O-Dispatch 24-A - A Vision for the Oromo Nation: A Democratic Republic Inspired by Gadaa

(Published as part of the “Oromia Rising: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Bantii Qixxeessaa

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	Introduction: Not Just Free—But Self-Governing Oromia’s quest for independence is not merely a rejection of Ethiopian imperial rule. It is a call to build a new kind of state—one that is just, inclusive, accountable, and rooted in Oromo values. At the heart of that vision lies a fundamental question: how will we govern ourselves after we are free?

Independence is not the end of our struggle—it is the beginning. It marks the birth of a democratic republic, a self-governing Oromo nation shaped by its people and inspired by its heritage. That republic must draw from both the profound legacy of the Gadaa system and the hard-won lessons of modern constitutional democracy.

This first installment in the series A Vision for the Oromo Nation is intended to serve as a foundation for scholars and legal experts to explore pathways for building a democratic and accountable government in Oromia—one that genuinely serves all its people.

I. From Imperial Rule to Democratic Renewal

For over a century, the Ethiopian empire has denied the Oromo people political representation, autonomy, and voice. From Haile Selassie’s monarchy to the Derg’s military dictatorship, from the TPLF’s federalism to Abiy Ahmed’s centralized “prosperity,” each regime has wielded state power not to serve but to dominate the Oromo nation.

Elections were orchestrated. Laws were imposed from above. Security forces enforced authority instead of protecting public safety. For Oromos, political participation was conditional, symbolic—or punished with violence.

This legacy must end.

Independence offers us a historic opportunity to build a radically different model of governance—one rooted in popular sovereignty, public participation, and meaningful accountability.

II. Founding Principles: What Kind of State Are We Building?

A democratic Oromia must be grounded in clear foundational principles. These principles should be enshrined in the preamble of both the interim and permanent constitutions:

• Popular Sovereignty: Power resides with the people—not with political parties, dynasties, or armies.
• Gadaa Values: Leadership is a duty, not a privilege. Governance must be rotational, time-bound, and answerable to the people.
• Secularism and Pluralism: The state must serve all citizens, irrespective of religion, region, or other differences.
• Rule of Law: No one is above the law—not the president (Abbaa Gadaa), not the parliament (Caffee), not the security forces.
• Decentralization: Authority must flow from communities upward—not from the capital downward.

These values must shape the design of Oromia’s institutions and the culture of its governance.

III. Core Institutions of Democratic Governance

1. A Gadaa-Inspired Presidency and Leadership Rotation

Oromia’s head of state should serve a fixed, non-renewable term—mirroring Gadaa’s rejection of lifetime rule. Leadership rotation should be institutionalized, reflecting geographic and clan diversity to ensure inclusive representation.

2. Parliamentary Oversight and Legislative Power

A bicameral legislature—one chamber representing regional populations, the other based on Gadaa constituencies—can balance modern democratic logic with indigenous governance traditions. Lawmaking must be transparent, participatory, and subject to constitutional review.

3. Local Governance First

Local governments must control key areas such as budgeting, education, land use, and security—within national standards. Elders, women’s associations, and youth councils should have structured advisory roles to influence local decision-making.

4. An Independent Judiciary

Judges must be appointed through a non-partisan, merit-based process. Courts should have full authority to strike down unconstitutional laws, protect civil rights, and resolve disputes free from political interference.

5. Anti-Corruption and Ethics Commission

A constitutionally protected, independent body with investigative and prosecutorial powers is vital to prevent corruption, clientelism, and elite capture.

IV. Checks, Balances, and Accountability Mechanisms

To prevent authoritarian backsliding and ensure governance remains rooted in public service, Oromia must institutionalize the following:

• Strict term limits for all elected officials
• Public audits and open budgeting processes
• Legal protections for independent media
• Robust freedom of information laws
• Civic education integrated into schools and public broadcasting
• Mandatory public forums (Biyya Kessaa) where elected officials report back to their communities, similar to Gadaa’s Caffee gatherings

V. Representation for All: Women, Youth, and Minorities

No democracy can thrive if large segments of society are excluded.

