Arero, Ethiopia| The Borana community is making final preparations for the much-anticipated 72nd Gadaa Power Handover Ceremony, set to take place later this month at the revered Badhassa Cultural Site in Arero District, East Borana Zone.
This historic occasion will mark the peaceful transfer of leadership within one of Africa’s most sophisticated indigenous democratic systems—the Gadaa system—a governance model that has guided the Borana people for centuries.
The Gadaa system, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is an elaborate socio-political structure that organizes Borana society into generational cohorts, each ruling for an eight-year term before handing over power to the next group.
This unique tradition promotes governance, unity, accountability, and social cohesion while ensuring that leadership remains dynamic and representative of the community’s collective wisdom.
A Leadership Transition Steeped in Tradition
The upcoming transition will see Abba Gadaa Kura Jarso, who assumed office in March 2017, formally hand over leadership to his successor, Abba Gadaa Guyoo Boruu Guyoo.
This transfer of power is not merely ceremonial; it symbolizes the conclusion of one leadership cycle and the beginning of another, reaffirming the continuity and stability embedded within the Gadaa system.
The handover event, scheduled for February 25-29, 2025 (2017 Ethiopian calendar), is expected to be one of the largest in recent history.
More than 30 hectares of land have been cleared to accommodate thousands of attendees, including Borana elders, dignitaries, scholars, government officials, and cultural enthusiasts from across Ethiopia and beyond.
The Badhassa Cultural Site, a deeply significant location for the Borana people, is being meticulously prepared to host this momentous occasion.
The site will serve as a sacred space where age-old traditions, values, and cultural practices will be on full display, reinforcing the Borana community’s commitment to preserving their heritage in the face of modernization and external influences.
A Celebration of Culture, Identity, and Governance
The 72nd Gadaa Handover Ceremony will be marked by a series of elaborate cultural performances and rituals, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of the Borana people. These include:
- Traditional Songs and Dances – Performed by various Borana groups, these artistic expressions celebrate the unity and resilience of the community.
- Blessings by Elders – Senior Borana elders, known as Jaarsa Gadaa, will offer prayers and guidance to the incoming leaders, invoking wisdom and prosperity for the next eight-year cycle.
- Symbolic Power Transfer – The outgoing Abba Gadaa will formally bestow leadership upon his successor through sacred rituals, signifying the peaceful transition of power.
- Community Feasts and Gatherings – Large communal feasts will bring people together to strengthen social ties and celebrate their shared identity.
The handover ceremony is not just a cultural festivity; it is a living testament to the resilience of indigenous governance systems.
The Gadaa structure ensures that leadership is earned through merit, training, and mentorship, rather than through hereditary or coercive means.
The Enduring Relevance of the Gadaa System
At a time when many traditional governance models are being overshadowed by modern political systems, the Gadaa system continues to stand as a beacon of participatory democracy, justice, and equality.
Unlike many contemporary political structures, decisions under Gadaa rule are made through extensive consultations, ensuring that all community members have a voice in governance.
The Borana people’s commitment to this governance model highlights its continued relevance in addressing modern challenges such as leadership accountability, sustainable resource management, and conflict resolution.
The upcoming transition serves as a powerful reminder that indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable insights into governance and social harmony, even in an era of rapid globalization.
A Legacy for Future Generations
As the Borana community prepares to welcome Abba Gadaa Guyoo Boruu Guyoo as their new leader, this ceremony will not only celebrate the past but also inspire future generations to uphold the values of justice, unity, and collective leadership embedded in the Gadaa system.
For the Borana people, the 72nd Gadaa Power Handover is more than just a symbolic event—it is a reaffirmation of their cultural identity, a celebration of their heritage, and a bold statement to the world that indigenous governance models remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
With global interest in traditional governance systems growing, this year’s ceremony is set to leave a lasting impact, not only within Ethiopia but across the world, as a shining example of democratic leadership rooted in cultural heritage.
Share This Post