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Creation of East Borana Zone reignited tensions between the Guji and Borana Oromo clans.
Oromia region’s East and West Guji zones have been rocked by protests due to the government’s decision earlier this year to carve out a new administrative unit centered around Negelle town.
The decision by the regional government cabinet to create East Borana Zone has raised concerns within the Guji community. Their discontent is rooted in historical disparities, identity dynamics, fear of marginalization, demographics, and the lack of a democratic process.
The Guji, a clan within the Oromo ethnic group, reside in southern Ethiopia, maintaining a rich cultural heritage blending semi-nomadic and agrarian lifestyles. They cherish the generation-based Gada system, an ancient Oromo tradition guiding social, political, and economic life.
Marginalized People
The Guji have endured generations of marginalization and discrimination. Their struggle for autonomy and equal rights has persisted against assimilation, repression, and economic exploitation by successive Ethiopian regimes.
The resulting socio-economic disparities include inadequate access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, land disputes, cultural stigmatization, and political underrepresentation.
More recently, since late 2018, Guji has faced a severe security crisis characterized by conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and government forces. Both sides seem to prioritize resource exploitation over the Guji community’s well-being, resulting in violence, destruction, and upheaval.
Alongside this instability, the continued exploitation of Guji’s mineral resources—notably by companies like MIDROC, which is owned by Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi—has led to environmental damage and disparities.
Local communities have seen minimal benefits from this resource extraction, exacerbating inequality and ecological concerns.
Mounting Discontent
East and West Guji zones experienced a surge of protests following the regional government’s decision on 27 February to establish the new zone with Negelle town, the former capital of East Guji Zone, as its capital.
East Borana Zone emerged from the amalgamation of territories from three zones: Bale, East Guji, and Borana. Within the new zone, the Guji are the majority population.
It’s important to clarify that the decision to form a new zone was made by the regional cabinet, not the regional legislature—a point that has been inaccurately reported.
The regional government claims the decision to reconfigure the zones is motivated by its aspiration to strengthen unity, enhance peace and security, and ensure the territorial integrity of Oromia. However, the result contradicts the stated reasons.
This decision was met with resistance from residents, leading to demonstrations in multiple cities and towns within the zone.
The situation escalated when regional police reportedly used live ammunition, resulting in the death of three protesters and injuries to two others in Bore town of East Guji Zone on 28 February.
Despite the government’s attempt to enforce its decision through force, protests continued in different towns in both East and West Guji zones.
Extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and violations of court orders of dissenting voices who oppose the new zone have reached alarming levels in Guji. The government’s heavy-handed response undermines justice, rule of law, and individual rights.
Grievances Explained
One of the Guji people’s objections that triggered the ongoing protests relates to the decision to transfer the administrative seat—formerly the capital of East Guji zone—to the new zone. But the Guji people’s discontent has much deeper historical roots.
Despite both the Guji and Borana being Oromo clans, their unique identities and historical experiences have fueled distinct grievances. Their differences include separate Gada administrations.
Over the centuries, the Borana have often enjoyed favor from successive regimes, while the Guji have faced neglect. The recent decision has amplified the Guji people’s sense of marginalization, reigniting historical tensions between the clans.
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For them, establishing the new zone signifies a shift in administrative power that favors the Borana. As the Guji people see the zone slipping from their grasp, concerns arise over the potential loss of power and self-governance. There are also fears that the Guji majority in the zone will lose control of its rich natural resources.
The decision’s lack of democratic foundation and parliamentary endorsement raises further suspicions about the motives behind it.
So, the Guji people’s discontent is not merely about administrative changes. Rather, it’s the result of a complex interplay of historical disparities, identity formation, power dynamics, and governance decisions.
Understanding the root causes of their frustration underscores the need to address historical grievances and ensure inclusive decision-making processes.
Constitution Violations
The decision to create the new zone was made by the regional executive, bypassing the legislative body. This decision therefore lacks a sound legal basis and infringes upon the regional constitution, raising questions about its legitimacy.
According to Article 49 of Oromia’s constitution, only the House of Representatives (called “the Caffee” in Afaan Oromo) has the authority to establish kebele, wereda, or other government structures.
Article 55 outlines the powers and functions of the regional council, which is led by the regional president. However, neither the constitution nor Proclamation 242/2014 grants the council power to establish any administrative structure. That power lies solely with the Caffee.
Oromia’s constitution is the highest law of the region, as stipulated in Article 9(1). Any law, customary practice, or decision of a state organ or public official that contradicts this constitution is considered null and void.
As such, the decision to establish the new zone is invalid.
Additionally, the process through which the decision was rendered arguably infringed upon Article 43(2) of the federal constitution, which grants the public the right to be consulted regarding administrative or development-related projects and structures.
These legal provisions and constitutional principles make evident that the decision to establish the new zone lacks the necessary legal basis, which has fueled public dissatisfaction and spurred the ongoing protests.
Naming Controversy
In addition to the legal issues, the zone’s name has incited controversy.
