The Ethiopians celebrate the new president of Borana

Thousands of people gathered in southern Ethiopia in one of the largest cultural events in the country.

The Jada party, which lasted for a week, which ended on Sunday, sees the official transfer of the authority from a customary ruler to his successor – something that happens every eight years.

The tradition of appointment was exercised regularly on the new Abbaa Gadaa by the Borana community for several centuries – and they see them gathering at the Arda Gila Bladhasa site, near the Ethiopian town of Arro.

It is time to celebrate the special form of democracy as well as their cultural heritage, as each age group seizes the opportunity to wear their various traditional clothes.

These are displayed the day before the official delivery during a procession when married women walk with wooden spices, called “SiinQee”.

Rawwat has symbolic values ​​for protection for women, which they use during the conflict.

If a SiinQee stick is placed on the floor by a married woman between two quarrels, then this means that the conflict must immediately stop respecting.

During the procession, you lead the younger women in the foreground, and are distinguished by married women because of the color of their different clothes.

In this pastoral community, women are excluded from the upper force contract in Abbaa Gadaa, sitting in the Senate or starting the system as a child.

But their important role can be seen during the festival while building all accommodations for those who reside for this week – and prepare all food.

The unique GADA system, which was added to the UN Cultural Heritage List in 2016, allows to attend regular community meetings and express their opinions to Abba Gadaa.

GADA membership is only open to children who are fathers who are already members – Yong Yongon shaving their heads in the crown to clarify their rank.

The smallest circle, whenever the elderly.

As the global cultural paradise reports UNESCOOral historians teach young people in “history, laws, rituals, time account, cosmology, legends, behavior rules, and the function of the GADA system.”

Boys training begins at the age of eight.

Later, they will be evaluated on their capabilities as future leaders.

With their growth, long -distance hiking tests include barefoot, slaughtering livestock efficiently and showing kindness to his colleagues.

Young trainees are usually traditionally wearing Kauri shells. Other people who allowed them to wear are elderly women.

Both groups are recorded by members of the Borana community.

Men between the ages of 28 and 32 are recognized by the ostrich feathers they wear, and who are known as AFAAN Oromo as “BALLI”.

Their attendance at the GADA party is an opportunity to learn, prepare and association because it is already known to those who will take over from this age group of power in 2033.

The main event at the last GADA party was the delivery of power, from ABBAA GADAA, 48, to his younger successor.

The wells crossed the border from Kenya and others who traveled from the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, to see the scene. The governor of Marsabett Kenya was among the honored guests.

Guyo Boru Guyo, thirty -three -year -old, was chosen, who was seen here carrying a spear, to lead it because he impressed the Senate during adolescence.

The 72 ABBAA GADAA and will now supervise the Borana community across the border – in southern Ethiopia and northwest of Kenya.

As the best diplomat, he will also be responsible for resolving the dispute with their heads.

It often involves raiding livestock and conflicts around access to water in this region exposed to drought.

During the eight years he spent on his head, his successor will end training to take over in the continuation of this old tradition.

Additional reports by Natasha Bagma.