Gada Ceremony Unites Thousands in Southern Ethiopia for Leadership Transition

The Gada ceremony marks the transition of power every eight years, showcasing the rich heritage and inclusive values of the Borana people.

In southern Ethiopia, a spectacular cultural event unfolded recently as thousands congregated for the week-long Gada ceremony. This vibrant celebration signifies the official transfer of power from one customary ruler to his successor, a tradition embedded in the Borana community for centuries. Known for its unique democracy, the ceremony took place at Arda Jila Badhasa, close to the town of Arero.

Participants dressed in traditional attire representing their distinct age groups during a lively procession prior to the official handover ceremony. Among the significant symbols of this event were wooden batons, "siinqee," carried by married women. These batons symbolize protection and peace, signaling an immediate cessation of disputes when placed between conflicting parties.

While women do not hold positions as Abbaa Gadaa or on the council of elders, they play crucial roles during the festivities, including building accommodations and preparing meals for guests. Women also participate actively in community affairs, offering their insights during gatherings, although they are not fully integrated into the governance structure.

The Gada system, recognized on the UN's cultural heritage list since 2016, involves rigorous training for young boys, who begin their education about leadership, culture, and tradition as early as eight. They learn essential skills for future roles, such as endurance tests and demonstrating compassion among peers. Notably, young initiates bear shaved heads and distinctive headpieces made from cowrie shells, a privilege also shared by respected elderly women.

The ceremony culminated in the succession of the new 72nd Abbaa Gadaa, Guyo Boru Guyo, who assumes responsibility for the Borana people across southern Ethiopia and northwestern Kenya. At 37, he earned his leadership position through commendable conduct noted by the council of elders in his youth. His role as a mediator in disputes, particularly concerning pastoralist conflicts over cattle and access to water, is crucial in the drought-affected region.

Guyo will lead for the next eight years, during which time his future successor will continue training, ensuring the Gada tradition and values are upheld through generations. The recent event not only celebrated the change in leadership but also reinforced the Borana community's enduring commitment to their cultural identity and democratic governance.