Thousands Eagerly Honor New Chief in Ethiopia's Gada Ceremony**

The week-long Gada ceremony in Ethiopia saw thousands gather to celebrate the transfer of power within the Borana community, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and democratic practices in the culmination of an eight-year rule.**

Thousands of people have converged in southern Ethiopia to partake in one of the nation’s largest cultural festivals - the Gada ceremony. This significant week-long event, which took place last week, officially heralds the transfer of leadership from one customary ruler to his successor within the Borana community, a practice deeply entrenched in their culture for centuries and occurring every eight years.

Gathered at Arda Jila Badhasa, just outside the town of Arero, this celebration serves as an homage to their distinct democratic governance and cultural roots. Each age group proudly donned their unique traditional attire, with a grand procession preceding the leadership handover. During this ceremonial march, married women brandished wooden sticks known as "siinqee," which symbolize the protection of women during conflicts. The act of placing a "siinqee" on the ground between disputing parties signals an immediate cessation of conflict, illustrating the role of women as peacekeepers in their society.

While the top leadership roles are exclusive to men, women play a critical role during the festival by organizing accommodations and preparing food for attendees. The Gada governance system, recognized by UNESCO in 2016 for its cultural significance, allows them to participate in community meetings and share their voice, although they cannot hold positions like the Abbaa Gadaa.

With the Gada system, male eligibility is bound by lineage, where young boys aspiring to join the ranks undertake rigorous training from the age of eight. Oral historians convey essential knowledge about laws, traditions, and the community's cosmology. By the time they are assessed for leadership qualities, candidates experience various tests ranging from physical endurance to agricultural tasks.

The recent Gada ceremony featured the transfer of power from a 48-year-old outgoing chief to his 37-year-old successor, Guyo Boru Guyo, who has been recognized for his leadership potential from a young age. As the 72nd Abbaa Gadaa, he is now tasked with guiding the Borana community through various challenges, including resolving disputes over essential resources in their drought-prone region. With each new leadership cycle, the incoming chief prepares his successor, fostering a continuous thread of tradition vital to the Borana's identity.

The event drew attendees from across the region, including well-wishers from Kenya and individuals traveling from Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. The governor of Kenya's Marsabit county also graced the ceremony, marking a celebration of cultural unity that transcends borders while looking forward to the future leadership transition slated for 2033.