A two-day forum convened in Adama this week brought together community elders, elected officials, civil society representatives, and youth delegates to discuss pathways toward more inclusive regional governance in Oromia. The gathering, titled "Gadaa Principles in Modern Governance," drew more than 300 participants from all zones of the region.

Core Demands

Participants issued a joint communiqué calling on regional authorities to strengthen community consultation mechanisms, expand the role of Abbaa Gadaa councils in local dispute resolution, and ensure transparent reporting on regional development budgets. The communiqué also called for meaningful inclusion of women and youth in decision-making at all administrative levels.

"Gadaa is not a relic of the past — it is a living system of governance that upholds accountability and collective decision-making," said Lemma Hirpha, an elder from West Shewa who served as one of the forum's moderators. "We want to see its values reflected in how our region is administered today."

Development and Service Delivery

Several woreda-level delegates raised concerns about infrastructure deficits — particularly in rural health facilities, roads, and clean water access. Participants agreed that while macroeconomic growth indicators for Oromia have improved, gains have not been distributed evenly, with some pastoral communities in the south and east reporting declining access to basic services.

A working group was established to compile a community needs assessment across twelve zones, with findings to be presented to the regional council in the third quarter of 2026.

Youth Voice

Young delegates were among the most vocal participants, expressing frustration with unemployment and limited political representation. "We are 70% of the population but barely present in leadership structures," said Milkessa Wakjira, a 24-year-old student organiser from Jimma. "Inclusion is not charity — it is our right."

The forum agreed to establish a Regional Youth Advisory Council that would meet quarterly with elected officials and submit policy recommendations on education, employment, and civic participation.

Response from Authorities

A representative of the Oromia Regional President's office, who attended as an observer, acknowledged the forum's concerns and committed to a formal response within 90 days. "We welcome this kind of structured community engagement," the representative said. "Good governance requires listening, and we are listening."

Civil society observers noted that the commitment of a formal response within a set timeframe was itself a step forward. "Now we must hold them to it," said one observer.

Waltajjiin guyyaa lama Adaamaa keessatti qabame torban kana maanguddoota hawaasaa, abbootii aangoo filaman, bakka bu'oota hawaasa siviliif fi dargaggoo bakka bu'an walitti qabe. Waltajjiin "Heera Gadaa Bulchiinsa Ammayyaa Keessatti" jedhu maqaa qabatee adeeme, hirmaattoota 300 ol naannoo godinaalee hundaa irraa fide.

Gaaffiilee Bu'uraa

Hirmaattonni ibsa walitti dhiheeffame itti waamichaa dhiyeessan — abbootii aangoo naannoo caasaalee marii hawaasaa cimsuuf, gumii Abbaa Gadaa rakkoo naannoo furuuf gahee isaa gabbifsuuf fi gabaasa baajataa misoomaa sirriitti ibsuuf. Ibsi kun dubartootaa fi dargaggoota murtii sadaalee bulchiinsaa hundatti hammataa ta'uu isaanii gaafate.

"Gadaan seenaa durii miti — caasaa bulchiinsa jiraataa itti gaafatamummaa fi murtiiwwan waliinii kan eeguudha," jedha Lammaa Hirphaa, maanguddoo Shawaa Lixaa irraa kan waltajjichaa tooftoo kan tahe. "Gatii isaa mootummaan naannoo keenya har'a bulchutt ni argina barbaanna."

Misoomaa fi Tajaajila Kennuu

Bakka bu'ooti aanaalee muraasni hanqina misooma — keessumaa dhaabbata fayyaa baadiyyaa, daandii fi bishaan qulqulluu — kaasan. Hirmaattonni erga macroekonoomiikii Oromiyaa fooyyate illee, fayyadamummaan naannolee quxisu hawaasota tikaa fi bahaa muraasaa irratti gadi bu'uu isaa irratti waliigalan.

Sagalee Dargaggoota

Bakka bu'ooti dargaggoo hirmaattota daran sagalee qaban keessaa turan — hanqina hojii fi bakka bu'ummaa siyaasaa dhumaatii irratti komatan. "Dhibbantaa 70 uummata ti garuu durfannoo keessatti hir'ina guddaa qabna," jedha Milkessaa Wakjiiraa, dargaggoo barnootaa Jimmaa irraa. "Hammatamuu arjooma miti — mirga keenyaadha."

Waltajjiin Gumii Gorsa Dargaggoo Naannoo hundeessuuf waliigale — kan torbee sadii yeroon yaa'uu fi yaada qajeelfamaa irratti dhiyeessuu danda'u.

Deebii Mootummaa

Bakka bu'aan biiroo Pirezidaantii Naannoo Oromiyaa, kan ilaalumaaf hirmaate, yaada waltajjii beekeera, deebii sirrii guyyaa 90 keessatti kennuuf waadaa seeneera. "Hirmaannaa hawaasaa sirna qabeessa kana simanna," jedhe bakka bu'icha. "Bulchiinsi gaarii dhaggeeffachuu gaafata, dhageeffannaa jirra."