A Legacy of Cultural Stewardship and Resilience Leaves a Lasting Mark

By Daandii Ragabaa

(ONA, Finfinne, 29 August 2026) – The Oromo nation and the Borana community are mourning the loss of a respected cultural leader. Liban Jaldesa, who served as the 69th Abbaa Gadaa of the Borana from 2002 to 2009, has passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy of service to his community.

His tenure marked a significant period in the history of the Borana Oromo, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the Gadaa institution and promoting the laws, culture, and traditions of his people . The Gadaa system, which he represented, is a sophisticated and indigenous framework of governance recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It is a system that embeds a deeply egalitarian social fabric, where democratic power is transferred from one class to another every eight years .

The Weight of the Bullukoo: Leadership in a Time of Challenge

The role of an Abbaa Gadaa is one of profound responsibility. An Abbaa Gadaa is not merely a political figure but the custodian of the community’s soul, tradition, and future. The Gadaa system regulates social, political, economic, and religious life, and the leader is expected to be a competent orator, deeply skilled in the laws and customs of his people .

During his tenure, Liban Jaldesa was a steady hand during a period of immense challenge. The Borana, a predominantly pastoralist community inhabiting southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, faced acute pressures including changing weather patterns and rising resource scarcity .

As an elder and oral historian once noted about the Gadaa leadership: “The system strictly interrogates a candidate’s lineage and ancestral record. It examines whether the past Gadaa terms of your family brought prosperity, timely rains, abundance, sovereignty, and peace.” Liban Jaldesa carried this weight of expectation, navigating his community through the complexities of a changing world while striving to uphold the sacred principles of Gadaa.

A Living Democracy: The Gadaa Tradition

The Gadaa system he served is a testament to the Oromo people’s ancient commitment to democratic governance. It organizes society into age grades, with each grade moving through a life cycle—from Dabballee (childhood) to Gammee (youth), and ultimately to leadership roles like Kuusa and Gadaa .

To select the Abbaa Gadaa, an extensive evaluation and vetting process called the “Baannattoo” system is conducted, functioning as a traditional electoral campaign for public servants . The son of a previous Abbaa Gadaa would convene his peers for the Wal-argii (Grand Gathering) to build peer acquaintance and deliberate on traditional matters before a new leader could be invested .

As a leader during such a time, Liban Jaldesa’s role was central to this process of cultural transmission and societal continuity.

A Nation Mourns, a Legacy Endures

The passing of Liban Jaldesa is a profound loss. His leadership is described as an enduring part of Borana history and cultural heritage . His wisdom and service are expected to continue inspiring future generations.

His death marks the end of an era, but the principles of the Gadaa system—democracy, community, and resilience—that he represented continue to guide the struggle and shape the future of the Oromo people.

The Oromian News Agency joins the Borana Oromo community in expressing our deepest condolences. We honour his memory and the immense contribution he made to preserving the cultural identity of his people.

Waaqni Ekeraa isaa nagaan haa qubachiisu! May God rest his soul in eternal peace.