• Women must be guaranteed at least 40% representation across all elected and appointed positions.
• Youth must have access to meaningful platforms—such as student unions, youth parliaments, and digital forums—to shape policy.
• Non-Oromo minorities must have protected representation and cultural rights at both local and national levels.

VI. Global Lessons and African Inspiration

Oromia can learn from other post-liberation states:

• Ghana demonstrated how a strong judiciary and free press can anchor a young democracy.
• Rwanda integrated traditional justice mechanisms (Gacaca) into national reconciliation and institutional rebuilding.
• Botswana blended local chieftaincies and community-based land boards into a modern democratic framework.

The key takeaway: freedom alone is not enough. Only values-based, organized governance can safeguard it.

Conclusion: From Gadaa to the Future

Gadaa was never simply tradition—it was a sophisticated model of democratic leadership long before modern nation-states emerged. Its core values—accountability, rotation, consensus, service—are deeply relevant today.

Oromia has the opportunity to become a model for Africa and the world: a republic that rises from historical injustice not with vengeance, but with vision.

We will not rebuild our future on the ruins of empire, but on the foundation of justice.
We will not be ruled again.
We will govern—wisely, collectively, and in our own name.

Let this be the promise of Oromia’s democratic republic.

Oromia Dispatch 23-B - From Empire to Freedom: A Roadmap for Oromia’s Transition

(Published as part of the “Oromia Rising: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Bantii Qixxeessaa

To those asking, “What comes after independence?”—this document offers the answer.

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This is Part B of a two-part series titled From Empire to Freedom: A Roadmap for Oromia’s Transition. While Part A laid the political and security foundations of statehood, Part B offers a practical blueprint for building a self-reliant, recognized, and cohesive Oromo state. If you haven't read Part A, we encourage you to do so first, as this section builds directly upon it. IV. Legal and Economic Transition: Reclaiming Sovereignty and Building Stability Sovereignty cannot be complete without legal and economic autonomy. The legal system must be decolonized and restructured to align with international human rights standards and Oromo indigenous systems like Gadaa. Timor-Leste’s post-independence legal framework provides a compelling precedent for this hybrid approach.

Economic sovereignty must include control over land, natural resources, and taxation. A Transitional Economic Council should oversee:

• Auditing and renegotiating foreign contracts,
• Preventing exploitative practices,
• Laying the groundwork for a national currency.

Namibia’s post-1990 model of asserting control over its resources serves as a valuable reference point.

Additionally, humanitarian coordination is critical in the early transition phase. Collaborating with international aid agencies and Oromo diaspora networks will help ensure access to essential services like food, healthcare, and shelter.

V. Diplomatic Strategy: Gaining Recognition and Building Alliances

Global recognition is crucial for survival and legitimacy.

Oromia must proactively pursue:

• Recognition from sympathetic states,
• Observer status at the United Nations,
• Membership in international legal and economic institutions.

Palestine’s successful bid for UN observer status in 2012—even without full territorial control—shows how diplomacy can transcend physical limitations.

Engagement with African institutions like the AU and IGAD will strengthen Oromia’s legal standing, though regional resistance should be anticipated and managed diplomatically.

The Oromo diaspora must be mobilized as a diplomatic force. Eritrea’s diaspora was instrumental in achieving international recognition in the early 1990s; Oromia’s global community can play a similar role through lobbying, media campaigns, and multilateral outreach.

VI. Nation-Building and Social Reconciliation

True independence is social and cultural, not just political.

A national healing process must begin with community-based dialogues to resolve intercommunal grievances. Rwanda’s Gacaca system, despite criticisms, provides a useful model for participatory justice and reconciliation.

Civic education should be institutionalized through schools, media, and civil society, promoting democratic values, rule of law, and national unity.

A cultural revival should celebrate and strengthen Oromo identity through language, storytelling, historical consciousness, and the arts. Tanzania’s Ujamaa campaigns, while politically flawed, demonstrate how cultural policy can unify a diverse population under a shared national narrative.

