From Shared Purpose to Genuine Solidarity: Moving Beyond Empty Unity In Loving Memory of Kumsa Burayu, Devoted Advocate for Oromo Unity

Worku Burayu (Ph.D.)

Introduction

The passing of my younger brother, Kumsa Burayu, who gave his life to the cause of Oromo unity, has compelled me to write this article—both as a tribute to his memory and as a call to move beyond empty declarations of unity toward true solidarity. His lifelong devotion to the Oromo struggle was not grounded in slogans or fleeting alliances, but in an unshakable belief that our people can only be free through trust, sacrifice, and principled action.

Unity has long been invoked in the Oromo struggle for justice and self-determination. Yet too often, it has been reduced to rhetoric, fragile declarations that collapse under pressure, leaving our people vulnerable to division and betrayal. My baby brother, Kumsa Burayu, who recently passed away in his mid-fifties, saw this danger clearly. Throughout his life, he fought not for the shallow comfort of empty unity, but for the deeper, more demanding work of genuine solidarity. His commitment was not abstract. He lived it. Kumsa gave his time, his energy, and ultimately his life’s strength to ensure that Oromo unity was not a slogan but a living principle. He believed that real solidarity requires honesty, trust, and sacrifice—that it is built not on convenience or temporary alliances, but on an unshakable commitment to the collective good.

Superficial unity may rally a crowd, but it cannot sustain a movement. Only solidarity—rooted in truth and accountability—can carry us forward. Kumsa’s journey reminds us that the struggle for Oromo freedom and dignity cannot rest on half-hearted promises. It demands integrity, courage, and the willingness to put principle above personal gain.

This dedication is both personal and public. It honors the memory of Kumsa Burayu, whose heart never wavered, and it carries his message forward: that we must rise beyond empty unity and embrace genuine solidarity. Only then can we fulfill the vision of justice and self-determination for which he and countless others, gave everything.

Unity in Ethiopian Political History

The idea of unity has often been used and abused in Ethiopian political history. Regimes from Menelik to Haile Selassie, and later the Derg, weaponized unity to dominate, silence, and homogenize. Under slogans like “Ethiopia First,” the Derg vilified groups like the OLF and TPLF as threats to national unity. Even after the fall of the military regime, unity remained an ideological tool, sometimes used to marginalize dissent in the name of national cohesion. Ethnic federalism under the EPRDF shifted the conversation but did not resolve the underlying tensions.

Today, unity still risks becoming a hollow word, uttered in songs, rallies, and political speeches, but empty of shared meaning. The only way to move beyond that is to redefine unity as solidarity with justice. We must stop romanticizing unity as a fixed ideal and start building it as living practice.

The Use and Abuse of the Word Unity in Oromo Politics

The concept of unity has long served as a unifying call for the Oromo liberation movement. Freedom fighters, activists, politicians, civil society organizations, artists and religious leaders have consistently invoked it. For decades, appeals for unity have been a central theme in Oromo public life. They have been articulated at conferences devoted to liberty, equality, and democracy; voiced through speeches at political and cultural gatherings; expressed in the lyrics of Oromo musicians during festivals; and reiterated by keynote speakers across a wide range of forums. From the seminal addresses of the Mecha Tulama Association to the slogans advanced by Qeerroo and Qaarree youth movements, unity has consistently been framed as a sacred and non-negotiable principle. Indeed, it constituted a decisive force in the eventual dislodging of the TPLF-led EPRDF regime.

Yet in Oromo politics, the word “unity” has become both overused and misused. We have accepted unity as a panacea for all ills—political repression, social injustice, internal division—without interrogating what it truly means. Often, unity’s absence is blamed for failed movements, and we mistakenly equate unity with uniformity. But true unity does not demand ideological uniformity. It is the ability to come together with our differences intact, guided by a shared vision and purpose.

