Gadaa Explained

Gadaa (Oromo: Gadaa; literally: era) is the indigenous democratic system of governance used by the Oromos in Ethiopia and northern Kenya.^[1] It is also practiced by the Konso and Gedeo people of southern Ethiopia. The system regulates political, economic, social and religious activities of the community.

Under Gadaa, every eight years, the Oromo would choose by consensus nine leaders known as Oromo: Salgan ya’ii Borana (the nine Borana assemblies).^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Gada system, an indigenous democratic socio-political system of the Oromo. unesco.org.
2. Galla, Candace. 2012. 46–48. Sustaining generations of Indigenous voices: Reclaiming language and integrating multimedia technology. .