OROMO

The 'Oromo' are an indigenous African ethnic group found in Ethiopia and to a lesser extent in Kenya and Somalia. They are the largest single ethnic group in Ethiopia, at 40.1% of the population according to the 1994 census, and today numbering around 28 million.^[1] Their native language is the Oromo language (also called Afaan Oromoo, and Oromiffa).

Contents

History

Subgroups

Society and culture

Religion

Politics

Nomenclature

Notable Oromos

See also

References

Further reading

History

The Oromo are one of the Cushitic speaking groups of people living in Eastern and North Eastern Africa. Cushitic speakers have inhabited parts of north-eastern and eastern Africa for as long as recorded history. Oromos are found predominantly in Ethiopia (99%), but are spread from as far as northern Ethiopia (southern Tigray Region) to (mainly northern) Kenya, even as far south as Lamu island. The Oromo represent one of largest of the Cushitic groups inhabiting the Horn of Africa. Their physical features, culture, language and other evidences unequivocally point to the fact that they are indigenous to this part of Africa. Available information clearly indicates that the Oromo existed as a community of people for thousands of years in East Africa (Prouty at al, 1981). Bates (1979) contends, "The Gallas (Oromo) were a very ancient race, the indigenous stock, perhaps, on which most other peoples in this part of eastern Africa have been grafted".
While further research is needed to precisely comprehend the origin of Oromo people, it is well known that Oromo people come from a line of pastoralist/nomadic group and/or semi-agriculturalist group. It is likely that they have existed for a longer period of time side by side with their northern Semitic-speaking neighbors. There is a wealth of oral history that describe interactions between the two group dating back as early as the 6th century. .
During the 16th century, following the wars between the kingdom of Ethiopia and the neighboring Sultanate of Adal, which resulted in the exhaustion of both states, Oromos moved north into their territories. The Ethiopian monk Bahrey, writing in 1593, attributed the Oromo success to the existence of too many non-fighting classes in the ruling Ethiopian hierarchy, as opposed to the Oromos, whom he described as having a homogeneous warrior class.^[2] Bahrey also explained their spread into northwestern areas such as Arsi, Shewa, Welega, and Gojjam and northeastern areas like Hararghe and Wollo as result of their inhospitable homeland.^[3] Harold G. Marcus suggests northwest Borena as the original homeland of the Oromo.^[4]
Settled Oromo started to integrate with their Amharic-speaking neighbors at least from the 17th century on. Also, several Oromo chieftains obtained power in government of the monarchy. Particularly Emperor Iyoas I (1730-55), who was half Oromo, favored his mother's Oromo kinsmen and allies, and in his era, the Oromo language was the language of the court in Gondar.
By the late 18th century, the power of the central government of Ethiopia had waned, and local governors and kings enjoyed greater autonomy. During this era (which lasted until 1855), known as the Zemene Mesafint, the Oromo dynasty of chiefs of Yejju were the most important continuous line of warlords to dominate the figurehead emperors of Ethiopia. They became sub-kings of Begemder, Enderases (Regents) of the empire, as well as imperial father-in-laws. Ras Ali I of Yejju achieved this dominance in 1779, and it continued, although contested by other warlords, until the 1855 defeat of Ras Ali II of Yejju by the upstart Kassa Hailu (who in that year became Emperor Tewodros II). Due to the powerlessness of the Emperor of Ethiopia during the Zemene Mesafint, the Yejju Oromo were effectively the rulers of Ethiopia.
Other tribes and chiefs of the Oromo people were also prominent, such as lady Menen of Wollo who became Empress in 1800s; Ras Mohammad of Wollo who became Ras Mikael, later Negus of Siyon and father of Emperor Iyasu V; and another lady Menen, of Ambassel, who became Empress consort of Haile Selassie.
In order to integrate with the imperial power and family, a large share of the Oromo converted to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity during these centuries. As one of the last such developments, in late 1800s Emperor Yohannes IV ordered the Oromo tribe of Wollo to convert to Christianity within six months at the threat of losing their property. Such a threat had caused many Wollo Oromos to leave their homeland and migrate further to the South. Their leader was Ras Mohammed who became Ras Mikael and later made an imperial marriage, becoming the father of Emperor Iyasu V.

