Genocidal Conquest, Plunder of Resources and Dehumanization of the Oromo in Ethiopia

Abstract

The Oromo and the Amhara people have lived as neighbours in the region of Shawa, Ethiopia at least since the fourteenth century, if not earlier. This article deals with genocidal violence during the conquest of the Oromo over the course of the nineteenth century. The process of conquest started during the long reign of Sahle Sellassie (1813–48) the leader, who first called himself Negus (king) of the small kingdom of north Shawa. He started systematic attacks against the Oromo communities to his south and east. The records show that on an annual basis throughout his reign, the king conducted three raids against Oromos, for the purpose of killing people, capturing slaves and cattle, and burning crops and houses. Additionally, Oromo “became fair ‘game’ for Amhara children to kill, loot, and pillage and thereby learn the art of warfare.” In the popular culture of the Amhara kingdom, the Oromo were depicted as enemies whose killing was the source of great joy such that young Amhara warrior’s head would be “lavished”with “shariti” (single ornament) and “shamme” (glass beads on his neck) as marks of bravery and honour. In the words of Asma Giyorgis, an Amhara historian regarded as objective: