I'm going to compile a list of quotes about somali's, oromo's, etc, from the perspective of European travelers

[Abba Sadacha]

''After conquering Harar in 1887, Ethiopian forces under the command of Ras Makonnen started coercing the Issa, Gadabursi, Habr Awal and the Somalis of Haud and Ogaden. The Ethiopians opened a post in 1891 at Bio-Kaboba among the Gadabursi Somalis who on paper lived under the British protection. The frequency and intensity of Ethiopian raids had increased so much that the India Office complained to the Foreign Office in early 1893 about ''the oppressive proceedings of the Abyssinians'' in regard to the levy of a daily tribute of sheep on the Yunas Jibril section of the Jibril Abokr Somalis and also of the repeated devastation of the Ogaden country. Moreover towards the south the Ethiopians had penetrated had penetrated the Juba River and Lugh in the north they claimed authority over the Issa.''

[Anglo-Ethiopian Relations, 1869 to 1906: A Study of British Policy in Ethiopia
By Krishnamurthy Venkat Ram, Page 121]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''Mutual suspicion between the Somali nationalists supported by the Republic of Somalia and Oromo nationalists led by the Oromo Liberation Front continued throughout the period of the 1977-1978 Somali-Ethiopian war. Then, after both the Somali National Army and the SALF guerrillas were defeated in 1978, the Oromo Liberation Front was allowed to open offices in Mogadishu and Hargeisa in 1980. However, the OLF offices were closed down again in 1982 as the negotiation betwen the OLF and the SALF failed to bear fruit. Competition and animosity heightened between them considerably after 1991, when Ethiopian politics was reconfigured in a way that gave the Oromo and Somali nationalists more space in which to further the politics of ethnic identity. Since then, nationalist politics has come to shape local struggles throughout the Oromo-Somali borderlands in important ways. This article examines those local struggles for nationalist recognition within the borders of Ethiopia.

[Reconfiguring Ethiopia: The Politics of Authoritarian Reform
edited by Jon Abbink, Tobias Hagmann, Page 179]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''In killing over 400 lions at Galana, I never once had a close shave. An unwounded lion isn't dangerous. I've seen Oromo herdsmen utterly fearless in the presence of lions, seen em' track the lions into the bush and then part the branches to see where they were, staring right at them, face to face. The lion would do nothing or run away.''

[Ghosts of Tsavo: Stalking the Mystery Lions of East Africa
By Philip Caputo]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''The ethnic substratum of the Garre and the Babille were Oromo who had been dominated and Islamized by the Somali. Although the ''Kotu'' culture in the eastern part of the Harar Plateau is marked by its uniformity and bilingualism frequently occurs, Somali ethnicity is the predominating one. This constellation is largely due to Islam, because Islamization is almost equivalent to ''Somali-ization'' in that area.''

[Islamic History and Culture in Southern Ethiopia: Collected Essays
By Ulrich Braukämper, Page 111.]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''The most important of the other races that occupy this portion of Africa is the Galla/Oromo. These Oromos have, at different periods, for some 100 years past, seized uon the most fertile provinces of the ancient empire of Abyssinia, and have spread themselves from the red sea and the blue nile to the equator. They are divided into numerous tribes, having the 1 common characteristic of being undaunted horsemen. So strong is this propensity, that the tribe of Azebu Gallas, who occupy a territory between teegray and the red sea, purchase horses from the colder provinces of warrahaimano and wallo, and mount 10,000 horse, in a district unfavorable to the existence of the animal, and where it is never bred.

Could these tribes, 50 or 60 in number, unite, nothing could withstand their numbers and impetuosity, and they would trample under foot, like a Scythian host, all the land as far as Khartoum; but, occupied as they are by intestine wars, there is little probablity of such a torrent, unless a chief should arise amongst them like Mohammed Gran, that famous warrior, who led the armies of Adal, renowned for strength and swiftness of foot, even to the vicinity of Gondar; and would, 350 years since, have extinguished the Abyssinian name and faith, but for the timely succour of Portuguese kill and valour.''

