here is a discussion underway among members to change the name of the Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO) in the spirit of “Medemer” or inclusiveness spearheaded by Lemma Megersa the head of the Oromo region of Ethiopia.
As we all know there are Oromos in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc. Such ethnic cross-border settlement is historical in some cases leading to war.
Somalis in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti are living in different countries, but the vision of Greater Somalia is still on paper.
One language “unites” Somalis and whether we create A Somali Democratic Party(SDP) or Somali People Democratic Party(SPDM) nothing changes.
Similarly changing the Oromo People Democratic Organization(OPDO) to Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) does not change what Oromo stands for. It is for people who identify themselves as Oromo.
The problem is not Oromo or Afan Oromo the Oromo language it is the 25-year-old map of Oromo region.
This map which is imposed on our people has to go with other eight regional maps of Ethiopia. The ethnic conflict this year alone that drove two million people in Ethiopia is a war to expand and cleanse regions.
Major cities like Addis Ababa, Harar, and Diredawa, are claimed by the Oromo parties regardless of their names. The Oromo region is expanding as we speak on paper.
Diredawa weekend death of 15 people is Oromos against Somalis both were rewarded the 40 percent share of the citiy and the rest of the Ethiopians 20 percent.A recipe for disaster. No wonder Djibouti asked fellow Somalis to stay away from Diredawa.
Addis Ababa so-called Federal city is the capital of the Oromo region if we hear the songs blasted from Millennium hall recently. This is a call for Qeero to march to Addis Ababa. Need to be stopped. It is a costly adventure.
Addis Ababa is not Finfine. It is not the Oromo capital. It is the capital city of Ethiopia.
Let me suggest for members and supporters of OPDO my input in a name change. You are in Ethiopia. The Oromos in Kenya, Uganda Tanzania, and Rwanda or other countries are not legal members of your party and why do not call your party our party Ethiopian Oromo Democratic Party (EODP).
Good Luck !!!!