What Unity Really Means

In my views, unity means coming together around shared goals such as freedom, justice, and the protection of Oromo identity—despite differences in region, religion, or political affiliation. It reflects a commitment to the collective good over personal or group interests. True unity is rooted in the values of the Gadaa system, where dialogue, consensus, and mutual respect guide decision-making. It demands tolerance and a willingness to cooperate even when perspectives diverge. It embraces our differences as strengths while working together toward common goals. True unity is grounded in a clear sense of purpose and a collective commitment to that purpose. It is not measured by the absence of conflict but by the strength of collaboration in the face of complexity. In its most honest form, unity empowers communities, amplifies their voice, and ensures resilience in the face of adversity.

Unity only holds meaning when defined and acted upon. In political discourse, it manifests in two major ways:The first is unity among political fronts and movements. This form often fails when movements regard each other as threats rather than partners. The second is internal party cohesion. Here, unity is about presenting a united front to supporters, yet internal rifts frequently expose instability. Both are important, but neither can succeed without mutual respect and a clearly defined common cause.

What Unity Is Not

Unity is not conformity, nor is it the forced agreement on ideas, values, or goals. When everyone is expected to think and act the same, it stifles diversity and weakens the depth of experience and perspective that gives strength to a movement.

Unity is also not simply about being in the same place or forming coalitions— mere gatherings of people or coalitions or proximity alone does not create genuine connection. Real unity is an ongoing process of active engagement, honest struggle, and mutual support, all rooted in a common purpose.

Why Unity Remains a Constant Theme

Oromo history is marked by shared suffering and marginalization, which naturally fosters a longing for togetherness. The call for unity echoes not just through politics but also through cultural narratives. One childhood story, told and retold, illustrates this: a father gives each of his sons a stick to break—each break theirs easily. Then he gives them a bundle of sticks, and no one can break them. “Together,” he says, “no one can break you.” This story embodies the Oromo yearning for solidarity in the face of external threats.

Finding Common Ground and Commitment to the Common Cause

Despite tactical or even strategical differences, Oromo political movements share a commitment to self-governance, justice, and dignity. The question is whether they can align behind this shared vision. Different strategies, whether peaceful resistance or armed struggle—need not divide us if we agree on the destination. We need not think identical to work together; we need only commit to the same goal: self-governance, justice, and dignity.

Victory requires dedication from all sectors of Oromo society. We must reject divisions—regional, religious, or political that weaken our collective voice. Instead, we must protect our language, cultural institutions, and democratic values. Unity will not come from waiting but from committing ourselves fully to the task at hand. Only then can we claim ownership of our future.

Shared Identity and Struggle

The Oromo people are bound by more than just language or geography. Afaan Oromo serves as a powerful unifier, spoken across regions and religious lines. Oromo literature, cultural festivals like Irreecha, and foundations like the Gadaa system are the backbone of a collective identity that has survived despite systemic erasure. The oral tradition, Argaa-Dhageetti, continues to transmit values of equality and social harmony.

While the Oromo embrace diverse religious beliefs—Waaqeffannaa, Islam, and Christianity—they are united by a common worldview that emphasizes justice, community, and reverence for life. These shared spiritual and cultural values form the moral framework of the Oromo struggle.

Unity in Practice-Historical Continuity

From colonization to military rule, the Oromo have faced systematic marginalization. Land grabs, arbitrary arrests, cultural suppression, and political exclusion are not new.