[Abyssinia and Its People; or, Life in the Land of Prester John, Pages 196-198; published in 1868

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''On January 28, 1994, the ONLF called for a referendum on self determination and independence for the Ogaden at a press conference in
Addis Ababa. The TPLF/EPRDF responded to the press conference both
quickly and violently.
On February 22, 1994, more than 81 unarmed Ogadeni protestors were allegedly massacred by TPLF militias in the
Ogaden town of Wardheer
On April 17, 1994, the TPLF/EPRDF launched a large-scale military offensive against ONLF positions and arrested many suspected supporters of the ONLF.
In May of 1994, the Ogaden Regional Assembly passed a unanimous resolution demanding a referendum on self-determination and independence for the Ogaden people in accordance with Article 39 of
Ethiopia's 1994 Constitution.
The central government reacted by overthrowing and virtually disbanding all democratically elected national
institutions in the Ogaden, including the Regional Parliament. Later that same year, the EPRDF sponsored a new satellite party in the Ogaden called the Ethiopian Somali Democratic League (or "ESDL").
Like the OPDO in Oromia, the ESDL is seen by local residents of the Ogaden as a puppet organization implemented by the EPRDF in order to undermine the local push for self-determination.''

['Abusing Self-Determination and Democracy: How
the TPLF Is Looting Ethiopia,'' by: Matthew J. McCracken; page 201]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''As Asmagiorgis wrote:

The Oromo of Galan and Abichu fought for 7 years and every time the Galan were the victors. The war began to be of great interest to Menelik's grand-father, Sahle Selassie. He allied with the Abichu and gave support. By siding with the Abichu he subjugated the Galan, Gidda, Wabaria, Ilamu, Aga, Gerru, Wayyu, Salale...

The Shoan kings not only used the internal conflicts of Oromo clans to subjugate and dominate them but also forced every defeated clan to raise a contigency of fighters, in the forms of tribute, who were used against other Oromo and non-Oromo alike.''

[Conquest and Resistance in the Ethiopian Empire, 1880 - 1974: The Case of the Arsi Oromo, Pg 130]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''Awdal region, populated by Dir clans: the Gadabursi and Issa, is credited as being the most stable region in Somaliland. This is mainly due to peacekeeping efforts on the part of the Gadabursi clan who dominate this region. Nevertheless, the potential for conflict and cooperation with the Isaaq-dominated administration is as uncertain as it is in the un-administered Darod regions in the east. Like the Darod, the Gadabursi are divdied over the issue of independence and the border areas of Awdal are disputed between Gadabursi lineages and neighboring Isaaq groups.

Despite these still unresolved land disputes with neighboring Isaaq groups, the unwavering support given to the present administration by the Gadabursi party explains the well-established peace and stability prevailing in Awdal. The clan's cooperation with the current administration in Hargeisa seems to depend upon the following factors: First, Gadabursi clansmen view the present administration as harmless and not hostile to the rights of non Isaaq groups in contrast to its predecessor, which was suspected of Isaaq supremacy and subjugation of others. Traditional hostility between the Gadabursi and neighboring Habar Awal clan (association with the present administration) subsided as the Gadabursi armed militias rallied to the first government call for military cooperation against the Gar'xajis insurrection in late 1994.

Second, the Gadabursi share with the Isaaq common territorial interests defined by the frontiers of Somaliland, Gadabursi land lies exclusively within Somaliland. Third, the Gadabursi believe that they are the largest non-Isaaq group in Somaliland and are therefore an important constituency within the country. The present government satisfied this aspiration by letting the office of vice minister be held by the only prominent Gadabursi SNM veteran, 'Cabdiraxman Aw 'Cali.''

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''Three years ago, [around 1896]the Ras Makonnen's troops, 6,000 carbines strong, were beaten near Ogaden by Somalis armed only with lances and half their numbers was killed in a night attack. The survivors returned announcing that they had been stopped by malaria. Three times the Negus sent expeditions against Kafa (the Oromo areas): in 1896, 18,000 rifles were defeated by Oromo lances; in 1897 20,000 rifles shared the same fate, and later in the same year the Oromos gave away before a force of 24,000 rifles only because they preferred paying tribute to Menelik. In 1898 Makonnen's troops were severely defeated in Western Abyssinia and prevented from reaching the Nile.

