A Parasitic History: Oromo Relations with Expansionist Forces.
By: Feleke Bogale Dibaabaa
The historical and contemporary relationship between the Oromo nation and expansionist groups has been profoundly parasitic rather than symbiotic. Contrary to the unsanitised narratives promoted by apologists—who cite intermarriage, mutual respect, or superficial cultural exchanges—the evidence overwhelmingly points to exploitation, domination, and subjugation. These rhetorical defences crumble under the lightest scrutiny of lived reality and historical records.
Understanding Parasitism in the Political Context
In biological terms, parasitism describes a relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of another. Politically and socially, the same concept applies when one nation or group continuously extracts resources—both human and material—while suppressing the autonomy, identity, and well-being of another. This is the historical reality of the Oromo under expansionist regimes and settler-colonial configurations in the Horn of Africa.
Since the violent incorporation of Oromia into the Ethiopian empire, the Oromo people have suffered extensive loss: land dispossession, linguistic and cultural marginalisation, political disenfranchisement, and economic exploitation. The supposed “integration” was never mutual—it was imposed through violence and maintained through manipulation. The relationship has been, and remains, parasitic: one side feeds off the vitality of the other.
Settler Colonialism and the Myth of Unity
The myth of unity between the Oromo and expansionist forces is often disguised behind the narratives of coexistence. Yet, there is a stark power imbalance in these relationships. Whether colonial settlers, economic migrants, or environmental drifters have settled in Oromia, the pattern is the same: Oromo resources are extracted, Oromo identity is suppressed, and Oromo voices are silenced.
Even today, disparities in economic development, access to education, cultural representation, and political power expose the deep-rooted inequality. Towns built on stolen Oromo land remain hubs of wealth for non-Oromo elites. Oromo children are still punished—sometimes violently—for speaking their mother tongue in certain schools. Politically, the Oromo have been allowed token representation only when it serves the interests of the dominant power structure.
The Anti-Oromo Campaign: A Continuation, Not a Creation
The recent surge in anti-Oromo sentiment from various corners is not a sudden or isolated phenomenon. It continues to have a long-standing strategy to control and weaken the Oromo nation. This campaign—whether through media narratives, policy exclusion, or direct violence—has been part of the deeper parasitic dynamic since its incorporation.
The role of OPDO (now OPP) must be understood in this context. Their failures are not the root cause but a symptom of the broader system designed to ensure Oromo subordination. The organisation was never built to empower Oromia but to pacify it from within and create an illusion of Oromo representation while maintaining control from above.
Systemic Resistance to Change
The entrenched interests of dominant groups inherently resist any shift that might challenge their historical advantages. These groups use economic monopolies, military hierarchies, and cultural institutions as control mechanisms. These groups understand that genuine Oromo empowerment threatens the system's foundation from which they benefit. Therefore, they deploy every available tool—legal, political, psychological, and even military—to suppress movements for Oromo liberation.
Internal Challenges and the Path Forward
It is also true that internal political divisions, weak institutions, and ineffective leadership within the Oromo camp hinder progress. However, these challenges are compounded—if not created—by the broader parasitic system. The lack of institutional capacity is not accidental; it results from generations of deliberate underdevelopment. Oromo political fragmentation is not a natural condition but a consequence of systemic infiltration and psychological warfare.
The path forward demands both internal renewal and external resistance. Oromia must build strong, independent institutions that are immune to external manipulation. Oromo political forces must unite around clear ideological commitments, prioritising national interest over personal ambition or party loyalty. Cultural revitalisation, economic self-sufficiency, and strategic alliances will also be key to weakening parasitism's grip.
Conclusion
The Oromo people are not natural victims; they are a nation with a proud history, resilient spirit, and the potential for profound transformation. But to move forward, the truth must be named: the Oromo's relationship with expansionist groups has never been mutual. It has been parasitic—extraction, domination, and resistance have defined the dynamic. Only by breaking this parasitic cycle can true freedom, dignity, and self-determination be achieved.
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