Gadaa

Gadaa is the traditional system of governance and social organization used by the Oromo people of the Horn of Africa, notably in Ethiopia and parts of Kenya. It combines political leadership, justice, military organization, and religious and cultural duties within a rotating, lineage-based framework. A central feature is the division of society into age-sets and generational groups that ascend through a series of eight-year terms, with power transferring to the next generation in a peaceful, orderly manner at the end of each term.

Within the Gadaa system, leadership is provided by an elected figure known as Abbaa Gadaa, who presides over a given level for an eight-year term. The primary decision-making body is the Gadaa assembly or council, where members debate and enact customary laws (seera) and resolve disputes. The system operates with codified norms and checks on authority, using term limits and regular turnover to maintain balance and accountability. It also encompasses rituals, social regulations, and community governance that extend beyond strictly political functions.

In modern times, the Gadaa system is widely regarded as a form of indigenous democracy and is recognized internationally as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Oromo. It continues to influence social life in many communities, particularly in rural areas where customary norms still guide daily conduct. At the same time, its authority interacts with state legal frameworks and modern governance structures, leading to ongoing efforts to preserve its practices while adapting to contemporary contexts.