How, then, shall we account for the affair at Adwa?
Chiefly by the configuration of the country. Abyssinia defends itself. The Italian troops, too far removed from their base, were surprised in steep defiles, from the top of which an enemy, three times superior in number, was able to shoot them down. The victory has been disastrous to European prestige; it has destroyed the fear of the white man, which was instinctive in the negro mind. The Abyssinian draws no distinctions between the various European nations-they are all whites and as such worthy of hatred; they were all, in his opinion, defeated at Adwa, and may henceforth be regarded with contempt and insulted at pleasure.''

[The 19th Century, Edited by James Knowles, 1-6, 1899; Pages 432-434

 

[Abba Sadacha]

‘’At the end of the 2nd days march, Jaldessa was reached. There the Somali attendants and porters from the coast had to be dismissed, and camels and Oromo drivers hired in their stead. Jaldessa is a place of about 200 huts, having a permanent population of about 1,500; and, owing to its situation, it forms an important trade-centre between the Somali and Oromo lands. The entrance into the latter country lies along the deeply-eroded bed of a narrow khor, only about 20 paces wide. Owing to its terrace-like formation and the agricultural industry of its comparatively large population, the country of the Oromos presents at first some resemblance to a Swiss district. The road to Belaua (5800 above sea-level), the first halting-station in Oromo-land, followed the bed of a narrow wadi; in fact it was in places so narrow that the loads had to be partly taken from the backs of the camels to enable them to proceed. At this station the thermometer fell during the night to 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The country to the west, called Gurgura, is the most productive hunting-ground for elephants in Northern Oromo-land, but neither the Somali nor the Oromos hunt them; that they leave to immigrant Abyssinians.’’

[Scottish Geographical Magazine, Volume 2; Volume 1886
Page 173]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''The history of these African Tartars is, however, veiled in the deepest obscurity. Under the title of Oroma, they trace their origin to 3 sisters, daughters of Jerusalem, to whom are applied traditions similar to the scriptural chronicle of the descendants of Lot. In their own language, the word ''Galla'' signifies ingressi; and of themselves they affirm that Wallabo/Wollabo, their father, came from beyond Bargamo, ''the great water;'' and that his children were 9: Aroosi, Karaiyo, Jille, Abidchu, Gillan, Woberi, Metta, Gumbidchu, and Becho-Fugook--from whose loins have sprung the innumerable clans or houses which now people the greater portion of intra-tropical Africa. But by the Muslim bigots, who form the chief curse of Ethiopia, it is said that the term by which the nation is recognized was applied to the Ilma Oroma, or seed of Oroma, by the prophet himself, who, on sending to summon Wollaboo to become a Muslim, received a direct refusal. ''Gal La,'' ''he said not,'' reported the unsuccessful messenger on his return. ''Let this then be the denomination of the infidels in future,'' exclaimed the arch impostor, ''since they will not receive the celestial revelations made through the angel Jibril.''

But whatever maybe the origin of the ''heathen invaders,'' it is certain that, as a martial people, they have greatly degenerated from their ancestors. United under one head, they overran the fairest province of Ethiopia; and had they remained united, they might, with equal ease, have completed the conquest of the greater portion of the African continent. Relaxing, however, in their common cause against the Christians, the tribes soon began to contest among each other for the possessions of the newly acquired territory. Intestine feuds and dissensions neutralized their giant power; and the weakness and disorganization by which the majority are now characterized, is to be ascribed to the fact of there being no king in Israel.

Roving in his native pastures, where his manners are unadulterated by the semi-civilization of Abyssinia, the equestrian Oromo is an object worthy the pencil of Carle Vernet or Pinelli. Tall and athletic, his manly figure is enveloped in a toga, such as graced the sons of Ancient Rome, and his savage, wild, and fiery features, are rendered still more ferocious by thick bushy hair arranged either in large lotus-leaved compartments, or streaming over the shoulders in long raven plaits.''

