Video Lesson

Lesson Objective

• explain an egalitarian democracy in Ethiopia among Sidama, Gedeo, Konso and Burji.?

Brainstorming Question

What is an egalitarian democracy?

Key Terms

1. Sidama Governance System

Overview:
Mote (King): The primary leader in Sidama society. The Mote has political and administrative authority but governs in consultation with the Songo, a council of elders.
Songo: A council that raises agendas, discusses issues, and submits decisions to the Mote for approval. There is no written constitution, but customary laws are deeply ingrained through generations.
Woma: The cultural and ritual leader of the Sidama. The Woma is a man of peace who handles cultural matters such as sacrifices, circumcision, and marriage rituals. The Woma cannot participate in warfare or cattle raiding.
Social Structure:
Clans: Sidama society is divided into two major clans, Bushe and Maldea, further divided into sub-clans.
Luwa System: An age-grade system with five generations—Fulasa, Wawasa, Darara, Hirbora, and Mogisa. This system plays a key role in initiation rites and maintaining social authority.
Elderhood: The transition to elderhood (cimessima) involves specific rites, including circumcision (berchima). Elders are expected to adhere to high moral standards (halale) and serve as repositories of tribal heritage.
Governance and Decision-Making:
Gerontocracy: Elders (murricha) play a dominant role in local governance, including village-level administration and ceremonies.
Songo Assemblies: The highest traditional authority, with decisions made by consensus. Gender and age restrict participation, with elders and men holding decision-making power.
Gare-Songo: The council of Motes who handle more localized issues, including disputes and penalties. This body also acts as a local court.

2. Gedeo Governance System

Overview:
Ballee System: The traditional governance structure of the Gedeo, based on age and similarities to the neighboring Gujji Oromo’s Gadaa system.
Yaa Council: The supreme authority among the Gedeo, consisting of representatives from the ruling age group. The Yaa elects all ballee officials, including the Abba Gadaa.
Administrative Units:
Roga: Territorial units administered by the Abba Gadaa, responsible for local governance.
Leadership: Abba Gadaa provides political, social, and ritual leadership, elected by the general council (Yaa).

3. Konso Governance System

Overview:
Non-Centralized Structure: Power is distributed among various individuals and groups rather than a single central authority.
Poqalla: A priest responsible for clan well-being and conflict mediation.
Tella: Members of the generation set involved in administration.
Village-Level Administration:
Hayyota Council: Governs each village, with membership rotating every eighteen years. The council handles local governance and social issues.
Clans and Generation Sets: The Konso are organized into nine exogamous clans and generation sets (Tselta) with fixed cycles, dictating age-related responsibilities.
Agriculture and Economy:
Intensive Farming: The Konso practice terracing and cultivation of crops like sorghum, millet, and shelgeda. Their agricultural practices are adapted to the region’s erratic rainfall.

4. Burji Governance System

Overview:
Basha System: An elective system where official titles are conferred through ceremonies, including the appointment of woma (leaders) and dayna (officials).
Woma: Two types of woma exist: hereditary spiritual woma (gan) and elective political woma. The former has roles related to rainmaking and conflict prevention, while the *latter is elected based on personal merit.
Succession and Appointment:
Hereditary Succession: The eldest son typically succeeds a deceased woma. The succession is marked by the removal and transfer of symbolic items like the wrist bracelet.
Election Criteria: The appointment of woma is based on support, wealth, oratory skills, and social criteria.
This structured overview highlights the governance systems of the Sidama, Gedeo, Konso, and Burji peoples, focusing on their traditional practices, social structures, and methods of leadership. Each group demonstrates unique aspects of egalitarian governance while maintaining cultural coherence and social organization.
Activity