Power transfer from the 70th Aba Gada Guyo Goba to the new Aba Gada of Borena kuraa Jarso/Painting by local Artist 

The new Aba Geda kuraa Jarso 

The Oromo People has beed using traditional and spiritual system of governance called Aba Gada for ages. I had a chance to visit the power transfer between the 70th Aba Gada Guyo Goba to the new Aba Gada of Borena kuraa Jarso. This happens every 8 years using their own lunar calendar.  The election is democratic and peaceful and follows it own geda structure.  The system was registered under UNESCO  as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. I was a little ashamed how little I knew about the Aba Geda system, probably one of the oldest democracy in the world!  There are few books written on the Aba geda system. I am currently reading a book by asmerom Leggesse written on oromo Democracy 

Team of doctors who went to the Aba Gada celebration 

Dr.Lado one of my resident. Was given a scholarship by the Ethiopian government from south Sudan 

                                                                             
Adama Hospital Medical college graduated its 1st  medical students in Feb/2017. I was very happy to be part of this historical day. The College has also started  residency training  in different specialties. I have been rounding with medicine residents and medical students. I am hoping for continued research and teaching collaboration.    

Adama/also known as nazreth has elevation of 1712 meters and is located 99 km southeast of Addis Ababa.The city is part of the great rift valley. The population is estimated to be 220,000.

Going to graduation with Dr.Dagem on of the internist 

some of the graduating students 

Staff 

Oromo elders came to bless the graduation!

skype time..longing to hold them soon