[The Highlands of Ethiopia, Volumes 1-3
By Sir William Cornwallis Harris, pages 244-246]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

‘’In any case the Oromos certainly vindicate their claim to the national designation of ‘’brave,’’ and even when inferior in numbers they have frequently enough repelled the attacks of the Somali nomads, and even of regular troops. When the city of Harar was still held by the Egyptian forces, who were constantly endeavoring to extend the Khedival authority over the surrounding Oromo populations, the Oromo warriors, armed only with sword and dagger, were often seen hurling themselves desperately against disciplined regiments equipped with firearms. Rushing forward to the battle-cry of ‘’Kukuku! Kukuku!’’ they more than once threw the hostile forces into confusion, and even occasionally put them to flight. But like their kinsmen of the Ethiopian highlands, the eastern tribes shamefully mutilate the dead.
These eastern Oromo tribes differ from the other Oromo branches only in a few trivial respects, and some customs borrowed from their Afar, Somali, or Masai neighbors. In their physical appearance, they show no inferiority, while their women display the same elegant proportions, the same graceful carriage, and occasionally even the same nobility of expression. The Oromos are a sound stock, not yet sapped by inherited ailments, and unlike the Somalis, are a long-lived people among whom centenarians are by no means rare. Cheerful and impulsive, but with a well-balanced temperament, they seldom yield to their angry feelings, at least in the presence of strangers. They are a warm-hearted, kindly people, in this also favorably distinguished from their Somali neighbors, among whom cruelty and treachery are characteristic vices. The Oromos are moreover distinguished from their Somali neighbors by their cleanly habits, shown especially in their tidy, well-swept dwellings. ‘’

[The Earth and Its Inhabitants, Africa: South and east Africa
By Elisée Reclus, Page 401]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

‘’We carefully inspected the Ogaden wells, which were doubtless excavated long ago by the Oromos… they are hewn out of the solid rock, some 70 or 80 feet in depth. On his return to Berbera, after a visit to Harar in 1858, Sir Richard Burton (1894: 55) was shown ‘’some curious old Oromo wells, deep holes about 20 feet in diameter, excavated in the rock. Curiously, the Somali technology of water extraction differs from that of the Oromo, which might suggest that the two pastoralist cultures and their ancestors were involved in water engineering to different degrees.

[Climate Change Adaptation in Africa: An Historical Ecology
By Gufu Oba, Page 97]

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''The Somalis are a fighting race and all go armed with spear, shield and short sword (and guns when they can get them).
During the rains incessant inter-tribal looting's of cattle take place. Among certain tribes those who have killed a man have the right to wear an ostrich-feather in their hair. They are great talkers, keenly sensitive to ridicule, and quick-tempered.

Women hold a degraded position among the Somalis-(wives being often looted with sheep), doing most of the hard work.
The Somalis love display; they are inordinately vain and avaricious; but they make loyal and trustworthy soldiers and are generally bright and intelligent.

The Somalis have very little political or social cohesion, and are divided into a multiplicity of 'reers' or 'fakidas' (tribes, clans).
Three main divisions, however, have been clearly determined, and these are important both on political grounds.

1) The 'Hashiya' (Abud's Asha), with two great subdivisions.
'Daroda,' with the powerful Mijertins, War-Sangeli, Dolbohanti and others; and Ishak, including the Gadibursi, Issa (Aissa), Habr-Wal, Habr-Tol, Habr-Yuni, Babibli, Bertiri.
All these claim descent from a member of the Hashim branch of the Quraish, who founded a powerful state in the Zeila district. All are Sunnis, and, although still speaking their Somali national tongue, betray a long infusion of Arab blood in their oval face, somewhat light skinned, and remarkably regular features.
Their domain comprises the whole of British Somaliland, and probably most of Italian Somaliland.

2) The Hawiya, with numerous sub-groups, such as the Habr-Jalet, Habr-Gader, Rer-Dollol, Daji, Karanle, Badbadan, Kunli, Bajimal and Ugass-Elmi; mostly fanatical Mohammedans forming the powerful Tarika sect, whose influence is felt throughout all the central and eastern parts of Somaliland.
The Hawiya domain compromises the Ogaden plateau and the region generally between the Nogal and Webi-Shabelle Rivers.
Here contact has been chiefly with the Eastern Oromo tribes.

