A Future Gaze Gadaa Oriented Constitutional Structure for Oromia

Abstract

The Gadaa System has been studied by several scholars, both by domestic and expatriates. This is undeniably a great opportunity. However, up until today, there is not a great deal of studies conducted from the perspective of how the Gadaa system could be used across Oromia ́s modern political order. Thus, the general objective of this paper, considering the socio-political order Oromia is in, critically analyses how the Gadaa oriented constitutional structure can be adopted in Oromia. The scope of the analysis is limited to the Gadaa structures such as: the five Gadaa parties (Gogeessa), the Gadaa council (Adula), the Gadaa grades (gulantaa Gadaa), the Gadaa assemblies, and the Gadaa confederacies. Therefore, the mission of this article is to pave the way and kindle discussion on how Gadaa could be implemented across Oromia future. This paper approaches this issue from the concept of neo-Gadaa. By neo-Gadaa, the author mean the revitalization of secular Gadaa values, principles and structures applicable across Oromia irrespective difference in socio- economic practices, religion kinship and clan ties. Furthermore, the concept neo-Gadaa is analogous to the concept of “living law”– which promotes the reinvention of indigenous institutions to solve pressing social, political and economic problems. The author has conducted a field work among the Boorana and the Gujii people; in June, 2016 and February, 2016 respectively. Finally, this article finds that Gadaa oriented constitutional democracy sets a lifelong social and political responsibility than simply a “ballot box” gratification; and above all “neo-Gadaa” reinvigorates the necessity of renaissance of the indigenous Gadaa for the emancipation of politically and economically marginalized Oromoo people.