Conclusion: Independence Is the Start—Not the Finish Line

Declaring independence marks the beginning of the Oromo nation’s next chapter—not the end of its struggle. Oromia’s statehood must be built with integrity, strategic foresight, and collective vision.

Part A introduced the foundational stages—asserting sovereignty, ensuring political and security stability. This Part B has expanded the vision, detailing how to consolidate legal authority, achieve economic self-sufficiency, gain global recognition, and build a unified society.

To the world: Oromia is not simply demanding freedom—it is preparing to lead responsibly and contribute meaningfully to regional and global peace.
To the Oromo people: This roadmap is more than aspiration—it is a plan.
And to ourselves: The path to freedom is not a leap of emotion, but a journey of discipline, unity, and vision.

Let us walk it—together.

Oromia Dispatch 23–A - From Empire to Freedom: A Roadmap for Oromia’s Transition

(Published as part of the “Oromia Rising: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Bantii Qixxeessaa

To those asking, “What comes after independence?”—this document offers the answer.

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This is Part A of a two-part series titled From Empire to Freedom: A Roadmap for Oromia’s Transition. This installment outlines the philosophical, legal, and political foundations of Oromia’s independence movement. Part B will build on this foundation with a practical guide to economic, diplomatic, and societal development for a sovereign Oromo state. Introduction: Liberation Requires More Than Passion—It Requires a Plan Declaring independence is a bold and historic act—but genuine freedom is secured through deliberate and strategic preparation.  Movements that celebrate the fall of the empire without planning for what comes next risk descending into chaos, civil conflict, or authoritarianism.  Oromia’s pursuit of independence is morally justified, legally defensible, and strategically sound. However, true liberation demands more than legitimacy—it requires competent, coordinated political action to realize and sustain a sovereign state.

This roadmap presents a strategic framework for Oromia’s transition from imperial domination to a sovereign, democratic, and peaceful nation. It is not merely a declaration of independence, but a blueprint for responsible nation-building—one that is mindful of the Oromo struggle and the broader geopolitical landscape.

To those asking, “What comes after independence?”—this document offers the answer.

I. Declaring Independence Responsibly: Conditions and Readiness

Independence must be rooted in justice, legality, and strategic foresight. Oromia’s case for statehood is not only morally sound but increasingly compelling within regional and global contexts. Success, however, requires political cohesion, diplomatic engagement, and internal legitimacy.

Key elements include:

• A popular mandate, ideally via a referendum or broad-based consensus in controlled areas;
• Respected leadership, capable of managing governance, diplomacy, and state services;
• Partial territorial control, signaling readiness and legitimacy;
• Protection of minorities and human rights, embedded in foundational values;
• Proactive diplomacy, particularly with regional bodies and international organizations;
• Contingency planning to mitigate the risks of political, economic, or military crises.

Ultimately, independence is not just about exiting empire—it’s about responsibly constructing something better.

II. Political Transition: From Resistance to Representation

Transitioning from resistance to stable statehood begins with a Foundational Declaration affirming Oromia’s sovereignty, unity, and justice. A Transitional Charter, valid for 6–24 months, should outline civil liberties and lay out a roadmap for a permanent constitution.

A Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) must be inclusive of liberation movements, civil society, regional representatives, youth, women, and diaspora communities. Its key responsibilities will be law and order, constitutional development, and election organization.

A Constitutional Convention and National Dialogue must involve wide-ranging consultations to define governance, identity, and institutional architecture. The resulting constitution must be ratified via national referendum to ensure legitimacy.

These processes mirror successful transitions like those of Namibia and Timor-Leste, where inclusivity, legal rigor, and international cooperation formed the basis of sustainable nationhood.

III. Security Transition: From Armed Struggle to Civil Peace

To build peace, security forces must be unified under civilian control, retrained in human rights and democratic norms. Armed resistance groups must be absorbed into a single national security structure.

Gradual demilitarization of urban areas and the transfer of authority to civilian police will further stabilize the country. Reintegration programs must support former fighters through education and economic opportunities.

A Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission, modeled on South Africa’s example, should foster healing and accountability without vengeance.