Naming the new zone “Borana” has exacerbated tensions, as it neglects the identities of other clans, especially the majority Guji, and the Arsi. This misunderstanding must be addressed.
The Guji and Borana public’s misunderstanding of the situation may lead them to view it as a territorial claim or a question of land ownership over Negelle town and the surrounding kebeles and weredas. However, this perspective is flawed.
According to an informant, an overwhelming majority, including educated individuals, might interpret the naming of an administrative zone after a specific clan as an approval of its ownership or power to administer that zone—an incorrect assumption.
Understanding this is crucial in moving toward a resolution and fostering better communication among the involved parties. Still, it’s essential to recognize that clans have their distinct identities and do not wish to be named under another clan’s name.
The concerns of the population also extend far beyond just the naming issue as the practical harm resulting from this decision is multi-faceted.
Firstly, there is a genuine fear that it might escalate tensions and lead the communities into armed conflict.
Secondly, the naming could foster a sense of entitlement among officials belonging to the clan after which the zone is named, while others may feel disenfranchised. This could exacerbate existing inequalities and lead to violations of rights.
Identity Dynamics
While the federal constitution seeks uniformity within nations, nationalities, and peoples sharing the same language and culture, the Guji and Borana issue challenges this notion.
Contrary to the constitution’s stance to disregard identities within an identity, such as clan identities within larger ethnic groups like the Oromo, this issue reveals the complexity of identity dynamics within broader ethnic frameworks.
The Guji and Borana situation raises questions about accommodating diverse identities within the broader framework of nationality. It’s important to recognize and respect the existence of sub-identities within larger groups.
This dynamic isn’t exclusive to the Oromo. Similar sub-identities exist within other ethnicities like Amhara, Somali, and others. The Guji and Borana issue serves as a precursor for addressing these challenges across different ethnicities.
As Ethiopians navigate their diverse demographic landscape, reconciling unity with the recognition of sub-identities presents a challenge. The Guji community’s struggle reflects not only their fight for justice and recognition but also the broader need to embrace diversity and promote social cohesion in Ethiopia.
Addressing the Guji community’s grievances and socio-economic challenges is also crucial to foster unity and inclusivity within Oromia. It’s therefore imperative for the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with the Guji people to find an acceptable way forward.
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Main Image: People protest against the formation of East Borena Zone; Gooroo Doolaa Wereda, Haraqallo town; 30 April 2023
This is the author’s viewpoint. However, Ethiopia Insight will correct clear factual errors.
Published under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
Sadly, Kun propaganda sobaa ka gama tokko gula goranii barreessan…
Godina Boorana Bahaa akka innii jidduu gala Nageellee Booranaatti jaaramu Uumati Booranaa waggaa 20f gaafachaa ture. Gaafii sunitti deebiye. Mormii jirtu yoo jiraatte warra Aanaa Gooroo Doolaa godina kana jalatti hin bulinaa jettee ijoollee biyya alaa teteettu taphachuunitti jirti. Oromoo jalatti hij bullu yaadi jedhulleen dogongora. Akki amma akka waan uumati Gujii cuftii mormiitti jirutti dubbatan kunillee soba. Rakkoon jirtulleen Gooroo Doolaa qofa jirti…
To Need Justice’s Gooroo Education
Too bad but I think the genesis of the whole issue and this conflic in particular is because of the out of bound territorial expansionism policy ambitions and other underpinning agendas of creepy Oromumma ultranationalist sentiments. Abdisa Shimeles and his elks are not only busy in carving new and contentious zones and districts within Oromia but also also busy carving out new zones , cities and districts without from other regions like the Somali region and they are trying do to it without even the slightest popolar local consent or semi formality requred like nominal referendum and consultation. There wouldn’t be a pretty out come.
Negele Borana is a town and separate woreda in southern Ethiopia. Located on the road connecting Addis Ababa to Moyale, it is the capital of the newly-created East Borana Zone of the Oromia Region. Negelle Borana is the largest city traditionally inhabited by the Borana Oromo. It has a latitude and longitude of 5°20′N 39°35′E with an altitude of about 1,475 meters above sea level. Let stop one side propaganda. You can pay several lobby groups to propagating for your ill thought, this time money can’t work to bully Borana community at all
Dear Ahmed you don’t know the location of Nagelle town, from your comment I understand that you’re typing about Yabello since our Nagelle not found on Highway from Addiss Ababa to moyale. So understand before typing wrong propoganda. Nagelle tied historically within Guji Oromo, do you know AKKOO MANOOYYEE? the queen of Guji which ruled the Guji people before establishment of Geda system, her grave is in liben Woreda, we are not taking myth but truth .
Today tommorow and forever Nagelle town is the land of Guji Girjaa. Borena bought Nagelle via money gets from begging since all Ethiopians AND different NGO help to build borena because of draught since 2022, but the administrative used this money to bought Nagelle behalf of helping the people displaced due to draught.
