Bringing “Oromummaa” into Focus
A Statement by the Oromo Studies Association (OSA) 1
The Oromo Studies Association (OSA) approaches the fortieth anniversary of its founding. The Association was established to study and illuminate the ancient legacies, governance systems, language, and rich cultural traditions of the Oromo people, the largest population group in Ethiopia. Over the decades, OSA scholars have contributed decisively to the understanding ofOromo institutions and values, advancing their study into global scholarly discourse.
Central to this work is the concept of Oromummaa, a term that has come to represent the collective values, institutions, and practices that define Oromo peoplehood. Once obscured or dismissed, the features of Oromummaa are now better understood because of sustained, collaborative scholarship fostered by OSA. One of the Association’s core objectives has been to elevate the study of Oromo institutions, particularly their democratic foundations, to a level of international recognition.