In Part B, we will shift from the foundational principles outlined above to the practical dimensions of building a fully functioning state. Topics will include legal and economic independence, foreign policy, international recognition, social cohesion, and cultural revival—everything necessary to make Oromia not only free, but prosperous and just. 

Oromia Dispatch 22-D - Oromia’s Decade of Enterprise: A Small Business Advisor’s View from the Ground

(Published as part of the “Imagining The Independent State of Oromia: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Siifan Gobanaa, Small Business Advisor

For those who still wonder what freedom looks like… this story is for you.

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Ten years ago, in 2026, Oromia stood at a pivotal juncture — newly independent, but facing economic uncertainty. While the political spotlight focused on the implications of self-governance, behind the scenes, a quiet but profound business transformation was underway.  Today, in 2036, Oromia's private sector tells a story not just of resilience, but of strategic innovation, market expansion, and unprecedented entrepreneurial growth.

At the heart of this progress lies an essential realization: political independence alone is not enough. Economic autonomy, backed by strong institutions and forward-thinking policies, is critical to building a sustainable future. Over the past decade, Oromia has proven that a locally driven, inclusive economic strategy can unlock prosperity, even in regions once written off as economically stagnant.

One of the Oromia government’s earliest and most effective strategies was financial reallocation. By reclaiming funds that had previously been channeled into Ethiopia’s federal system, Oromia reinvested that capital into its own economic engine. A cornerstone initiative was the creation of a revolving small-business loan fund, designed not as a subsidy, but as a sustainable investment mechanism. These low-interest loans empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to launch or scale businesses, while also delivering returns that further fueled digital infrastructure projects — most notably, the expansion of the national broadband and intranet network. This move connected rural and urban economies and enabled new forms of digital commerce and innovation.

The results are visible on the ground. Regions like Wallaga and Guji — once economically distressed — now feature thriving markets. Local products such as high-quality coffee, leather goods, solar-powered technologies, and processed agricultural products are now reaching not just domestic customers, but also international buyers. Improved logistics and simplified regulatory processes have enabled smoother supply chains, while a strengthened financial ecosystem has provided businesses with the capital and stability they need to compete and grow.

This growth is also a product of intentional intersectoral development. Investments in security, healthcare, and education were not treated as separate from economic policy but rather as foundational pillars. A healthier, more educated workforce has directly contributed to business innovation, operational efficiency, and workforce scalability. The enabling environment created by these reforms has shifted the trajectory of thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises.

From my position at the Oromia Small Business Development Center, I witness this shift daily. Entrepreneurs who once ran informal roadside operations now manage formally registered, multi-employee businesses with regional supply chains. One notable example is a woman who opened a modest tea stall in 2027 and now operates a brand distributing her own tea leaves across three districts. Another is a mechanic who evolved from street-corner bike repairs to running a fully equipped electric scooter service center — a transition made possible by government-backed financing and streamlined licensing processes.

Oromia’s first decade of economic independence offers an essential lesson: growth is not inevitable — it is engineered. By focusing on local investment, enterprise support, and the elimination of structural barriers, Oromia has built the foundations of a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive economy. This is not merely a political success story — it is a case study in smart, adaptive business development.

 

Oromia Dispatch #22-C - Ten Years of Safety: How Oromia Built a Security System that Serves its People After Independence

(Published as part of the “Imagining The Independent State of Oromia: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Col. Lattuu Leencaa, Security Strategist

For those who still wonder what freedom looks like… this story is for you.

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Before independence, security in Oromia was often synonymous with fear, repression, and disruption. Nowhere was this more pronounced than in Wallaga and Guji — regions that suffered some of the most aggressive tactics of the Ethiopian state: nightly raids, militarized checkpoints, and a policing model that treated civilians as suspects rather than citizens. Before independence, security in Oromia was often synonymous with fear, repression, and disruption. Nowhere was this more pronounced than in Wallaga and Guji — regions that suffered some of the most aggressive tactics of the Ethiopian state: nightly raids, militarized checkpoints, and a policing model that treated civilians as suspects rather than citizens.

