The Concept of Oromummaa and Identity Formation in Contemporary Oromo Society

Asafa Jalata, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Abstract

This paper examines the essence of Oromummaa (Oromo culture and nationalism),[1] Oromo identity, and human agency at the personal, interpersonal[2] and collective (national)[3] levels. It specifically explains the relationship between the uneven development of Oromummaa and Oromo organizational problems. This paper also suggests some steps that should be taken by Oromo nationalists and activists in order to overcome the problem of uneven development of Oromo nationalism and to build an effective national political leadership, increasing the organizational capacity of Oromo society so it will be able to achieve self-determination and human liberation.