of control amidst armed conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). This factional strife is not only causing immense human suffering but also sowing the seeds of distrust among different segments of society.
Regional and Cultural Divisions
Regional and cultural divisions play a crucial role in the ongoing upheaval. These divisions are deeply ingrained and have exacerbated tensions among different groups within Oromia. With ethnic sentiments running high, these fissures have become a fertile ground for tribal politics to thrive, further deepening the divides.
Role of Religion in the Conflict
The role of religion in the conflict cannot be overlooked. Religion has become a significant factor, as religious identities intersect with ethnic and political affiliations, complicating the situation further. The manipulation of religious sentiments by various factions has added yet another layer of complexity to the already volatile environment.
Impact on Law and Order
The impact on law and order is devastating. The rule of law is broken, and the authority of the state is constantly challenged, leading to an atmosphere of lawlessness. This breakdown of law and order has resulted in widespread violence and human rights abuses, leaving the population in a perpetual state of fear and insecurity.
Humanitarian Crisis Emerging
As the political instability persists, a humanitarian crisis is emerging in Oromia. The ongoing violence and hostilities have not only led to significant casualties and displacement but have also left the region teetering on the brink of a full-scale humanitarian disaster.
Casualties and Displacements
Casualties and displacements are at alarming levels. Thousands have been killed or injured, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. The displacement crisis has overwhelmed local capacities and posed serious challenges to humanitarian efforts aimed at providing relief to those in need.
Zones Affected by Violence
Certain zones are particularly affected by violence, such as West and East Wollega, East Arsi, West Guji, and parts of Shewa. These areas have become hotspots of conflict, bearing the brunt of the ongoing violence. The residents in these zones continue to suffer immensely, with limited access to basic needs and services, fueling a cycle of despair and desperation.
As the situation remains tense, the complex interplay of historical, cultural, and religious factors continues to fuel conflict in Oromia. The international community’s attention and intervention may be required to address these multifaceted issues to pave the path for peace and stability.
The Role of Oromo Elites in Tribal Politics
Historical Grievances and Marginalization Claims
Power Struggles within Oromo Elites
The Oromo elites have historically been at the center of political dynamics in Ethiopia. Power struggles within this group are not uncommon, as different factions vie for influence and control. This internal conflict often arises from divergent visions on how to address historical grievances and marginalization claims. These power struggles are embedded in a complex history where the Oromo people have felt disenfranchised. The emphasis on tribal politics stems partly from these historical sentiments, as elites seek to amplify their voices and address past injustices.
Personal Gain vs. Community Well-being
Within the political landscape, some Oromo elites may prioritize personal gain over the well-being of the broader community. While they present themselves as champions of their peoples’ rights, underlying motives may be tied to individual ambitions and power consolidation. It raises an ethical dilemma—where the pursuit of personal advancement often overshadows genuine efforts to alleviate issues faced by the Oromos. This self-serving behavior underscores the complex nature of tribal politics, where personal gain can sometimes take precedence, compromising the collective well-being of the community.
Motivation Behind Supporting Tribal Politics
Impact on Other Ethnic Groups
Supporting tribal politics among Oromo elites is strategically motivated by its impact on other ethnic groups. There is a belief that such politics can sow discord and weaken competitors, notably the Amharas, in the broader political arena. The tactic is seen as a method to solidify power by undermining other ethnic contributions and influence. This approach, however, can lead to tensions and animosities, ultimately fracturing national unity and complicating efforts for harmonious coexistence across Ethiopia’s diverse communities.
Political Mobilization vs. Governance
The role of tribal politics in effective political mobilization stands in stark contrast to its utility in governing. While it serves as a potent tool for rallying support and mobilizing protests, translating that momentum into stable and inclusive governance presents significant challenges. As noted by Jawar Mohammed, tribal politics may not provide a sustainable framework for national leadership. The Oromo elites thus face the dilemma of reconciling these two disparate roles. On one hand, tribal dynamics enable rapid mobilization; on the other, such frameworks may not be adaptable to the practicalities and complexities of nation-building and governance.