3) The Rahanwin, with numerous but little known sub-groups, including, however, the powerful and warlike Abgals, Barawas, Gobrons, Tuni, Jidus, and Kalallas, occupy in part the region between the Webi-Shabelle and Juba, but chiefly the territory extending from the Juba to the Tana, where they have long been in contact, mostly hostile, with the Wa-Pokomo and other Bantu peoples of the British East Africa Protectorate.
Of all the Somali the Rahanwin betray the largest infusion of Negroid blood.

Of the outcast races the best known are the Midgan, Yebir, and Tomal. The Midgan, who are of slightly shorter stature than the average Somali, are the most numerous of these peoples. They are great hunters and use small poisoned arrows to bring down their game. The Yebir are noted for their leather work, and the Tomal are the blacksmiths of the Somali.

Prehistoric remains.-The discovery of flint implements of the same types as those found in Egypt, Mauritania, and Europe show Somaliland to have been inhabited by man in the Stone age. That the country was subsequently occupied by a more highly civilized people than the Somali of to-day is evidenced by the ruins which are found in various districts.
Many of these ruins are attributable to the Arabs, but older remains are traditionally ascribed to a people who were ''before the Oromos.''
Blocks of dressed stone overgrown by grass lie in regular formation; a series of parallel revetment walls on hills commanding passes exist, as do relics of ancient water-tanks.
This ancient civilization is supposed to have been swept away by Mohammedan conquerors; before that event the people, in the opinion of several travellers, professed a degraded form of Christianity, which they had acquired from their Abyssinian neighbors.
Of more recent origin are the ruins known as ''Taalla Galla'' (Galla graves). These are cairns of piled stones, each stone about the size of a mans head. The cairns are from 12 to 15 ft. high and about 8 years in diameter. Each is circular with a central depression.''

[The Encyclopaedia Britannica : a dictionary of arts, sciences, literature and general information / [Hugh Chisholm, editor
1866-1924, Page 380].

 

[Abba Sadacha]

Oromos once ruled the Red Sea?!

‘’Francesco Alvarez, who was a member of the Portuguese mission that arrived in Ethiopia in 1520, mentions two apparently Oromo names in his books. He wrote, ‘’For in our time, which was a stay of six years [1520-1526], there were here four Barnagais [Bahr Negash], that is to say, when we arrived Dori was Barnagais/Bahr Negash; he died, and at his death the crown came to Bulla, his son, a youth of ten or 12 years of age, by order of the Prestor John. The Bahr Negash is a title for the governor of the Red Sea, or present-day Eritrea. Both Doorii and Bulaa are typical Oromo names. Doorii is even more than a proper name; it is one of the names of the Gadaa grades. Bulaa literally means ‘’to spend overnight.’’ When the Portuguese mission arrived in 1520, Doorii was already well into his tenure as Bahr Negash. Later, he was succeeded by his son, Bulaa. Alvarez met these rulers of the Red Sea area, and this is firsthand information that sheds light on the Oromo assimilation and active presence in northern Ethiopia before the first half of the 16th century.’’
Integration and Peace in East Africa: A History of the Oromo Nation
By T. Etefa-Chapter 1-List of Maps]

 

[citrus_samurai]

The Hawiya, with numerous sub-groups, such as the Habr-Jalet, Habr-Gader, Rer-Dollol, Daji, Karanle, Badbadan, Kunli (???), Bajimal and Ugass-Elmi

regular features

!!!???

The Rahanwin, with numerous but little known sub-groups, including, however, the powerful and warlike Abgals, Barawas, Gobrons, Tuni, Jidus, and Kalallas (???),

This Cadaan cracker must have been under the influence while making his “observations”. Lol

 

[Abba Sadacha]

!!!???

This Cadaan cracker must have been under the influence while making his “observations”. Lol

lol some maybe wrong but wouldn't he have gotten that from the locals tho?
tunni is a sub groupof the rahanwein, right?