Subgroups

The Oromo are divided into 12 subgroups. From west to east, these subgroups are:

★ The Welega Oromo, who live in the Oromia Region west of the Didessa River;

★ The Macha Oromo, living between Dindessa River and the Omo River, and south into the Gibe region;

★ The Tulama Oromo, who live in the Oromia Region around Addis Ababa;

★ The Wollo Oromo, who are the northernmost group, and live predominantly in the Oromia Zone of the Amhara Region, as far north as Lake Ashenge, with whom the Raya Oromo and the Yejju Oromo are often grouped;

★ The Ittu Oromo, who live in the Oromia Region from the Awash River east to a line drawn south of Dire Dawa;

★ The Ania Oromo, who live south of the Ittu and west of the Erer River;

★ The Ala Oromo, living west of the city of Harar and the Erer River, and between the Ittu and Ania Oromo;

★ The Nole Oromo, who live east of Dire Dawa and north of Harar;

★ The Babille Oromo, who are one of the easternmost subgroup, living east of the Erer River in the Oromia Region, and south of the other easternmost subgroup,

★ The Jarso Oromo, who live in the northeastern corner of the Misraq Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Region;

★ The Arsi Oromo, who live in the part of the Oromia Region named for them, the Arsi Zone; and

★ The Borena Oromo, who are the southernmost subgroup of the Oromo, and live in the southern parts of the Oromia Region and in Kenya.^[5]

★ The Oborra Oromo

★ The Qallu Oromo, who live between the Awash River and Dire Dawa.

★ The Guji Oromo, who are the southern part subgroup of the Oromo, inhabiting neighboring the Borena Oromo.

Society and culture

Oromo society was traditionally structured in accordance with ''gadaa'', a social stratification system partially based on an eight-year cycle of age sets, but over the centuries the age sets grew out-of-alignment with the actual ages of their members, and some time in the 1800s another age set system was instituted. Under gadaa, every eight years the Oromo would hold a popular assembly called the ''Gumi Gayo'', at which laws were established for the following eight years. A democratically elected leader, the ''Abba Gada'', presided over the system for an eight-year term. Gadaa is no longer in wide practice but remains influential.

Religion

In the 1994 Ethiopian census in the 85% Oromo region of Oromia, 44.3% were Muslims, 41.3% Orthodox Christians, 8.6% Protestants, 4.2% Traditional, and the remaining 1.6% constitute other religious groups. In urban Oromia Orthodox Christians constitute 67.8% of the population, followed by Muslims 24.0% and Protestants 7%.^[6]

Politics

A number of political organizations have been formed to promote the interests of the Oromo. The first was the Mecha and Tulama Self-Help Organization, founded in January 1963, but was disbanded by the government after several increasingly tense confrontations in November, 1966.^[7] Later groups include the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), the United Liberation Forces of Oromia (ULFO), the Islamic Front for the Liberation of Oromia (IFLO), the Oromia Liberation Council (OLC), the Oromo National Congress (ONC) and others. Another group, the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), is one of the four parties that form the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. However, these Oromo groups do not act in unity: the ONC, for example, was part of the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces coalition that challenged the EPRDF in the Ethiopian general elections of 2005.
Some of these groups seek to create an independent Oromo nation, some using armed force. Meanwhile the Oromo ruling sub-party and several opposition political parties in the Ethiopian parliament believe in the unity of the country which has 80 different ethnicities that have been intermarrying and living together for centuries. Also there are believed to be around 2.4 million other Ethiopians who have mixed ancestries with the ethnic Oromo.

Nomenclature

The Oromo were historically called ''Galla'', therefore one may encounter this name in older texts, but Oromos do not use this term to refer to themselves. However, when Charles Tutschek, writing in the mid 19th century, researched the Oromo, "his informants, according to their published letters, used ''Galla'' as a term of self-reference."^[8] The name has fallen into disfavor and is now considered to be pejorative, possibly because of a folk etymology for "Galla" (that it came from ''Qal la'', pronounced similar to ''Gal la'', Arabic for "he said no") that implies they refused Muhammad's offer to convert to Islam. In the Somali language Galla means pagan or non-muslim, possibly referring to their old religion . The etymology of the word is still disputed and unsolved, but Cornelius Jaenen offers possible roots derived from words in the Oromo language:

''The Galla who call themselves Oromo, are as uncertain about the origin of their name as are the anthropologists. ''Orma'' means a foreigner who is not a relative; ''galà'' means a stranger who is a guest, ''galla'' is a stranger who joins a tribe; ''gala'', an imperative, means 'go home'; ''gala'' a noun, means one who goes home, also provisions for travelling. The Galla language gives us no further hint. The history of the people is indeed a tale of nomadic strangers & guests who are seeking a home. Now they have found that home but they are still designated as guests (Jaenen 1956:172).''^[9]

Notable Oromos

★ Ahmad Taqi Shiek Mohammed Rashid(Better Known as Hundee)- The First Commander of Oromo Libration Forces, who helped Gen. Taddese Birru to escape from house arrest, and died at The Battle of Tiro (Gelemso) while fighting the government army together with Elemo Kiltu.

