*“I took this picture recently in a rural area of Oromoia (Ethiopia) while observing the Oromo people’s ancient traditional democratic system in celebration mode, which is called the Gada system,”* says Bereket Alemayehu, with Convergence of Cultures, an organism that applies to the dialogue between cultures and combating all forms of violence and discrimination.

*“Every eight years they perform a special event of the system at the household level by preparing a get-together feast and holding a public celebration for everyone at large. This is the uniqueness of this system that gets total attention from everyone, every member of the family,”* he added.

*“I was so privileged to be a witness – and enjoyed the feast – but more than anything I was touched by the ceremony of reconciliation and forgiveness moment of the day at the river bank,”* he ended.

This latter note brings to mind to members of Convergence of Cultures the important works of reconciliation as proposed in the personal studies that are part of Universal Humanism, the base of the Convergence of Cultures.

While it is appreciated that the Oromos are struggling for the opportunity to rule themselves and reinvent an Oromian state that will reflect the Gada system, it is hoped that the practical effect of the Gada system, which can instill non-violence as a byproduct, can help bring peace and stability to this region.

*“I was born in Oromia and raised in Oromia, the now part of “Ethiopian” territory. Moved to and live in the West, and I am now Oromo-American!”* says Abdii Biyyaa (nick name meaning “Hope of the country”) another correspondent.

*“I would clearly say this, those of my fellow human beings in western countries who think they invented the wheel of democracy and think they are the champions, surely they need to go back and study the Oromo Gada system thoroughly in the country where the first and oldest human remains were found, known as Lucy (and Ardi). There are many things that could be learned and not only fit the current century but also would save millions and billions of campaign and lobby money that go to elect officials into office.”*

The Oromo Gada system and rituals that exist in today’s Oromia that is under repression is almost non-existent as a culture.

*“The Oromo are trying to keep it alive and pass it on to the next generation,”* continues Abdii Biyyaa,* “but until the Oromo people are free and they resuscitate and bring to life and make viable and teach the “hippo generation” – Africa ‘leaders’ as stated by Professor George Ayittey and when the Oromo people and their lands are free, then I am quite sure that that system of Governance suppressed by autocratics of the then and now rulers in Ethiopia, will be revived and be the model of an African system of Governance.”*

For Abdii Biyyaa the Oromo Gada system of governance is more than a culture in itself, but is also a democratic system of governance that is part and parcel of the Gada culture, an umbrella over a complex society that functions to facilitate the relations between fellow human beings, and the relation between nature and men.

*“I am just hoping that such a noble human invention of a system of governance gets studied more so it can be applied in a modern societal way for human good. Those who trying to import ‘western democracy’ into Africa have failed to look in their backyard. There they will find an authentic, viable system of democracy.”*

Note: Oromiyaa (or Oromia) in the Oromo language) is one of the nine ethnic divisions in southern and western Ethiopia. A 2007 census reported its population at over twenty-seven million, making it the largest state in terms of both population and area. Its current capital is Adama. Prior to 2000, the Regional capital of Oromia was Addis Ababa, also known as “Finfinne” (the original name in the Oromo language). The relocation of the regional capital to Adama sparked considerable controversy.

The Oromia Region is the birthplace of Ethiopian coffee and it was because of coffee that the region came to renown, after a film titled: Black Gold was made, released in 2006. The film was directed by Mark Francis and Nick Francis, British. These brothers brought the plight of Ethiopian coffee growers and the people in the related infrastructure to an international audience. The problem turned around the dependance of lowly workers on the international coffee prices as determined by big-name enterprises selling coffee.

In the past, Oromos had an egalitarian social system known as Gada. Their military organization made them one of the strongest ethnic groups in the Horn of Africa between the twelfth and nineteenth centuries. Gada was a form of constitutional government and also a social system. Political leaders were elected by the men of the community every eight years. Corrupt or dictatorial leaders would be removed from power through buqisu (recall) before the official end of their term. Oromo women had a parallel institution known as siqqee. This institution promoted gender equality in Oromo society.

The Gada government was based on democratic principles. The abba boku was an elected “chairman” who presided over the chaffee (assembly) and proclaimed the laws. The abba dula (defense minister) was a government leader who directed the army. A council known as shanee or salgee and retired Gada officials also helped the abba boku to run the government.

All Gada officials were elected for eight years. The main qualifications for election included bravery, knowledge, honesty, demonstrated ability, and courage. The Gada government worked on local, regional, and central levels. The political philosophy of the Gada system was embodied in three main principles: terms of eight years, balanced opposition between parties, and power sharing between higher and lower levels. These checks and balances were created to prevent misuse of power. The government’s independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches also were a way of balancing power. Some elements of Gada are still practiced in southern Oromia.

The Gada system was the basis of Oromo culture and civilization. It helped Oromos maintain democratic political, economic, social, and religious institutions for many centuries. The Gada political system and military organization enabled Oromos defend themselves against enemies who were competing with them for land, water, and power. Today, Oromos are engaged in a national liberation movement. Under the leadership of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) they work to achieve self-determination.

Details by courtesy of Wikipedia)