O-Dispatch 24-A - A Vision for the Oromo Nation: A Democratic Republic Inspired by Gadaa

(Published as part of the “Oromia Rising: Essays on Freedom and the Future” series. Everyone is invited to contribute. Send your contributions to bantii.qixxeessaa@gmail.com.)

By Bantii Qixxeessaa

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	Introduction: Not Just Free—But Self-Governing Oromia’s quest for independence is not merely a rejection of Ethiopian imperial rule. It is a call to build a new kind of state—one that is just, inclusive, accountable, and rooted in Oromo values. At the heart of that vision lies a fundamental question: how will we govern ourselves after we are free?

Independence is not the end of our struggle—it is the beginning. It marks the birth of a democratic republic, a self-governing Oromo nation shaped by its people and inspired by its heritage. That republic must draw from both the profound legacy of the Gadaa system and the hard-won lessons of modern constitutional democracy.

This first installment in the series A Vision for the Oromo Nation is intended to serve as a foundation for scholars and legal experts to explore pathways for building a democratic and accountable government in Oromia—one that genuinely serves all its people.

I. From Imperial Rule to Democratic Renewal

For over a century, the Ethiopian empire has denied the Oromo people political representation, autonomy, and voice. From Haile Selassie’s monarchy to the Derg’s military dictatorship, from the TPLF’s federalism to Abiy Ahmed’s centralized “prosperity,” each regime has wielded state power not to serve but to dominate the Oromo nation.

Elections were orchestrated. Laws were imposed from above. Security forces enforced authority instead of protecting public safety. For Oromos, political participation was conditional, symbolic—or punished with violence.

This legacy must end.

Independence offers us a historic opportunity to build a radically different model of governance—one rooted in popular sovereignty, public participation, and meaningful accountability.

II. Founding Principles: What Kind of State Are We Building?

A democratic Oromia must be grounded in clear foundational principles. These principles should be enshrined in the preamble of both the interim and permanent constitutions:

• Popular Sovereignty: Power resides with the people—not with political parties, dynasties, or armies.
• Gadaa Values: Leadership is a duty, not a privilege. Governance must be rotational, time-bound, and answerable to the people.
• Secularism and Pluralism: The state must serve all citizens, irrespective of religion, region, or other differences.
• Rule of Law: No one is above the law—not the president (Abbaa Gadaa), not the parliament (Caffee), not the security forces.
• Decentralization: Authority must flow from communities upward—not from the capital downward.

These values must shape the design of Oromia’s institutions and the culture of its governance.

III. Core Institutions of Democratic Governance

1. A Gadaa-Inspired Presidency and Leadership Rotation

Oromia’s head of state should serve a fixed, non-renewable term—mirroring Gadaa’s rejection of lifetime rule. Leadership rotation should be institutionalized, reflecting geographic and clan diversity to ensure inclusive representation.

2. Parliamentary Oversight and Legislative Power

A bicameral legislature—one chamber representing regional populations, the other based on Gadaa constituencies—can balance modern democratic logic with indigenous governance traditions. Lawmaking must be transparent, participatory, and subject to constitutional review.

3. Local Governance First

Local governments must control key areas such as budgeting, education, land use, and security—within national standards. Elders, women’s associations, and youth councils should have structured advisory roles to influence local decision-making.

4. An Independent Judiciary

Judges must be appointed through a non-partisan, merit-based process. Courts should have full authority to strike down unconstitutional laws, protect civil rights, and resolve disputes free from political interference.

5. Anti-Corruption and Ethics Commission

A constitutionally protected, independent body with investigative and prosecutorial powers is vital to prevent corruption, clientelism, and elite capture.

IV. Checks, Balances, and Accountability Mechanisms

To prevent authoritarian backsliding and ensure governance remains rooted in public service, Oromia must institutionalize the following:

• Strict term limits for all elected officials
• Public audits and open budgeting processes
• Legal protections for independent media
• Robust freedom of information laws
• Civic education integrated into schools and public broadcasting
• Mandatory public forums (Biyya Kessaa) where elected officials report back to their communities, similar to Gadaa’s Caffee gatherings

V. Representation for All: Women, Youth, and Minorities

No democracy can thrive if large segments of society are excluded.

• Women must be guaranteed at least 40% representation across all elected and appointed positions.
• Youth must have access to meaningful platforms—such as student unions, youth parliaments, and digital forums—to shape policy.
• Non-Oromo minorities must have protected representation and cultural rights at both local and national levels.

VI. Global Lessons and African Inspiration

Oromia can learn from other post-liberation states:

• Ghana demonstrated how a strong judiciary and free press can anchor a young democracy.
• Rwanda integrated traditional justice mechanisms (Gacaca) into national reconciliation and institutional rebuilding.
• Botswana blended local chieftaincies and community-based land boards into a modern democratic framework.

The key takeaway: freedom alone is not enough. Only values-based, organized governance can safeguard it.

Conclusion: From Gadaa to the Future

Gadaa was never simply tradition—it was a sophisticated model of democratic leadership long before modern nation-states emerged. Its core values—accountability, rotation, consensus, service—are deeply relevant today.

Oromia has the opportunity to become a model for Africa and the world: a republic that rises from historical injustice not with vengeance, but with vision.

We will not rebuild our future on the ruins of empire, but on the foundation of justice.
We will not be ruled again.
We will govern—wisely, collectively, and in our own name.

Let this be the promise of Oromia’s democratic republic.