★ Ababa Abishu - political activist and prominent singer

★ Abadula Gemeda - Fourth President of Oromia regional state

★ Abas Hadji - Author and historian; wrote about Arsi history

★ King Abba Jifar II - ruled Jimma and surrounding areas

★ Abbas Gnamo - professor

★ Abdissa Aga - Escapee from Italian prison and leader of a squad for the Allies during WWII

★ Hon. Abdissa Yadeta Muleta-Ethiopian State Minister of Youth & Sport

★ Abdukarim Ibrahim Hamid (Jarra Abba Gada) - one of the founders of the OLF and the head of the Front for Democratic Oromia (FDO)

★ Abdulsemed M. Yousuf Dr. author of seerlugaa Afaan Oromoo and authority on Oromo grammar

★ Ras Abebe Aregay, general fighting against Italian occupiers (1930s)

★ Abebe Bikila - first African and Ethiopian to receive a gold medal in the Olympics (marathon; ran barefoot)

★ Abebe Kebede - prominent singer from the 1980s

★ Abebe Tesema - a famous singer

★ Abiyu Geleta - OLF leader

★ Abubaker Usman Oda (Sheikh Bakri Saphalo) - modern Oromo nationalist and Muslim scholar; invented an Oromo alphabet.

★ Hon. Adanech Abiebie Dessa - Secrateray General of (HPR)House of Peolples Representative

★ Colonel Alemu Kitessa - Founder and long time leader of Mecha and Tulama Association

★ Ali Birra - famous singer

★ Ras Ali II of Yejju, Enderase or Regent of the Ethiopian Emperor, and effectively the ruler of Ethiopia

★ Aman Kadir Kamsare - Oromo Scholar and one of the founders of Front for Independence of Oromia

★ Asafa Jalata - author and professor

★ Ayana Birru - invented the Amharic typewriter of Ethiopia

★ Baaro Tumsa - one of the founders of the OLF

★ Sheyk Bakri Sapalo- scholar and poet. He created Afaan Oromo writing system

★ Dejazmach Balcha Aba Nefso - Ethiopian general at the Battle of Adwa

★ Bedri Kabira Mohammed - founder of the Saphalo Foundation

★ Berhane Adere- won the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships

★ Boru Sheko Bati- Regional leader

★ Hon. Bulcha Demeksa Senbeto- OFDM opposition party leader, parliamentarian and peace-advocate

★ Dawud Ibsa Ayana - OLF leader

★ Derartu Tulu - Long Distance runner and Gold Winner at the Olympics

★ Dubba Gololcha - Regional leader

★ Ebisa Adugnya - famous Ethiopian singer

★ Professor Ephrem Isaac - Multilnigual author and professor

★ Elemo Qiltu - Hero among heroes. Known as the first true fighter for the sake of Oromo people.

★ Hon. Fantaye Gezahegn Urgesa- Deputy Chairperson of the Ethiopian Legal & Adminiistration Affairs Committee

★ Fatuma Roba - Long Distance runner and 1996 marathon winner.

★ Gadaa Gammadaa - One of the OLF founders

★ Hon. Fetia Yesuf Mumed- Deputy Chairperson of the Ethiopian Capacity Building Affairs Committee

★ Gelassa Dilbo - OLF leader

★ Gete Wami - cross country and track runner.

★ Hon. Girma Biru Geda- EThiopian Minister of Trade & Industry

★ Hon. Gifty Ababiya Ababulgu - Chairperson of Ethiopian Women's Affairs Committee

★ Guyoo Dhabasa - gadaa scholar

★ Haile Gebrselassie - King of Long distance running and marathon runner.

★ Haile Mariam Gamada founder of Macha and Tulama Association

★ Hailu Kitaba- One of the very best Oromo singer

★ Hassen Ali First president of Oromia regional state

★ Ibsa Gutama - former Minister of Education

★ Ibsa Sisay - author

★ Jamal Robale also known as Gutama Hawas - One of the OLF founders

★ Hon. Kebede Abera Odo-Chairman of the Ethiopian Trade & Industry Affairs Committee

★ General Kemal Galchu - a former Ethiopian General

★ Juneidi Sad - Third President of Oromia regional state (2001-2005)

★ Kenenisa Bekele - Ethiopian long distance runner

★ Kuma Demeksa - Second President of Oromia regional state (1995-2001)

★ "Kuwee" Martha Kumsa - acclaimed journalist and imprisoned professor

★ Legesse Abdi - famous Oromo singer

★ Leenco Lata - former OLF leader-engineer-politician-author

★ Legaba Bekele Hordofa Chengire – Responsible for the Royal Palace (Gibbi)