Jawar Mohammed’s Statements on Tribal Politics
Jawar Mohammed, a prominent Oromo activist and politician, has been vocal about the role of tribal politics in Ethiopia. His perspective on tribal politics offers a complex view of its advantages and drawbacks, especially when it comes to mobilizing protests versus the challenges it presents in national governance.
Viewed Utility for Protest Mobilization
Tribal politics has been described by Jawar Mohammed as a powerful tool for protest mobilization. In regions where ethnic identity plays a significant role, leveraging this aspect can quickly rally people around a cause. The sense of shared ethnicity and the historical significance of grievances can drive collective action and amplify voices seeking change.
Effectiveness in Fueling Protests
The effectiveness in fueling protests through tribal politics cannot be understated. During times of unrest, ethnic affiliation provides a strong bond that unites individuals under a common banner. This method of mobilization can highlight specific ethnic issues, bringing them to the forefront of national discourse. However, while tribal politics can indeed energize people for protests, this approach comes with its own set of challenges when extended to national policy-making and governance.
Unsuitability for National Governance
Jawar Mohammed has also spoken about the inherent unsuitability of tribal politics for effective national governance. While it can galvanize significant support for specific causes, its limitations become evident in the broader context of running a country. The beauty of tribal politics in uniting people can transform into a barrier, resulting in fragmented governance that struggles to address the broader needs of a diverse population.
Challenges Faced in Governance
The challenges faced in governance when tribal politics is at play involve the difficulty in forming cohesive governmental policies. It often leads to a focus on ethnic divides rather than unity, which can stymie policy formulation and implementation. Governance requires a collective view that transcends ethnic lines, something tribal politics naturally challenges. These challenges highlight why Jawar views tribal politics as ill-suited for long-term national governance, despite its short-term efficacy in mobilization.
Understanding the dual nature of tribal politics—its ability to unite for protests and its struggles within governance—is crucial for evaluating future political strategies in Ethiopia.
Keep doing the good work, the Habesha.
Oromo elites campaigned against the Amhara as a strategic move to weaken a key competitor in the broader political arena. As the writer noted, their belief was that undermining the Amhara would help consolidate power and elevate their own influence. This tactic, often rooted in false narratives—as publicly admitted by Lencho Leta—was never about unity, but about control.
Prime Monster Abiy himself inadvertently exposed the cracks in these narratives. In seeking recognition, he said: “Menelik is celebrated for leading just 5 million people, while I lead over 120 million and deserve greater recognition.” That one line unraveled the OLF’s outrageous claim that Menelik was responsible for 5 million deaths—impossible given the population size of the time. When paired with Lencho’s admission, it casts serious doubt on the credibility of both OPDO leaders and Abiy.
This approach—discrediting others to climb higher—might yield temporary political gain, but it’s corroding Ethiopia from within. It fosters distrust, inflames ethnic tensions, and fractures national unity. Yet, hope remains: the grassroots people—Amhara, Oromo, Tigray, and others—still live side by side in peace. If they didn’t, Ethiopia would have been torn apart long ago, especially under Prime Monster Abiy’s divisive rule, fueled by a generation of politically misguided elites and educated fools.
May God shed light on the dark corners of Ethiopia’s educated fools—especially among the Amhara, Oromo, and Tigray—who have become tools of the Prime Monster. They are recklessly gambling with the lives of 85% of the population: poor farmers, mothers brewing tela to feed their families, and everyday Ethiopians just trying to live. Meanwhile, these so-called intellectuals, loyal to the Prime Monster’s shenanigans, help him plant division like landmines across the country.
They must be called out and removed—by the unified will of Amhara, Oromo, Tigray, and all who believe in a peaceful, just, and united Ethiopia.