I am native to west Gujji Zone of Bulehora Town. I know very well the two people’s conflict from the ground which backs centuries. But, one thing really touch me is that Nagelle is never ever belonged to Gujji, but rather it is the loyality of Borana people. This is a white fact. Even Liben belongs to Borana. This is really Woyane’s stratrgy by intersecting hotspot areas giving to more than one groups, like for example Moyale town is divided in two and given to two ethnic groups, Oromo and Somali. This is made purposely to create ever lasting conflict between them in the area. By doing so, Woyane would get a political profit.
Fake one sided propaganda. Called the town Nagelle BORANA, not Nagelle town as You purport.
Guji have a question
የችግሩን መሠረታዊ ምንጭና ሂደት ለመረዳት የሚያግዝ ጥሩ ፅሑፍ ነው ።አመሠግናለሁ ።
Jabaadhu Leenca kiyya dhugaan bikka isii hin wollaaltuu
Yooyyaa Tiruu kiyyaa
It’s sad to opose development.
This is the reality that on the ground and we thanks the author Mr Nagesa Odo!
Establishment of East Borena zone had been a major question from Borena people for decades. By far Guji Oromo are the minority in the zone surpassed by Borena and Arsi Oromo as it contributed only single District out of Nine districts of East Borena zone. Therefore establishment of the Zone can’t be the reason for the protest that is being led by you Mr. Nagesso. In fact you are the one trying to destabilize the zone. Guji Oromos are our brothers and this can’t be their questions as long as we all are under Oromia Regional state.
Written by a Guji Oromo activist; regretably, misplacing his Borana folks as ‘the favored ones’!
A no brainer of him, as an Oromo elite – though I’m against the manner of the Regional State officials!
Before the TPLF regime Borana and Gujii were administered under the same administration structure. By then, the Borana Awraja capital was Nagelle Borana. Nothing was related with renaming at the time. Geographically ,Borana has two division called “Dheeda” in Ethiopia. Those are Dirree(Borana Zone) and Liiban(Newly established zone). Together called Liibanii-Dirree. This is the location were Borana ancestors were living before even formation of modern state. If you want to verify this I advise you to attend Borana coffee ceremony. They used Liiban-Dirree in their blessings. Even the Kenyan use the blessings. After the downfall of Derg, the TPLF come and change the governance structure where former Borana Awraja was subdivided into Borana zone(capital Yaballo) and Gujii zone(Nagelle Borana). Changing name was not an issue at the time. After a time Gujii administration started to demolish all banner with Borana name. The conflict erupted among Oromo tribe due to this deadly act and thousands of innocents were exposed to death. Being under armpit of the government, the Gujii started displacing Borana, the majority and legal owner of Nagelle Borana. Graduates flee to Borana zone as no one is there for them to be employed. All Borana labelled as OLA and attacked by Gujii administration. During Oro-Sumale sivil war nothing was happen to Borana. The administration sold the Border-land greater than two zone while Borana sacrificed thousands soul in defending their ancestors land. Among all, the bad scenario was that of considering Adola Rede as capital ignoring Nagelle Borana because it has Borana name and where majority are Borana. After suffering, Borana request reestablishment of the zone at Nagelle Borana town. After many peacefull demonstration,elder discussion with government and so on the new zone established. The establishment of the zone is not blind decision of government as Nagesso tried to mention. However, it is long dated demand and quest of all Borana including Raabaa Gadaa. After the establishment of the zone protest erupted because
1. The zone has “Borana” in it is nomenclature Nagesso and other Gujii have deep rooted animosity about this.
2. They protest because it is established at Nagelle Borana where Nagesso and his team have their own interest of land grabbing.
The other thing is that Nagesso stated that Gujii is majority in newly established zone. Hahaha so funny. I really ashamed about his saying. The zone is established from one Gujii woreda, four Borana woredas and one municipal and two Woredas of Bale. By what logic he could say Gujii are majority. This is emanated from blind hate.
Conclusion
The zone was requested by Borana on their own land and government responded after many years research. Now what should be an issue is not about Nagesso’s blind hate of Borana name and identities. What matter most should be keeping peace among Borana and Gujii. Peace shall prevail among innocent. Let them bark on the street of any media. Thanks
The establishment of new zone(Eastern Borana zone)
I so likes your comments thank you teacher
Utterly disgraceful from Ethiopia-insight to conveniently exclude the fact that Mr. Dube held office under the current government and frame him as an opposition voice. This should be corrected.
The formation of the East Borana zone was hasty and did not take different factors into account. Mr. Dube, a man stained by blood, is not the right person to give this commentary.
Contrary to claimed adherence to the Holy QURAN, the Oromia Reg. Gov.today manifests it’s burning insatiability to respect and recognize those nearest in neighborhood to it; yet this is an extention of what the Oromia Region has consistently been doing with its neighboring Somalis-looting, attacking young innocent Somali girls with knifes to cut their breast-nipples, etc.
This act by the Oromia Reg. Gov.is is arbitrary, unwarranted, Constitutionally illegal, and certainly unwelcome in the sane-minded or conscience-decent.
Well written and good explanation about the confusing conflict between the two clans or tribes.