★ Lenco Bati - OLF member

★ Mamo Mezemir member of Macha and Tulama Association

★ Mamo Wolde - Ethiopian long-distance runner, winner of the marathon at the 1968 Summer Olympics

★ Dr. Merera Gudina - author and professor, ONC opposition party executive member, Ethiopian parliamentarian

★ Merkuria Bulcha - author and professor

★ Hon. Ambassador Mohammed Ali Ibrahim-Chairman of the Ethiopian Foreign, Defense & Security Affairs Committee

★ Sheikh Mohamed Rashad Abdulle - Muslim scholar who translated the Qur'an into Afan Oromo

★ Mohammed Hassen Ali - professor of history at Georgia University and one of the most prolific writers on Oromo history

★ Mul'is Abbaa gadaa notable nationalist and one of the founders of Oromo liberation Army

★ Nadhi Gamada - One of the OLF founders

★ Hon. Dr. Negaso Gidada Solan- ex-President of Ethiopia

★ Nuho Mohammed Gobana - one of the best Oromo singers

★ Omar Suleyman - Legend Oromo Artist and Nationalist

★ Onesimos Nesib - evangelist and translator of Bible into the Oromo language

★ Qamar Yusuf - Oromo tranditional singer; known as the Master of Shaggoyyee

★ Hon. Shiferaw Jariso Tedecha - EPRDF government minister (chief)

★ Hon. Sofiyan Ahmed Beker - Ethiopian Minister of Finance & Economic Development

★ Qurquji Simbo - renowned Oromo vocalist and Oromo nationalism advocator

★ Ramadaan Huseen Khaliil - First oromo libration fighter

★ Teferi Benti - former Ethiopian president

★ Tilahun Gessesse - famous Ethiopian singer

★ Dr. Tilahun Gamta - Renowned Oromo linguist and author of the most comprehensive Oromo English Dictionary

★ Gen. Tadesse Birru - trained Nelson Mandela; father of Oromo nationalism; Ethiopian patriot and commander of Fatno-Derash

★ Dr. Tadasa Ebba Fido - OLF Leader

★ Dr. Teshome Soromessa - author and professor

★ Tirunesh Dibaba - Ethiopian long-distance runner

★ Umar Suleyman -one of the best Oromo singer

★ Gen. Waqo Gutu - leader of the United Liberation Forces of Oromia (ULFO)

★ Hon. Workneh Gebeyehu Negewo - Commissioner of the Federal Police

★ Lij Yilma Deressa Amentu: Minister of Finance, Commerce & Industry and Foreign Affairs in Emperor Haile Selassie's cabinet; economist; historian; and, celebrated wit. Author of ''Ye Ityopia Tarik be Asrasideste Naw Kifle Zemen''.

★ Youssouf Hersi Ethiopian footballer playing for Vitesse Arnhem.

★ Abdus Ibrahim American soccer (football) player, plays for FC Dallas.

See also

★ Borana people

★ Oromia

References

1. Ethiopia: A Model Nation of Minorities (accessed 26 March 2006)
2. Bahrey, "History of the Galla" (1593). Translated by C.F. Beckingham and G.W.B. Huntingford in ''Some Records of Ethiopia 1593-1646'' (London: The Hakluyt Society, 1954). This is the earliest known account of the Oromo.
3. Marcus, Harold G. ''A History of Ethiopia.'' (University of California Press, updated edition: 2002), pp. 37. ISBN 0-520-22479-5
4. Marcus, ''A History of Ethiopia'', p. 35.
5. Distribution and locations is based on the map in G.W.B. Huntingford, ''The Galla of Ethiopia; the Kingdoms of Kafa and Janjero'' (London: International African Institute, 1955).
6. FDRE States: Basic Information - Oromia, Population (accessed 26 March 2006)
7. Bahru Zewde, ''A History of Modern Ethiopia: 1855-1991'', 2nd edition (Oxford: James Currey, 2001), pp. 261f.
8. Baxter, P.T.W.; Hultin, Jan; Triulzi, Alessandro. ''Being and Becoming Oromo: Historical and Anthropological Enquiries.'' (United States:Red Sea Press, Inc.: 1996), p.107.
9. Baxter, ''et al.'', ''Being and Becoming Oromo'', p.106.

Further reading

★ Mohammed Hassan, ''The Oromo of Ethiopia, A History 1570-1860''. Trenton: Red Sea Press, 1994. ISBN 0-932415-94-6

★ Herbert S. Lewis. ''A Galla Monarchy: Jimma Abba Jifar, Ethiopia 1830-1932''. Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1965.

★ RIC Query - Ethiopia

★ Freedom for the Oromos and Great Perspectives for the Horn of Africa area - By Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis