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GADAA consists of
Salgan Yaa’ii Booranaa
Cabinet with three Abbaa GADA
1st Abbaa GADAA Fiixxee
2nd Abbaa GADAA Mandhaa
3rd Abbaa GADAA Kontomaa
4 Abbaa Muudaa -Ritual and cultural leader
5 Abbaa Seerraa - Minister of Justice
6 Abbaa Alangaa - Prosecutor
7 Abbaa Sa’aa - Minister of National Wealth / analogous to Minister of Economy
8 Abbaa Biyyaa - Minister of Internal Affairs
9 Abbaa Duulaa - Minister of National Defense
Makoo Bilii Laws are well known among Oromo Maccaa.
Consisted of 65 provisions
✅Historical records state Makoo Bilii Bisil was a leader of Oromo in 1580.
➡️Elders of Iluu-Galaan (near ODAA Bisil) stats Makoo Bilii laws were made by Bisil Osolee, grandfather of Makoo Bilii
➡️Makoo Bilii role were documented as potentially being Abbaa Gadaa, Abbaa Seerra or Abbaa Duulaa
✅ Many historians agree on his that he was a great leader & law maker
Much like Daawwee Gobboo (1706) Oromo Borana
65 provisions
1 any person shall have honey as medicine at home
2 Masqalaa is celebrated annually, Buttaa qalluu ceremony is once every eight years
3 men travel far shall have Farso upon their return
4 vast land belongs to the Oromo; each shall plough the land, rear cattle & build on it
5 if an enemy invaded the homeland, each shall cooperate and defend the land
6 Their are other people that look like us residing on the lands; treat them as your own unless they wage war on Oromo
7 along a journey, elders perform hirreeffannaa and cross the river first
8 SAFUU for Coorraa - younger respects older, son respects the father, daughters respects the mother
9 advancing to the front requires spears, knives and gasoo to be sharp enough
10 Those who cut down trees first shall get the land before others
11 Safety Laws - during cutting down of trees in a forest, take precautions to avoid injury of self or others around you
12 community that has “hora” shall have elders slaughter the bull (Kormaa) and use the blood for dhibaafanna. Hora will belong to the community
13 The five leaders (Shanee) consult one another and take cattle for “horaa” to build a house for the poor, particularly women. Shanee consult one another on defense of the people from enemy aggression
14 General Health Policy - a person who is infected with a communicable disease is treated in an isolated location until recovery.
15 Homes shall be built on higher ground through erecting posts (kellaa) fro national security
In the event, home owner can not defend their home, they can light the house to signal others of an enemy presence.
Marriage Laws
16 adult male and female shall marry at the right age
17 The best man, Miinjee, second best man (waa’ila) shall contribute to making the marriage a success. When the son or daughter marry, mother and father shall bless the child upon the marriage.
18 Relatives shall count 7 generations back before considering dating and marriage.
19 People who marry or have relationships and are found to have lineage within 7 generations have to face justice under a court of elders under ODAA.
➡️Elders will determine the law to apply.
Seerraa Dhowwaa
Or Gumaa
20 Meeting under ODAA are held in the morning unless it is urgent.
Crime and Safety Laws
21.1 Property lines between farmers shall be respected. If a person takes land,they shall restore or pay punitive damages.
21.2 Safety: home owners must seal up holes around the house to prevent accident fall and or death of a person or their cattle.
22 Safety: Artisans (tool manufacturers) shall burn left over and unnecessary materials 80 meters away from homes to avoid preventable injury and or death.
23 In order to avoid hyena attacks on livestock, leatherwork of hides shall occur deep in the forest away from homes and cattle.
24 Pandemic Mitigation: A person who has contracted typhoid is treated in isolation away from others to prevent spreading of a pandemic. Treatment is until recovery.
25 There is no penalty if a cow crosses into others property while running towards it’s calf or bull chasing a cow.
Oromo Leadership / Cabinets
26 The Salgee (cabinet) shall develop individuals to become leaders. The leaders (Mootii) are for all five Oromo Regions. Individuals can play leadership roles increasing the Oromo wealth of a specific commodity, Cotton, Gold and building the Presidential house (Mootii qoloo, warqee, masaraa).
27 The Salgee shall notify the Oromo nations under ODAA through an appointment ceremony
During the appointment, the Mootii leaders will commit to supporting and protecting the Oromo nation.
28 The ceremony shall include the blessing of Mootii (leaders) by Abbaa Bokkuu through sprinkling of Dadhii and Anaan. The Mootii leaders will have Cotton and Gold articles.
29 The ceremony shall include food and drinking with a Presidential house built for the Mootii.
“Harroojjiin ceekaa addressee
Koottu Masaraan sitti ijaaraa
Kan Mootii Leeqaa fakkessee”
30 The Mootii will have guards stationed in the Presidential house. These guards will be brave and defend the Mootii.
31 The Abbaa Bokkuu shall prepare the hayyuu through the Salgee in an organized manner. Any disputes shall be handled by the hayyuu for resolution.
32 Appeal Process: A person convicted of a crime can state “I raised up the Bokkuu. Doing so is the initiation of an appeal. The matter is taken to the hayyuu of the highest office. The person must cover their spear and turn it down.
33 Appeal Process: A person appealing will be given a place to stay the night once their spear is turned down.
34 Murder Charges: A civilian whom has knowingly killed (murder) another civilian shall be brought before the law. If convicted, they can face capital punishment. An exception is if the victims family is willing to reconcile without capital punishment.
35 Judgement for Murder Charges: A person whom has knowingly killed another person (murder) shall give eighty cows for the victims parents as blood payment (gumaa). Reconciliation process is between the victim, convicted individual and Waqaa (GOD). Abbaa Bokkuu and Salgee are mediators. Once resolved, the issue cannot be brought back (no double jeopardy).
36 Treason Charges: Treason is one of the highest crimes. In order to protect National Security, the leaders, Abbaa Bokkuu and Salgee discuss policies to protect the nation. Disclosing informaiton to the enemy is treason and can result in capital punishment.
37 Murder Charges: A person who has killed a refugee will face justice for murder charges in an Oromo Court. Consequences can include capital punishment.
38 Robbery Charges: A person stealing from homes will face justice for robbery charges in an Oromo Court. Consequences can include capital punishment.
39 Assault Charges: A person who assaults another resulting in blindness in one eye shall pay a penalty of 40 cows to the victim.
40 Assault Charges: A person who assaults another resulting in a broken tooth shall pay a penalty of 10 cows to the victim.
41 Rape Charges: A person who commits rape shall face an Oromo court. Shanee will hear the case and pass judgement for the crime.
42 Covet Neighbor’s House: A person who stays in another man’s house while his wife is in the house shall pay 2 cows. The person may also face a moral punishment.
43 Covet Neighbors Wife: A person who is caught with the wife of another man shall pay 2 cows. The person may also face a moral punishment.
44 Property Damage: A person who has broken the chair of another man must pay a penalty (cow payment).
45 Property Damage: A person who has broken the instrument of smoking of another person shall pay them one young female calf.
46 Pets and Livestock: A person who kills the cat and dog of a neighbor shall raise a cat and dog and provide for the neighbor to prevent future conflicts between neighbors.
47 Pets and Livestock: A person who kills the Ox of a neighbor shall pay through cattle with similar value to prevent future conflicts.
48 Inheritance The eldest son inherits the property of his father. The rule is to prevent inheritance from moving between households. Daughters join another family, and share ownership of that new family's holdings.
49 Inheritance Relatives of a man,who has no children and has prematurely passed can adopt a boy into the family to pass the inheritance to.The Oromo state does not take inheritance of families.
Way of Life
50 Free trade (commerce) is encouraged throughout the land. People can settle on land and create a homestead. Refugees are protected under the same laws..
51 Security of the market must be ensured.
52 All able individuals shall attend Gumii (Assembly) unless the man’s wife is giving birth, or during war.
53 Lubaa and Raabaa shall initiate conflict resolution mechanisms for future requirements even if their period of authority is nearing end. A wise Raabaa is better than a dormant Lubaa.
54 When a border dispute emerges between Gosa, one shall demarcate the border together with seven grown siblings.
“Sagleen salgan qoomo haa argaman” - Representatives of the nine Oromo Gosa shall be present.
55 When one Gosa seeks asylum, the hosting Gosa shall provide shelter. Asylum is provided based on the validity of the person seeking asylum.
56 During the Assembly, it is the Raabaa class that can advise and criticise those in dispute.
57 Civil Law: Carpenters and Tradesman (blacksmiths, craftsmen, potters etc..) who are not part of the Gosa are allowed to have some rights as members of the society (Citizen Green Card holders), and are encouraged to associate with the members of the Gosa.
58 Naturalization Process: A Tradesman that shows courage during a time of war shall have rights granted to the members of the Gosa after review process.
59 Naturalization Process:Elders of the Tradesman in collaboration with Saglee organize a ceremony to bring the courageous Tradesman into the Gosa.
60 Naturalization Process:The courageous Tradesman will go through a review process by the Lubaa. They will be required to be free of any crimes for a probation period of 2 years.
61 Citizenship Process:After successfully passing the probation period, the courageous Tradesman will have a naturalization ceremony to become a citizen of the Gosa.
62 National Defense: The leader (Mootii) shall conscript soldiers to protect the Presidential house and the borders of the territory from external aggression.
63 The Gosa shall protect the craftsmen who make the equipment for war and the materials for the horses from external threats.
