Paper short abstract:

The paper intends to evaluate the quest for an independent Oromo state by taking into account the internal merits of the claim and its disruptive effects that according to Lee C. Buchheit must be considered to determine the "legitimacy" of a secessionist self-determination claim.

Paper long abstract:

The quest for Oromo self-determination is one of the most sensitive as well as controversial issues in contemporary Ethiopian politics. At present, there are many Oromo-based opposition organizations and their factions that are struggling (either within or out of the legal political field) to realize the national right of the Oromo in Ethiopia. However, while some of them aim at achieving the goal of real autonomy within (a federal and democratic) Ethiopia, others call for the "exist option" - the creation of an independent Oromo state. This paper intends to: i) review/appraise the arguments presented in support of an independent Oromo state; and ii) explore the merits/demerits of this option in relation to its purported beneficiary, i.e., the Oromo people, and its practical outcome to "other" people in the remainder of Ethiopia. This assessment will be made by utilizing, with some modifications, the two factors - the internal merits of the claim and the nature of its the disruptive effects - that according to Lee C. Buchheit must be taken into account to determine the "legitimacy" of a secessionist self-determination claim.