Oromo Nationalism and the Ethiopian Discourse: The Search for Freedom and Democracy

The contributors of this provocative but timely book argue that the Oromo nation is currently engaged in a liberation struggle from Ethiopia colonial ruling class and its supporters. The main objectives of the Oromo national movement are the restoration of the Oromo democratic tradition known as gada, liberation of Oromia from foreign domination, and the fundamental transformation of the Oromo nation politically, culturally and economically. It is further argued that the Oromo, who constitute a numerical majority in Eastern Africa, should build multinational societies based on consociational or real representative democracy.

This Timely collection of essays examines the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the emergence and development of Oromo nationalism, the essence of this nationalism, and the prospects of the Oromo national struggle, as well as the Ethiopian reaction. The book provides a multidimensional and critical interpretation of the Oromo national movement by bringing together the expertise of outstanding intellectuals and prominent Oromo politicians.

Besides the editor, the contributors are Lemmu Baissa, Leenco Lata, Edmond Keller, Kuwee Kumsa, John Sorenson and Mohammed Hassen. Although the contributors have different approaches, they agree that the Oromo have been suffering under the domination of the Ethiopian and modern world systems. Their national struggle Fr self-determination social justice, and democracy has begun to have some impact. Further, the book makes the case that the Oromo national movement is gradually evolving as the main political and cultural force to counter Ethiopian colonialism.

Asafa Jalata is an associate professor of Sociology and African and African American Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is the author of Oromia & Ethiopia, and has published extensively in various scholarly journals. He is the editor of the Journal of Oromo Studies.