The Reactions of Limmu Oromo of Western Ethiopia During and After the Italian Occupation (1936-41)

Abstract

In this paper, it has been attempted to highlight the features of the five years administration system and the continuity and changes that took place during the Italy administration in the area. During the Italian Occupation, Limmu was the administrative center of the Italians for the Oromo of Western Anger River. Surprisingly, Limmu Oromo during the Italian occupation (1936-41) fought both the Italians and the naftañä settlers. According to genuine sources, during Italian Occupation (1936-1941) the naftañä-gabär system was removed in the study area. Accordingly, the most important event of this period was that the Limmu Oromo were librated from the naftañä rule by their leader, Fitawurari Duguma Jaldeso. Relatively speaking, according to many written materials and oral sources, the Italian administration was better than the former administration system in Limmu. The Italian Occupation was a land mark in the history of the gabärs in the surrounding region in general and that of Limmu in particular. Soon after they stationed at Ayana (the capital of Gidda-Kiramu Woreda), the Italian military station for the areas between the Abay and Angar, Italians successfully abolished the gabär system in the area. But, in the post-Italian Occupation period, the pre- 1936 situation was restored without much change in Limmu from 1941 continued till 1974. These and other related situations were well assessed in this paper