By: Samuel M. Gebru (@SMGebru)
December 11, 2011
In February 2010, I wrote two articles commenting on a then-proposed election plan by Ethiopia's opposition coalition Forum for Democracy and Dialogue (Medrek) to add Afan Oromo as Ethiopia's second official language (article #1 here and article #2 here). Recent comments on those articles and emails to me have prompted me to write this post on the topic.
From the onset, I find it deeply disturbing that I have been attacked as anti-Oromo. Being against any ethnic group is against everything I believe in, personally, ethically, religiously and politically. Perhaps my thoughts were not well articulated, and for that I apologize for any offenses I may have made.
I apologize for the misplaced and ill-researched claim that "virtually everyone in Ethiopia speaks Amharic." I remain resolute in that there are very big challenges Ethiopia faces politically and economically that need to be addressed before the addition of a new official language. This is only for one reason, and no it is not my deep-rooted hate for Oromos as claimed by some comments. It stems from the logistical challenges that this plan would undoubtedly create at the current time.
There have been regrettable and unspeakable crimes committed against Oromos in modern history. Some of these crimes still prevail today. Despite some commendable advancements in the protection of Oromo culture and life in the larger context of federalizing Ethiopia (e.g. allowing usage of other languages, etc.), there are serious issues that need addressing. These include the misplaced suspicion of some hardcore people in the Ethiopia's Government that all Oromos are inherently enemies of state, and enemies of the ruling EPRDF in particular. This misguided thinking is unfortunate and dangerous and propels continued imprisonments and harassment.
We have all been oppressed and oppressors. The Oromo plight continues today and that is a tragedy for Ethiopia's already stained human rights record. Perhaps there is much value in adding Afan Oromo as an official language of Ethiopia sometime in the future but already realize, the fact its primary (and secondary) speakers constitute a very large portion of East Africa's population, and the main ethnic group in Ethiopia, it can already be considered a de facto official language. It is also a national language already as defined by Ethiopian law. And for what it may be worth, it is also the Oromia State Government's official language.
My sincere hope is that this post addresses the many emails and comments I have received on this matter. Linguistic and cultural preservation in Ethiopia are very important social policy issues that the Parliament has unfortunately not openly and thoughtfully discussed.
Actually, the number of people in Ethiopia that speak Amharic is constantly decreasing by the design of tplf. Amharic is seen with contempt as the language of the Neftegnas, thanks to tplf. And why not? Meles and his people have hammered that point home since the creation of their organization.
ReplyDeletetplf didn't give people the right to use their languge. They brainwashed people into hating the very idea of a nation called Ethiopia. They have succeeded. Honestly, the only ones increasingly crying Ethiopia Ethiopia are only those in power. It is embarrassing.
With this respect, do you see the fallacy of presenting Tplf aka eprdf as an "ethiopian" entity? They spat on the flag, and only accepted it (even reluctantly) when it had that blue crap in the middle. Woyane detests the Ethiopian empire.
Why turn blind eye to the destruction tplf has ensued upon the Oromos? You get flak because you never cover these issues in your posts. You either only drop token protests against the regime, or you completely ignore it and instead post something unrelated or fairy land.
What you consider a starting point, that tplf/eprdf has opened the path for ethiopia's progress, is no starting point at all for many. Just delusion. This is why you are shocked.
I'm not saying you hate oromos or any other groups. You are probably a well meaning person. But, even if it is painful and uncomfirtable, you should start examining the history of tplf and ethiopia in general. Then look at the present and look at the future.
EPRDF is as much an "Ethiopian" Government as wedi Mebrahtu (aka Bereket Simon) is an Amhara. Woyane has never been pro "equality of people in Ethiopia" and will never be. In plain English, Ethiopia is under a Tigray rule. And what commendable "advancement" do you talk of? Oromos are probably being victimized now than ever. Ever.
ReplyDelete