Abba Gadaa

Abba Gadaa is a traditional political and social system used by the Oromo people of Ethiopia, serving as a governance and societal organization. It functions through a cyclical leadership structure where leaders, called Gadaa, are elected every eight years to oversee laws, conflict resolution, community welfare, and cultural practices. The system ensures democratic participation, collective decision-making, and social stability. It governs various aspects of life—politics, justice, education, and religion—while maintaining cultural identity. Abba Gadaa embodies principles of inclusion, accountability, and community consensus, intertwining governance with cultural values that have sustained Oromo society for generations.