From the first day of self-governance, we chose a new path. We dismantled the old command-and-control structures and rebuilt security from the ground up — locally recruited, rights-based, community-integrated, and democratically accountable. Today, those who ensure peace in Oromia are not outsiders. They are community members: parents, shopkeepers, farmers — individuals deeply invested in the well-being of the people they protect.

We made critical investments in training — not just in tactical preparedness, but in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and the principles of human rights law. Early in the transition, we introduced the Security Service Compact: a public code of conduct detailing the responsibilities of officers and the rights of citizens — a tool for transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.

The results are clear and tangible:

• Market days in Wallaga proceed without intimidation or military presence.

• Farmers in Guji transport their goods freely, without fear of arbitrary checkpoints or extortion.

• Local disputes are increasingly settled through dialogue and mediation, rather than violence or state force.

Most importantly, we’ve learned that security cannot stand alone. It is interdependent on progress in health, education, and the economy. As economic opportunity expands, desperation-fueled crime declines. As healthcare systems stabilize communities, there is less vulnerability to exploitation. As education raises civic awareness, community cooperation with local security units becomes the norm — not the exception.

Challenges remain: cross-border smuggling, foreign interference, and the need for continued professional development. But the core transformation is undeniable — in Oromia, safety is no longer a privilege. It is a public right, rooted in trust, grounded in accountability, and essential to every achievement of these ten years.

Oromia Dispatch #22-B - From Empty Clinics to Full Care: A Decade of Health Gains in Independent Oromia

(Published as part of the “Imagining The Independent State of Oromia: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Mo’aa Abbaa Bulguu, Healthcare Planner

For those who still wonder what freedom looks like… this story is for you.

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Ten years ago, in 2026, the Oromo people stood at a historic crossroads. We had won our independence after generations of struggle, but the road ahead was uncertain. Could we rebuild a healthcare system neglected for decades? Could we bring consistent, quality care to every community, from urban Finfinne to remote Bale?  Today, the answer is seen in full clinics, stocked pharmacies, and rural ambulances that arrive on time: yes. Health has become one of Oromia’s most visible signs of transformation. This is one of four perspectives in our Ten Years of Independence series, alongside small business, security, and education, because a healthy population is the foundation for productive work, safe communities, and successful learning.

Ten years ago, in 2026, the healthcare system in Oromia was failing its people. Clinics sat empty, staff went unpaid, and many rural communities saw a nurse only once every few months.

The war years were especially hard on regions like Wallaga and Guji. Hospitals were understaffed, supply chains were broken, and preventive care was virtually nonexistent.

Independence brought change. We redirected funds that had for decades been siphoned away to the Ethiopian federal budget into:

• Hiring and training thousands of new health workers.
• Rehabilitating and expanding clinics and hospitals.
• Building reliable supply chains for essential medicines, including solar-powered refrigeration for vaccines.

Mobile health units now reach villages that once had no regular access to care, and ambulance services operate in every district.

These gains connect directly to the other sectors. Improved security has made it possible for health teams to travel without fear. Small business growth has expanded the tax base that funds public health programs. Better education means more trained nurses, midwives, and doctors — and a population better informed about preventive care.

The results are measurable:

• Maternal mortality is down by over half.
• Child immunization coverage has reached 95%.
• Life expectancy is climbing steadily.

Healthcare in Oromia is no longer a hollow promise — it is a functioning system that is both a product of and a contributor to the stability of our young nation.

Oromia Dispatch 22-A: A Decade of Learning: How Oromia Rebuilt its Schools for the Next Generation

(Published as part of the “Imagining The Independent State of Oromia: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Yaasin Gammachuu, Education Policy Expert

For those who still wonder what freedom looks like… this story is for you.

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Ten years ago, the Oromo people stood at a historic crossroads. We had won our independence after generations of struggle, but the road ahead was uncertain. Could we rebuild our schools from ruins and neglect? Could we create an education system rooted in our own language and values, while preparing students for the wider world? Today, the answer is written in classrooms buzzing with learning, in libraries filled with new books, and in students graduating with skills and confidence: yes. Education has become both the measure and the maker of Oromia’s future.

