In a just society, the pursuit of justice must be impartial. When evaluating the political landscape of Ethiopia, particularly the plight of the Oromo people, one must demand accountability not only from the ruling government but also from armed groups and opposition forces that claim to represent or defend the interests of the people. It is valid, even necessary, to criticise a government that has betrayed the promises of justice and equality. Yet it is equally necessary to condemn non-state actors, such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the Fano militants, when they commit atrocities against innocent civilians.
Jawar Mohammed, once hailed as a fearless advocate for the Oromo cause and a central figure in Ethiopia’s recent political reawakening, finds himself in a morally complex position. His silence—or cautious ambiguity—regarding the crimes perpetrated by the OLA and Fano is not only troubling, but also undermines the moral clarity and credibility of the broader struggle for justice. Advocacy cannot be selective. Justice is not divisible. Silence in the face of crimes against the people is a betrayal of the very ideals that the struggle for Oromo rights was built upon.
Government Betrayal Is Real, But It’s Not the Whole Story
The ruling regime under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has undeniably failed to deliver on its promises of inclusive democracy, genuine federalism, and peace. For the Oromo people, this has meant the continuation of systemic marginalisation, state violence, mass arrests, and the militarisation of Oromia. These realities must be exposed and condemned without hesitation.
However, to build a truly just and inclusive political order, we must not disregard the sufferings inflicted by other forces that claim to be freedom fighters or defenders of their ethnic groups. Civilians—Oromo, Amhara, and others—are caught in the crossfire of this multifaceted violence. While the state must be held accountable for its disproportionate use of force and political repression, non-state actors must equally face scrutiny when they violate the rights of the very people they claim to represent.
The Moral Responsibility of Leaders Like Jawar
Jawar's history as a mobiliser, intellectual, and former political prisoner places him in a unique position of influence. His words matter. His silence matters even more. For someone vocal about justice, democracy, and human rights, the refusal to publicly denounce the brutality committed by OLA and Fano militants raises serious ethical questions.
Is Jawar afraid of losing his base? Is he trying to preserve political alliances for future ambitions? Or does he believe that the ends justify the means, so long as the government remains the primary target? Regardless of the rationale, this selective moral outrage creates a dangerous precedent—one that allows armed groups to operate with impunity under the shield of ethnic or political legitimacy.
Does Crime Have a Special Treatment?
When crimes are committed in the name of liberation, they do not become less criminal. Ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, targeted killings, and attacks on non-combatants are violations of international law and human decency, regardless of who commits them. Like any struggle for justice, the Oromo struggle must remain rooted in principles, not partisanship. Otherwise, it risks becoming indistinguishable from the oppression it claims to oppose.
Failing to condemn OLA or Fano when they harm civilians contributes to the normalisation of violence. It communicates to victims that their suffering is less important because it was inflicted by someone from "their side" or someone "fighting the enemy." This is a dangerous narrative. Justice only spoken when it is convenient is not justice at all—it is opportunism.
Conclusion: Justice Must Be Universal
Historical grievances, ethnic polarisation, and a lack of institutional accountability in Ethiopia already complicate the road to peace and equality. Leaders who aspire to speak on behalf of the people must have the courage to tell uncomfortable truths. Jawar and others in similar positions must break their silence. They must reject all forms of violence against civilians, regardless of the perpetrator, and help build a political culture where human rights are not sacrificed for ethnic or political gain.
In the face of cruelty, selective justice is injustice, and silence is complicity. To move forward, Ethiopia—and the Oromo struggle—needs moral consistency, not moral calculation.
No comments:
Post a Comment