64 Labor Laws: The Gosa shall protect the Artisans who produce axes, knives and other materials from internal factors (mistreatment, overworked).
65 The Buqqee shall not be planted near a home because the tree may grow alongside the house and result in decay
Source: Bokku, Dirribu Demissie. Oromo Wisdom in Black Civilization. April 2011, Finfinnee Printing & Publishing, Oromia
Seera Safuu, Dhoowwaa, Basaqqessaa, Goroo and Asaasaa
Seera Safuu
Is the “laws of God and laws of the universe.” It is the understanding and appreciation of differences to enable peaceful coexistence of natural things. Human rights and environmental protections are viewed collectively.
Safuu is laws of nature. Sin (Cubbuu) is against Safuu.
Seera Dhoowwaa
“The law of secrets”
Gadaa and Waaqeffannaa state that 50 / 100 laws are public. The rest are secret.
Only those that undergo 5 Gadaa cycles know the secrets.
Seera Basaqqessaa
Are the public laws or “laws of the land.” These are laws that the Oromo Nation live by and deals with matters that impact the people’s interactions amongst the Nation and with foreign nations.The laws are what traditional address crimes such as but not limited to theft,domestic abuse, assault, extortion,bribery and murder.
Seera Goroo
Are the laws that restrict power within a given territory. “The specific law that constrains the movement of GADAA councillors is known as seera Goro.” The law prevents GADAA leaders from extending administration over Oromo in another province.
Seera Asaasaa
Are the laws that are applied in secret. These laws can include serious and sensitive matters such as homicide within a family. In some context, one could say these matters are related to family law.
Source: Bokku, Dirribu Demissie. Oromo Wisdom in Black Civilization. April 2011, Finfinnee Printing & Publishing, Oromia
Accountability: The Role of Confession and Penalty
Subordination of Warriors to Deliberative Assemblies
Man Made Laws and The Great Law Makers
Daawwee Gobboo (1706)Government by Council and Assemblies - Seniority and Equality
Term of Office and Measurement of Time
Limitation of Office to a Single Term
A Period of Testing: Time Gap between Election and Investiture
Use of History as Precedent and Ethical Guide (Dhacch’i)
Hereditary and Elective Leadership
Principle of Staggered Succession
Principle of Alliance of Alternative Groups
The Problem of Discontinuity of Authority
Principle of Balanced Opposition
Distribution of Power across Generations
Separation of Powers: Functional and Spatial
Separation of the Ritual and Political Domain (Mura and Ebba)
A Film BY https://www.facebook.com/gammadoo/
Fiilmiin AMAANAA "kuni Yaadannoo baratoota Oromoo kana biyyaa keessati qabsoo bilisummaa Oromoo fuula duraa tarkaanfachiisuun mirga uummata Oromoo kabachiisuf lubbuu isaani darsaani keenanif Haa tahuu."
By Oromia Global Forum; August 12, 2020.
Oromia Global Forum is a global alliance of Oromo Civic, Professional, and Faith-Based Organizations and individual proponents of Human Rights, residing in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. Our mission is to enhance Oromo unity, discuss, analyze and deliberate on man-made and natural disasters as well as human rights abuses plaguing the Oromo nation, and design and deploy strategies and interventions to mitigate the plights of our people.
We, the members of Oromia Global Forum (OGF) condemn in the strongest possible term the brutal killings and atrocities committed against the people of Wolaita by the Ethiopian government security forces for peacefully demanding their right to form their own administrative regional state, a right that is enshrined in the constitution of the country.
Violence against the Wolita people began when they peacefully demanded the release of their political leaders, activists, and community leaders who were arrested while conducting a meeting to discuss about the status of their demand to establish the Wolaita regional state.
Any government’s minimum primary responsibility is to keep the peace and safety of its citizens and attend to their demands based on the laws and the constitution of the country. Unfortunately, this minimum standard has not been met by the regime in power in Ethiopia. PM Abiy’s Neo-Naftanya regime, as usual, responded with brutal armed suppression. So far, over 30 innocents and peaceful Wolaita citizens, including a pregnant woman and children, have been brutally murdered on the streets and corners, over 100 people have been injured and several have been jailed.
The Wolaita, like the Oromo, lived as free people before they were incorporated into the Abyssinian Empire after Minilik’s brutal conquest that was supported by foreigners in the 1880s. During this invasion, the people of Wolaita did not surrender easily. They heroically fought against the invaders by inflicting heavy casualties. They were finally conquered by the better armed forces of Abyssinian invasion.
The conquest meant the imposition of serfdom and slavery on the people of Wolaita, like the rest of the people of the South including the Oromo people. Since then, Wolaitas and Oromos were reduced to second class citizens in Ethiopia. The struggle to be free, to have justice, freedom and democracy began then and has been going on for about 150 years for Oromo, Wolaita, and other oppressed nations and nationalities in the Ethiopian Empire. The ongoing war in all parts of Ethiopia is the manifestation of the unresolved colonial subjugation.
