By posing a simple and innocent question you've brought into picture the
role of Eritrea in the Horn of Africa. I invite you to research into the
following topics which will help you understand why Eritrean troops are
still in Ethiopia:
1. The strategic alliance of Asmara and Addis Ababa governments, dating back
to the recent history of EPLF-TPLF/EPRDF joint military alliances.
2. The containment of disruptive military threats to both countries
(internal and external).
3. The strong EPLF-OLF (Oromo Liberation Front) alliance that spanned the
final phases of the Eritrean struggle for independence to the formation
of the new government in both Asmara and Addis Ababa.
4. The OLF's participation in the Ethiopian govt and its subsequent
withdrawal from the govt.
When you read for yourself, you'll realize that the matter is complicated
and cannot be reduced to simple answers. Your professor has used the term
"near-genocide of Oromians" which is a gross and fallacious
interpretation of the present state of affairs in Ethiopia. The Oromo
question has not been resolved, eventhough the Oromo have representatives
in the present govt in Addis. The OLF and EPRDF have fought a war after the
EPRDF formed a new govt. The OLF was responsible for barbaric acts that
spilled the blood of non-Oromo speakers, especially in Harar. Even these
barbaric acts do not qualify to be labelled as near-genocide. Genocide is
a systematic state policy to inflict untold misery and a "final exit" for
members of society 'cause of religion, ethnicity or a host of other reasons.
Now, in all fairness, Ron, neither Asmara or Addis Ababa have a state
policy to carry out genocide against the Oromo people. Your professor has
only given you conveniently incomplete facts of the present political
landscape in Ethiopia. You should find for yourself how until yesterday
the main Oromo political opposition (OLF) cooperated with the EPLF in
the war against the Dergue. EPLF troops fought alongside the OLF in
Wellega before the Dergue was deposed. They did the same with the EPRDF
from Tigray to Shoa. If you trace back the last stages of the war, you will
find answer to your questions.
FYI, Oromo culture, languages and rights are equally respected in
Ethiopia today as are other cultures. This doesn't mean there're no
problems that need to be addressed to fully satisfy the Oromo people.
For Eritrea to find ultimate peace in the region, Ethiopia must be in
peace too. And there cannot be peace without the consent of the majority of
the Ethiopian people, the Oromo.
amanuel
toronto, canada