This is one of four perspectives in our Ten Years of Independence series, alongside small business, security, and healthcare, because an educated generation is the driving force behind economic growth, effective governance, and a healthier society.

Before independence, Oromia’s education system was collapsing. Schools were in ruins, teachers were underpaid, and students did not receive a quality education.

Independence allowed us to design an education system that reflects our culture and aspirations. We made Afaan Oromo the primary language of instruction in high school, raised teacher salaries, expanded training programs, and modernized learning materials.

In regions like Wallaga and Guji, burned-out schools were replaced with safe, well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and science labs. Broadband access — funded partly through small-business loan profits — connects schools to online learning and teacher networks.

This transformation is inseparable from the progress in other sectors. Security has ensured that schools operate without disruption. Healthcare keeps children healthy enough to attend and learn. Economic growth means graduates now have opportunities at home instead of being forced to migrate for work.

The results are clear:

• Youth literacy is nearly universal.
• Graduation rates are at historic highs.
• More students than ever are entering technical training and universities.

Education is no longer a casualty of politics — it is the engine of Oromia’s future, fueling every other achievement we celebrate.

Oromia Dispatch 16-B - Oromo Unity & Struggle: Common Minimum Program (CMP) of the Oromo Struggle

(Published as part of the “Oromo Unity & Struggle: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Bantii Qixxeessaa

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Draft – For Discussion and Adoption ONLY This Common Minimum Program (CMP) originates from the vision and recommendations set forth in  O-Dispatch #16 - Oromo Unity & Struggle: A Call for Shared Principles Over Symbolic Gestures, and O-Dispatch #16A – Oromo Unity & Struggle: From Vision to Action, A Practical Roadmap for Oromo Unity. Those essays emphasized the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and symbolic displays toward a functional, principled unity grounded in concrete, non-negotiable commitments. The CMP is a direct step toward operationalizing that vision—translating the call for a shared foundation into a clear, actionable framework that can unite diverse strands of the Oromo liberation movement.

It is intended for the various groups working to unite the Oromo struggle to adapt, customize, and use as their own. My recommendation remains that these groups avoid duplicating efforts and instead work together as a single, coordinated unit—because if those working to unite the struggle cannot unite themselves, they will lose credibility, be seen as hypocrites, and appear as a fragmented set of actors trying to achieve unity for others, which would be both ironic and laughable.

Common Minimum Program (CMP) of the Oromo Struggle

Preamble

We, representatives of the Oromo liberation movement—armed and unarmed, political and civic, at home and abroad—affirm our shared duty to secure the freedom, dignity, and self-determination of the Oromo nation. Guided by the principles of the Gadaa system and the sacrifices of generations, we declare the following non-negotiable commitments as the foundation of our united struggle.

1. The Right to Self-Determination

• The Oromo nation possesses the inalienable right to determine its political status and freely choose its path—up to and including the full independence of Oromia.
• This right is rooted in international law, affirmed in Ethiopia’s own constitution (Article 39), and sustained by the will of our people.

2. Dismantling Oppression

• We commit to dismantling all colonial, imperial, and authoritarian structures that deny the Oromo people their sovereignty, cultural integrity, and economic control.
• No political arrangement that preserves domination over the Oromo nation shall be accepted.

3. Legitimacy of All Forms of Resistance

• We recognize both armed and nonviolent struggle as legitimate means of pursuing our national liberation.
• We reject any attempt to delegitimize, criminalize, or divide our movement based on chosen methods of struggle.

4. Mutual Recognition and Non-Hostility

• All signatories to this CMP pledge mutual recognition as legitimate actors in the Oromo liberation cause.
• We will not engage in armed, verbal, or political hostility against one another. Disputes shall be addressed through agreed mechanisms.

5. Internal Conflict Resolution

• We shall establish a national Oromo mediation council—drawing on Gadaa traditions, elders, jurists, and respected veterans—to resolve disputes and enforce this CMP.

