The Oromo Gadaa power transfer known as Baallii, took place in Areero Woreda of Ardaa Jilaa Badhaasaa in Borana Zone. The power transfer was done on March 9, 2025 under a colorful celebration in the presence of Gadaa officials within Borana Zone and other parts of Oromia Region. Honorable President of Oromia Region was present at the ceremony who made concluding speech towards end of the ceremony. Gadaa affiliated community representatives from three counties of Kenya (Marsabit, Si’olo and Tana River) were present at the ceremony.
Besides, there were representatives of nearby and far off neighboring communities aside the Oromo who spoke at the assembly in their own languages. Among them were representatives of the Somali, Afar, Konso and those who used Ki Swahili out of the 7 languages used for communication (Afaan Oromo, Amharic and English). The OBN television and the Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau disseminated the events live to audiences in the Horn of Africa.
In the final day of the power transfer ceremony, both the outgoing and the incoming Abbaa Gadaa appeared to the site of the ceremony on horseback to the rapturous welcome by the crowd. During the power transfer, the outgoing Abbaa Gadaa, Kura Jarso Kura, peacefully handed over to the 72nd Abbaa Gadaa, (the Doorii), Boru Guyyo Boru after 8 years of service set under the Gadaa democratic principles. During the handover, Abbaa Gadaa Kura Jarso Kura stated that the Oromo Gadaa power transfer is unique in which the outgoing blesses the incoming Abbaa Gadaa (Doorii) for success during his term of office. He added that such gesture is not common among competing parties elsewhere who rather focus on narrating shortfalls of opponent to gain advantage to win and there is no blessing during power transfer. There was procession of representative members of all age groups set by the Gadaa of 8 year classification starting with the Dabballe, children of 8 years to the Gadamojjii, an elderly of 72 years, existing the cycle.
Retreat to the Ardaa Jilaa Badhaasaa started several days ahead of the actual day of power transfer. During the last day ceremony there were several speeches and media coverage. Information circulated indicated background to the inception of the Gadaa system of administration going back in history for hundreds of years as recited by successive generations. The current version of the Gadaa is traced back to the 14th century that survived in continuation from the first Abbaa Gadaa, Gadayo Galgalo to the present who stands 72nd in succession which means 568 years elapsed. Abbaa Gadaa Gadayo Galgalo assumed power in Madda Walabu at the time. It was indicated that prior to Gadayo Galgalo, there existed 94 Abbaa Gadaa separate from the reviewed version that started with Gadayo Galgalo implying the Gadaa system of administration existed for many centuries in the emergence of human civilization.
The outgoing Abbaa Gadaa, Kuraa Jaarsoo Kuraa briefed about the successes during his term of office: Working on unity of the Oromo people was in focus; Gadaa was registered by UNESCO as an intangible human heritage; teaching the Gadaa at the school started; customary law is allowed to function along with the formal justice system; the traditional Buusaa Gonofaa of supporting the needy is accepted by the Government; and collaboration with the Government was exercised. In his final remark, he said the Gadaa is seen an integral organ in our body which everyone should care for its continuity. He also cited outstanding activities which should be addressed during the term of the successor more of which demand collaboration of the Government.
The new Abbaa Gadaa, on his part emphasized on the need for collaboration to attain unity; attain development in every sector; and safeguard peace.
The CDG appreciate the peaceful power transfer of the Gadaa which could serve as an example for competing forces in disregard to safeguarding peace. We believe restoration of peace; respect for human rights; adherence to the rule of law; and maintaining good governance is strongly connected to peaceful transfer of power that end hostilities among competing parties for power.