The causes behind the betrayal of Oromo identity and how individuals may unknowingly advocate for interests that harm their own people.

The causes behind the betrayal of Oromo identity and how individuals may unknowingly advocate for interests that harm their own people.

 Causes of Betrayal of Oromo Identity and Unconscious Advocacy Against One’s Own People

Identity is not just a personal matter—it is a collective inheritance. For the Oromo, identity (Oromummaa) is deeply rooted in culture, language, values, and a long history of resistance, resilience, and unity. However, some Oromo individuals today find themselves disconnected from this identity. Some even consciously or unconsciously advocate for ideologies, systems, or groups directly harming Oromo's interests.

This phenomenon raises important questions: What causes someone to betray their Oromo identity? Why would anyone unknowingly promote others’ agendas that undermine their own people?

Understanding these questions requires thoroughly examining psychological, historical, social, and political factors.

1. Historical Oppression and Identity Suppression

For over a century, the Ethiopian state system operated through assimilation and repression. Oromo identity was systematically erased from official narratives, education, media, and politics. Afaan Oromo was banned in schools and public life. Expressing Oromummaa was criminalised.

This kind of long-term systemic oppression creates a deep psychological wound. When a person grows up being told—directly or indirectly—that their identity is inferior, they may begin to believe it. They internalise the dominant culture's values and slowly begin to see their heritage as backward or shameful. This leads some to reject or feel embarrassed about being Oromo.

2. Colonization of the Mind

Frantz Fanon, a prominent anti-colonial thinker, described how colonial systems do not only conquer land—they conquer minds. Colonisation of the mind happens when a person adopts the oppressor’s worldview and starts defending it as if it were their own.

In the Oromo context, this means individuals might see the oppressive systems of the past or present as “normal,” “necessary,” or even “better.” They may view Oromo struggles for self-determination, language rights, or cultural survival as “divisive” or “dangerous” simply because they have been conditioned to accept the dominant ideology.

3. Lack of Historical Awareness and Cultural Education

Another major cause of unconscious betrayal is ignorance—not willful ignorance, but a lack of access to Oromo history, philosophy, and values. Many young Oromos grow up in cities or diasporic communities where Oromo culture is not actively taught. Schools rarely offer accurate Oromo history. In such cases, people grow up knowing more about others than themselves.

As a result, they may absorb and repeat narratives that harm Oromo's interests—not because they intend harm but because they don’t understand the impact. They may unknowingly advocate for political agendas, media narratives, or religious interpretations that work against Oromo dignity and unity.

4. Desire for Social Acceptance and Upward Mobility

Some individuals attempt to distance themselves from their roots to gain acceptance or social advancement in societies where Oromo identity has been marginalised. Speaking a dominant language, adopting non-Oromo names, or aligning with non-Oromo political agendas may be seen as a way to climb the ladder of success.

Over time, this calculated distancing becomes internalised betrayal. What began as a survival tactic becomes a belief system in which the person no longer sees their own community as worthy of defence or pride.

5. Political Manipulation and Division

Political actors, both local and foreign, have historically used divide-and-rule tactics to weaken Oromo unity. Some Oromo individuals become tools—consciously or not—of these agendas. They are offered positions, platforms, or resources in exchange for echoing narratives that divide Oromos along religion, region, clan, or ideology.

Without realising it, such individuals become agents of disunity, speaking on behalf of systems that benefit from Oromo fragmentation. They often fail to understand that these platforms are temporary and discarded once they are no longer helpful

6. Loss of Moral Compass (Safuu)

In Oromo ethics, Safuu refers to a deep moral sense of right and wrong. It governs how we relate to each other, our ancestors, nature, and truth 

When someone betrays their people or advocates against them, they often lose their sense of Safuu. The betrayal is not just political—it is ethical. Restoring Safuu requires introspection, education, and community healing.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The betrayal of Oromo identity is not always born of hatred—it is often born of confusion, fear, or ignorance. But regardless of the cause, the impact is real. When one Oromo speaks against the nation's interests, it strengthens those forces that wish to see Oromummaa erased.

The path forward is not to curse those who have gone astray—but to awaken them. We must invest in Oromo education, cultural pride, and historical truth. We must create spaces where Oromummaa is not only safe—but celebrated.

Only then can we stop the cycle of unconscious betrayal and ensure that every Oromo stands tall—not just in name but in truth, ethics, and unity.