6. Accountability and Ethical Conduct

• All actors shall adhere to an Oromo Liberation Ethics Charter (coming soon), ensuring transparency in decision-making, respect for civilian life, and responsible stewardship of resources.
• We will institute public-facing review mechanisms to build and maintain the trust of our people.

7. Commitment to the People

• We affirm that our struggle is accountable to the Oromo people, not to personal, factional, or external interests.
• We will actively consult and involve communities in decisions affecting their future.

This Common Minimum Program is the unshakable foundation of our unity.
By signing it, we bind ourselves to work together until the Oromo nation achieves its right to live free, secure, and sovereign on its own land.

Signature: ______________________________

Name: _____________________ For: _____________________

Date: __________________________________

O-Dispatch 21 - We Have Come Home: A Story from Independent Oromia

(Published as part of the “Imagining The Independent State of Oromia: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Falmmattuu Sabaa, Economic and Human Development Advisor

For those who still wonder what freedom looks like… this story is for you.

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Dear Oromia Dispatch Editor, Your O-Dispatch #20 – Ten Years of Freedom: Imagining a Thriving, Independent Oromia stirred something deep within me. It was more than a vision; it was a mirror held up to the Oromia we have long carried in our hearts. It moved me to raise my pen and add my voice to the growing chorus determined to help our people — and the world — see what a free Oromia looks like. To those still wondering what freedom feels like, to those who doubt whether we can stand on our own, I say this: Read on. This story is for you. And while you are at it, borrow Leensaa’s eyes and mind — the eyes of a young girl who has only ever known an Oromia that governs itself, and the mind of someone who believes, without question, that her nation’s place in the world is as natural as the sunrise.

A Morning Like No Other

Leensaa, a high school senior, awoke to the cooing of doves and sunlight spilling through the curtainless window of her bedroom in Finfinne—the capital city of an independent Oromia. It was 2035. The air was rich with the familiar aroma of her mother’s buna brewing in the kitchen, mingling with the quiet hum of electric buses gliding along the tree-lined boulevard outside.

She got up, put on her school uniform — a navy blue tunic with an embroidered Odaa tree badge on the chest — and grabbed her student ID, her Oromia Citizen Card, and a crisp 5 Loon note with Jatani Ali’s face on it. These were more than pieces of plastic and paper. They were symbols of a reality her grandparents had only dared to dream of: a free Oromia.

Her younger brother, Abdiisaa, scrolled through a youth government app showing proposals being debated in the National Assembly. One bill aimed to add the English Language as a co-official language in public schools. Another focused on opening a trade route with coastal Somaliland to strengthen Oromia’s regional influence.

Across town, their father prepared to present a water conservation project at the Ministry of Environment and Land, whose headquarters stood proudly in the shape of an Odaa canopy — half ancient tree, half modern solar structure. Nearby, the Oromia Supreme Court prepared for a constitutional hearing streamed live to the public, narrated in Afaan Oromoo.

And so began a day in free Oromia — ordinary to its people, but miraculous in the context of history.

Remembering the Shadows

Later that evening, Leensaa sat in her grandmother’s living room in Buraayyuu, where portraits of fallen heroes lined the walls. One was of her great-uncle, who had been arrested in 2016 for organizing school protests in Afaan Oromoo and was murdered in an Ethiopian prison. Another was her grandmother herself, who had once hidden freedom fighters evading Ethiopian security forces beneath the kitchen floor.

“People thought we were being unrealistic,” her grandmother said. “They told us independence was impossible—that we should be grateful for crumbs. But we knew: we would be free, and our country, Oromia, would become independent.”

Leensaa’s school project this month was to write a report titled: “Ten Years of Oromia: A Nation Reborn.” She was collecting stories for it. So far, she had spoken with a farmer who now sells produce to Sudan and lives debt-free thanks to the national land reform, a software engineer developing language-learning apps in Afaan Oromoo, and a refugee returnee who had opened a school in Bale for displaced Oromo children.