The peoples of Ethiopia rejected the feudal serfdom and various forms of slavery and ended the monarchical rule in 1974 by deposing the then Emperor Haile Selassie. Unfortunately, the military junta that took power could not address the demands of the country’s nations and nationalities to determine their own fate and establish self-rules. The military rule turned out to be undemocratic and totalitarian.
In 1991, a coalition of liberation fronts, the OLF, TPLF and EPLF managed to take down the military junta and establish a transitional government. As a result, the then province of Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia declaring its independence. The OLF, though it was ousted from the transitional government in 1992, played a key role in establishing a new national federal system that had nine regional states, one of them being the regional state of Oromia. However, 56 nations and nationalities of the South were put in one cluster called the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP). The people of Wolaita, like all the rest of the people of the South, could not exercise their right to self-rule. It is important to note that the federal arrangement under the TPLF-EPRDF rule was symbolic and only served to benefit the ruling TPLF regime.
The Oromo people, the people of Wolaita and all the peoples of Ethiopia fought against the TPLF-EPRDF’s brutal repression for 27 years prior to 2018. The Oromo youth called Qeerroo and Qarree put up a fierce but peaceful resistance against this brutal regime and managed to dislodge it from power in April 2018. The Oromo people and the rest of Ethiopians trusted those who claimed to be reformists within the same TPLF-EPRDF regime to lead the transition to democracy. The current PM Abiy was then catapulted to the highest office of the land through the sacrifices of the Qeerroo and Qarree peaceful movement and other Ethiopians. That change came at a cost of about 5000 young lives and hundreds of thousands of injuries.
Unfortunately, Abiy and his partners turned out to be con artists who were in this just for their own personal power and dream. In fact, Abiy blatantly talked about his lifelong dream of being the 7th king of Ethiopia as his mother kept telling him since he was seven years old. PM Abiy, despite the euphoria he created around peaceful transitions to democracy during his early tenure, started to dial back the clock to take us back to the imperial rule of the 19th century. Praising the emperors and kings that committed genocide against the Oromo, Wolaita and other peoples of the South, he began erecting statues after statues for the much despised emperors of the past and promised to annul the current federal constitution and dismantle the existing Multi-national federal system of government. A few months after he came to power, he began reinstituting a unitary and assimilative system to facilitate the dominance of the Amharic language, culture, and identity under the disguise of “Medemer”. This meant that he was on a collision course with the majority of the country’s 80% to 90% of the population. In his dream to become the 7th king and to resurrect his so called ‘the old glorious Ethiopia’, which was a living hell for the marginalized nations and nationalities, he has found his best partners in Neo-Naftanyas. These are people who do not want to hear the demands of nations and nationalities for genuinely democratized self-rule and self-determination. They are against a multi-national federal system, and want to bring back the old unitary and assimilative system where the Amharic language, culture and identity is uniquely dominant and the Amhara remain the beneficiaries.
We, Oromos, fully sympathize with the people of Wolaita as we are also in fierce struggle against Abiy’s regime of terror. Since the June 29, 2020 assassination of our hero, Hacalluu Hundeessaa, the renowned musical genius and revolutionary, over 500 Oromos have been massacred by the government. Many political opponents, activists, Oromo nationalists and journalists have been thrown to jail in thousands and are still suffering in congested jails without due process. Since all the prisons are now full, the government has ironically turned schools into prisons. It has weaponized COVID 19 and is exposing its opponents to this viral infection. Blatant human rights abuse and atrocities including rape, torture, extrajudicial killings, and displacement are rampant in Oromia, the regional state of the Oromo people.
We, Oromos, are grateful to our Wolaita sisters and brothers for their recent expression of solidarity with our people before this brutal massacre and atrocity began taking its toll on them too.
Our fate is inextricably linked with the fate of the people of Wolaita and all marginalized nations and nationalities, we are together in this fight for justice, equality, freedom, and democracy.
Again, we, members of Oromia Global Forum, would like to reiterate our strongest condemnation of the brutal suppression, killings and atrocities committed against the people of Woliata and express our full support and solidarity in their quest to establish the Wolaita regional state and to assert their right to self-rule.
We would also like to use this opportunity to call up on all nations, nationalities and peoples to stand together in the face of government sanctioned brutality, against PM Abiy’s Neo-Naftanya regime. Because, he wants to take us back to the old days of imperial slavery by reinstituting the backward system, we have to stand together to assert our right to self-determination and self-rule as enshrined in the current constitution of the country.
Victory to the oppressed!
United, we shall overcome and win, divided we fall!
Oromia Global Forum
Signatories: