When Oromo brag saying “Ijoollee Abbaa Gadaa” there is something they feel internally. Pride that they feel for being heirs of a civilization that created an enviable Gada democratic system. With the hope of restoring it, Oromo youth are struggling against the cruelest system in the world. Oromo lost everything, land, resources, human rights, freedom on control over benefit of their labor and life. By their struggle they have nothing to lose and have proved that they have a lot to gain. Oromo Qeerroo and Qeerrantii have vowed never to turn back on Oromo people until complete victory. Gadaa system was what kept Oromo free and their country independent. It was the basis of Oromo outlook of equality, human rights, law abiding, justice, peace, valor and in general all aspects of political, social and economic life that is put under alien subjugation. Gadaa was not a copy but original indigenous African socio-political system. Can it become alternative to existing systems? That was the purpose of this call aimed at all social scientists and other knowledgeable. Though the practice of it has stopped some aspects still exist in pockets of Oromiyaa. Nevertheless, it is still in blood of Oromo which triggers pride when Gadaa word is mentioned. What is required no is preparing a Gadaa system constitution that all Oromummaa based institutions adopt it. No reason for Oromo national to reject that.
Oromo used to run a political system of government of the people by the people that can compete with any system in the world called Gadaa. It was around twenty decades since it was banned from being practiced by colonizer. Not only that the migration to the Great Qaalluu, Abbaa Muudaa was also forbidden. Since then, Oromiyaa was divided geographically, clan and family wise and religiously. It was Oromo history, culture, language, tradition, pride, personality and Oromo pride. Oromo has to retrieve as much as possible to be a proud nation as then and even better. By its nature, Gadaa system allows updating at least every eight years. Therefore, it can be rebuilt considering the principles on which it was found adopting not necessarily as it was practiced then. The designs Oromo ancestors used for founding and practicing it may be complicated that it may need simplifying for modern times. Let us see what this writer considers core principles.
1. A person being a person from which clan, country, race, color and gender he may be is sacred. All things living or nonliving were not touched without good cause; the natural environment were revered and protected by law.
2. Supremacy of the law and respect for it.
3. Society is divided into 8 years generation, “Hiriyaa” (peer group). Each generation has a name, like Dabballee, Gaammee, Qondaala, Rabaa Doorii, Luba. Dabballee were children of current Luba members. Now it may not be their children alone but all of the generation. At each stage there is education and training to pass through.
4. Each generation was organized into a predetermined party (gadaa or gogeessa) and had names like Robalee, Michillee, Birmajii, Harmuufa and Duuloo. Each elected its leaders. Each party stays for only 8 years at a position. At the Luba stage they govern the country for 8 years not a day more. No participation in reelection for 40 years. Note the “check and balance” the system served.
5. Elections took place within the generation. Office of Qaalluu helps in guiding election An issue is debated until consensus is reached whatever time it takes. Each generation develops its own outlook. At the apex the ruling generation or Luba formed a national legislative Assembly and executive Council and organized civil service.
6. After eight years the ruling group shifts to the next stage (Yuba) where it performs a counselling and judiciary role for eight years. Its leader chairs National Koraa (General Assembly).
7. Women though do not participate in the male only structure there are rituals which cannot be performed without them. They have also the power of Sinqe to defend their human rights. Oromo women seem greater in number than men. In modern Oromiyaa they must have equal opportunity to all institutions and services. Oromo women had better rights than women in democracies of the West. In Gadaa renaissance what is expected is if not better at least where Western woman have reached.
8. Right of captives and refugees were protected by law and culture. If they want, they can be adopted by Oromo and they became Oromiyaan or they can freely go back to their country or go anywhere. There was no enslavement in Gadaa system.
9. Gadaa has never seen in separation of the rules of Ayyaanaa, Safuu, laguu and ilaa fi Ilaamee
10. Then the generation retires (Gadamoojjii) with rights and privileges.
A generation included persons born within the same eight-year period and were considered “Hiriyaa” (peers) and belong to the same political group, or gogeessa. During Dabballee stage, from birth to age eight, the state or community gave special attention to each child’s and its mother, education and well-being, seeking to prevent class, caste or clan bias at this formative age. What distinguish Gadaa from other politico-social systems is that it requires participation of all ages in nation’s activities. It also reduced class conflict by guaranteeing every class an equal systemic opportunity to share power. Gadaa was guided by a distinct philosophy encompassing ethics, logic, aesthetics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology. Safuu, laguu, Ilaa fi Ilaamee, and ayyaana are among its central philosophical concepts. Institution of faith (Qaalluu) had also a role in Gadaa for running election and as administrator. Since there are many religions, the politics must be secular. The political role of Qaalluu can be replaced with election board.
In Gadaa system policies were reviewed every eight years; those that became irrelevant are discarded and replaced by new and relevant ones. Laws are not dogma but strictly respected until they are amended or annulled. That is why people say Gadaa is time transcending. Its original principles encompass the whole population, while Greek democracy is limited to male upper class. If we introduce Gadaa into Oromo politico-social movement there will be no Oromo standing against it. It will rally more followers than political organizations. So, let us support its renaissance to enlighten Oromo political Organization in particular our armed struggle. A Gadaa structured struggle will no doubt not end up in dictatorship. The initiative for calling experts to draft a Gadaa document for modern Oromiyaa can be taken by institution or learned individuals. Pass to and dialogue with each other, let us know and be proud with what is our own. Oromiyaa haa jiraattu!
Honor and glory for the fallen heroines and heroes; liberty, equality, and freedom for the living and nagaa and araaraa for the Ayyaanaa of our fore parents!
Ibsaa Guutama
August 2026