 

[Libaax-Joore]

Nah man. My parents were mostly raised in Adoola, [Kebre Mengist in Amharic], it is close to Negele/Negele Borana though, but Adoola, is Guji land, and Guji land does border Somali's. But, my grandparents, on both sides, are from Jimma, our sub clan is Sadacha, and the overall clan is Maccaa, and I do have a large Silte presence in my family [my mother's great grandmother is full Silte]. Strangely enough though, people tell me that I look very Somali, not sure what that means, or if maybe down the line of ancestors, I may have some Somali blood, who knows?
But, marehan were/are very respected by many Oromo, and I suspect it's because of some marehan and other somali shaykh's/shuyookh who spread Islam in our areas.

from a reliable Somali brother, who is Marehan:
''A little history between Marehan and Oromo, when the Ethiopians came to Marehan at Walwal, during the fighting when Marehan soldiers were behind enemy lines, it was Oromo soldiers that let them go, my grandfather told me the army consisted mainly of Oromo and Amhars during Haile Selassi time, the Oromo soldiers would not allow Marehan captured behind enemy lines to be killed, this was close to a hundred years ago in the period of 1919-1920 in Doollo area todays Wardheer woreda, my grandfather was captured by Amhara soldier when he was in a group of Somalis from various clans, they asked everyone their clan, the other Somalis told him not to say his clan they will kill him, but he said his clan because Marehan we do not hide from death, the same Amhara soldiers started arguing among themselves, it turned out that one of them was Oromo and he knew Marehan clan and refused to allow Amhara to kill, there are many Marehan in Oromia as scholars in Islam that is possibly where he knows Marehan from.
Another important interaction we had with Oromo was in southern Ethiopia during the same time 1890-1920s, the same Oromo soldiers allowed us to operate deep into Ethiopia to launch attacks on the British in Serinley post and attack the Camel corps(Khalid Ali's people) who served the british faithfully. Alot of Somali clans today in Kenya is a result of Marehan kicking them out of Jubaland a 100 years ago, we do not differentiate between Muslim as Marehan anyone who attack us is the enemy.''

Marehan are assimilated oromo DNA has confirmed

Darood Mareexan Howrarsame

Somalia

E-V6163

13

24

11

 

[citrus_samurai]

lol some maybe wrong but wouldn't he have gotten that from the locals tho?
tunni is a sub groupof the rahanwein, right?

He is dumb and knows nothing… I’m serious. There’s so much BS

They’re not Rahanweyn/Reewin but Digil. Rahanweyn are Mirifle. Digil and Mirifle are the two branches of Sab.

 

[Abba Sadacha]

''The Abyssinians were connected with the people of Arabia not only by their situation,-they were a people of the same family, and their kingdom perhaps originated from some of the plundering expeditions of the early Tobbaas of Hamyar. Their Arabian origin is proved by the identity of their manners, their physiognomy, and their language, and even in some measure by their own traditions.
Abyssinia resembled Arabia Felix in productions, its aromatic woods of myrrh and frankincense. Pure gold was found in many parts in abundance. In place of the camels of Arabia, it boasted of the finest elephants in the world.

Abyssinia is at present divided into three great divisions: that of Tigre, comprehending the tract between the Red Sea and the Tekezze River; that of Amhara, to the west of the Tekezze; and the provinces of the south. The province now called Tigre was the seat of the ancient monarchy. At the north-west end of an extensive and fertile valley, between two hills, about one hundred and twenty miles from the coast, stood the capital, the city of Auxuma, or Axum, the ruins of which still bear witness to its former magnificence. The annals of the Ethiopians trace its origin to the time of Abraham/Ibrahim (alayis salam or peace be upon him.)

The Ethiopians were a people little known in the earlier periods of history. Many circumstances make us believe that the ages in which they flourished preceded the earliest authentic annals of the gentile writers. Settled in an elevated region, which in tropical climes has generally been found to be the seat of civilization, they seem to have been once celebrated for learning, and in the early ages of the post-diluvian world, the district of Auxuma was probably the mother country of the wisdom and inhabitants of Egypt. The Ethiopians boasted, according to the historians of Greece, that they were the most ancient people of the globe, that among them first originated the worship of the gods, and that they were the first inventors of religious rites and ceremonies.''

[Early Christianity in Arabia, pages 39-45]