Some are desperately trying to deliberately misinterpret the We are Oromo not Ethiopian slogan of Oromo refugees as if it meant they are calling for attacking other nationalities. However, you should know that that is not the intended meaning of the slogan. Oromo refugees are saying this for two reasons. First, the fact that Oromo nationalists do not want to be identified as Ethiopian and they organize themselves separately is not new. Its a decades old political stand born of rejection of the imposition of Abyssinian-cum-Ethiopian identity. It does not imply disdain for other nationalities, but rather affirmation of ones identity. One might agree or disagree, like or dislike this political stand, but trying to portray it as hatred towards others is cheap ploy by those who want to preserve and restore a hegemonic relation. This fear-mongering strategy has been over utilized for the last four decades, it has backfired every time and effectively defeated. It will continue to face the same fate in the future. The second reason is that Oromo refugees want their case to be treated as distinctive based on the claim that they have been forced to flee their country due to systematic and selective persecution and discrimination they suffered as a group. Backed by investigative reporting by various human right and media organizations, over years, they have been able to substantiate this claim. Consequently refugee resettlement agencies and courts have come to acknowledge this issue in rendering their decisions and providing service . This fact is well known even to those who are barking at the slogan. The best evidence for this is that even non Oromos (including those who live by demonizing the Oromo question), are known to pretend be Oromo whenever they apply for refugee status in neighboring countries and seek asylum in the west. Recently someone anonymously sent me a document that shows one vocal and vicious opponent the Oromos struggle actually got his asylum by claiming that he was persecuted in Ethiopia due to alleged affiliation with OLF! So if non Oromos can benefit by claiming our nations cause, then why is it wrong for sons and daughters of Oromo, who are actually victimized because of who they are, to seek protection based on legitimate ground?
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 12:32:14 +0000
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