In Oromo political discourse, the term “Faarse Bulaa” refers to individuals or groups who constantly and obsessively praise the person in power, regardless of the people’s suffering or the harsh reality on the ground. These individuals do not speak truth to power, nor do they care about justice, accountability, or the needs of ordinary citizens. Instead, their sole focus is on singing the praises of the leader, often with exaggerated or false narratives, either to gain personal benefit or because their minds have been conditioned to equate power with righteousness.
A Faarse Bulaa:
Ignores the truth, even when people are dying, displaced, or impoverished.
Worships the ruler, turning a blind eye to corruption, human rights violations, and bad governance.
Often acts as a mouthpiece or cheerleader, not because of genuine belief, but for access to power, money, or status.
Sometimes does it out of fear, opportunism, or because they’ve been indoctrinated to glorify authority without question.
They are the type who, even when the country is burning, will go on television, social media, or public platforms to declare how “peaceful,” “successful,” or “visionary” the current leadership is—while the people suffer, the economy crumbles, and basic rights are denied.
Equivalent Terms in Other Languages
In English, there are several terms that resemble “Faarse Bulaa”:
Bootlicker – Someone who flatters those in power in a servile way.
Yes-man – A person who always agrees with those in authority to gain favor.
Propagandist – Someone who spreads misleading information to favor the ruling power.
Sycophant – A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage.
Brown-noser – A slang term for someone who excessively flatters to gain personal favor.
Why It Matters
“Faarse Bulaa” is not just a personal flaw; it is a dangerous cultural and political disease. Such behavior enables dictatorship, repression, and moral decay in society. When no one dares to tell the truth or hold leaders accountable, the nation pays the price.
True patriots are not those who sing false praises, but those who love their people enough to tell the truth, challenge injustice, and serve selflessly. The Oromo struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice will never succeed if it is surrounded by “Faarse Bulaa” types.
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Let us be truth-tellers, not power-worshippers.
Let us be people-centered, not leader-glorifiers.
And let us never allow fear or personal gain to make us tools of oppression.