In her research, Leensaa had also uncovered striking data. Oromia’s Human Development Index (HDI) — which measures health, education, and living standards — had risen by an astonishing 120% since independence, the fastest rate of improvement anywhere on the continent over the last decade. Yet the HDI was only one part of a broader transformation.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) had been cut in half, reflecting major improvements in housing, nutrition, education, and basic infrastructure. Oromia’s GDP per capita had doubled, driven by investments in agriculture, digital technology, and regional trade. According to the Global Peace Index, Oromia had become one of the most stable nations in East Africa, with a well-trained civilian-led defense force and strong conflict-prevention institutions rooted in Gadaa principles.

The fight against corruption had also borne fruit. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index, Oromia’s public trust in government institutions had surged. Transparent budgeting, an independent anti-corruption court, and citizen oversight councils ensured accountability at every level. International watchdogs such as Freedom House and the World Governance Indicators (WGI) recognized Oromia as one of Africa’s most promising young democracies — with free elections, robust civic space, and a thriving independent media in Afaan Oromoo.

Leensaa was especially proud of the country’s progress on gender equality. The Gender Inequality Index (GII) showed dramatic improvements: girls were completing school at the same rate as boys, maternal mortality had dropped sharply, and Oromo women now held leadership roles across government, business, and science.

The country’s broader Social Progress Index (SPI) also painted a hopeful picture. Access to clean drinking water, internet connectivity, housing, and emergency health services had expanded into even the most rural areas. Meanwhile, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) revealed record-high reforestation rates, clean energy adoption, and protection of natural water sources.

In every single one of these indicators — whether social, economic, environmental, or governance-related — Oromia had performed at least 67% better than it had in its final years under Ethiopian rule. It wasn’t just a change of flag. It was a transformation in how people lived, breathed, and belonged.

She had also visited the National Museum of Resistance, where a full-scale exhibit showed prison uniforms from Kaliti, media blackouts, and defiant protest signs. In another room was a mock-up of the Oromia Passport, burgundy with the national motto stamped in gold:

Bilisummaan hin dulloomu.
Freedom does not grow old.

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The Future We’re Building

The next day, Leensaa attended the 2035 Irreecha Festival — now a national holiday celebrated across all regions of Oromia. It wasn’t just a cultural ceremony anymore; it was a national renewal. Millions gathered in traditional dress, students recited poetry, musicians performed songs about rebuilding after colonization, and youth groups read aloud the new “Declaration of Oromo Youth”:

We will not inherit silence.
We will inherit duty.
We will speak in our language, build in our name, and never again be told to wait.
Oromia is not an idea — it is a nation. And we are its future.

Afterward, Leensaa and her classmates met for their civic engagement project: designing a Constitutional Vision Board. They created newspaper mockups with headlines like:

“Oromia Appointed to Chair AU Commission on Indigenous Rights”
“First Oromo Astronaut Launched from Somali Spaceport”
“New University Opened in Guji to Train Environmental Diplomats”

As they cut and pasted images and quotes, Leensaa paused to reflect.

Her people had once lived under occupation, treated as strangers in their own land. They were told that dreaming of freedom was foolish. But today, she stood in a place where the dream had grown roots, borne fruit, and become a living, breathing reality.

Oromia wasn’t just free.
It was functional.
It was flourishing.
It was home.

Yet even in its freedom, Oromia was still a nation in the making. There were challenges: rebuilding roads and hospitals in areas long neglected, balancing rapid urban growth with rural equity, confronting regional climate pressures, and ensuring that no citizen — especially in pastoralist zones — felt left behind. Misinformation, border tensions, and cyberattacks tested the resilience of Oromia’s young institutions. But what made this country different now was that these problems were no longer inherited — they were owned, studied, and solved by Oromians themselves. The future still demanded sacrifice, but it was no longer about survival. It was about shaping prosperity on our own terms.

If You Still Can’t Imagine Oromia Free…

Then borrow Leensaa’s eyes.
Walk her streets.
Read her passport.
Taste her language on your tongue.
Feel the weight of ten years not wasted, but wisely used.

This is what happens when a people stop begging for space — and start building their own.

Imagine no more. Just believe.