The Oromo struggle for self-determination has been shaped by regional movements uniting diverse communities under shared aspirations. In Wollo-Raya, and Yejju, uprisings in the late 1920s and early 1930s resisted imperial taxation and central domination in unity. In 1936, the Western Oromo Confederation—comprising thirty-three leaders from western Oromia—petitioned the League of Nations for recognition under a British mandate, marking a significant early expression of Oromo unity Scribd. In Hararghe, the Arfaan Qallo movement, initiated in 1962, utilized music and literature to promote Oromo identity and resistance ResearchGate. Concurrently, the Bale Revolt (1963–1970) saw Oromo people unite against feudal oppression, laying the groundwork for modern Oromo nationalism. Later, the Mecha-Tulama Self-Help Association (1963–1967) emerged as the first pan-Oromo movement, coordinating nationwide peaceful resistance and demonstrating the vitality of Oromo unity OPride.com. Together, these movements illustrate that Oromo unity was not merely an aspiration but a practical force—sustaining resistance, affirming identity, and paving the way for later organizations such as the Oromo Liberation Front. The Qeerroo and Qaarree movements, grassroots uprisings, and decades of resistance have forged a new generation that understands the value of unity not as submission, but as collective strength.

The Role of Oromo Women in Oromo Unity

Oromo women have been pivotal in fostering unity within their communities through cultural, social, and political engagement. Oromo women have long been central to the cohesion and resilience of their communities. They act as cultural guardians, preserving traditions, rituals, and oral histories that define Oromo identity. Through their participation in events like the Irreecha festival, women not only celebrate but also reinforce communal bonds and collective identity and a sense of shared heritage (Ethiopia Autonomous Media). Beyond culture, Oromo women make substantial economic contributions through farming, trade, and entrepreneurship, supporting families and local communities. Their economic involvement grants them influence in local decision-making and fosters unity by ensuring that community well-being is prioritized (allAfrica.com). Women in Oromo society also play key leadership roles, mediating disputes and promoting unity and peace within families and communities. Traditional institutions such as Siinqee empower women to uphold social justice and protect the rights of the vulnerable, creating inclusive and harmonious communities. Oromo women have been at the forefront of political movements, advocating for the rights of their people and challenging oppressive systems. They have organized protests, participated in negotiations, and represented the Oromo cause on national and international platforms, demonstrating resilience and commitment to justice (Advocacy for Oromia). Their involvement demonstrates both courage and a commitment to justice, ensuring that the collective voice of the Oromo people is heard at local, national, and international levels (press.et). The unity of the Oromo people, reinforced by the active participation of women, has had profound implications for regional politics in East Africa. In essence, the active participation of Oromo women ensures that unity within the community is not merely symbolic. Their leadership, activism, and cultural stewardship strengthen social cohesion and amplify the political influence of the Oromo people. Together, the cultural, social, and political unity of the Oromo community represents a powerful and transformative force in regional politics, demonstrating how grassroots cohesion can drive meaningful change at broader societal and governmental levels. The active participation and leadership of Oromo women in various spheres underscore their integral role in fostering unity and resilience within their communities.

From Purpose to Power

The future of Oromo unity lies not in speeches or slogans, but in purpose-driven solidarity. We must recognize our shared struggle, uphold our diverse identities, and commit to the common cause of freedom, democracy, and dignity. True unity requires that we stand together—not because we are the same, but because we believe in something greater than ourselves. Only then will we move from shared purpose to genuine solidarity.

The Power of Action

Unity must go beyond rhetoric. Each of us can contribute. In personal spaces, we must challenge divisive narratives and foster dialogue. In communities, we must mobilize, speak out, and support those marginalized. In our economic lives, we must back businesses and initiatives aligned with our values. And with our time, we must volunteer, organize, and participate in the building of a just society.

Closing Reflection:

The struggle for Oromo freedom and dignity cannot be carried by empty words or fragile alliances. It requires honesty, sacrifice, and the courage to place principle above personal gain. My late brother, Kumsa Burayu, lived and transitioned with this conviction. His legacy is a reminder that genuine solidarity is not an option but a necessity if our people are to secure justice and self-determination. To honor his memory, we must rise beyond the comfort of shallow unity and embrace the demanding but enduring strength of true solidarity.

About the Author: Dr. Worku Burayu is an Agronomist by profession; Steward of the Oromo causes by purpose. He is a committed advocate for justice, pluralism, and sustainable development in Oromia and beyond.

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