The forum was attended by higher officials and staff of Haramaya University, staff from Bate School; guests from East Hararghe Zone Tourism Bureau and Harari Region Culture, Heritage and Tourism Bureau; and prominent elders from the surrounding community.
According to Dr. Reta Duguma, Director of the Institute of Gada Studies and the organizer of the forum, Haramaya University is working in close collaboration with the surrounding community. As one part of the university, the institute of Geda studies works with the community in studying Gada Laws and their contributions to peace, justice, and environmental protection; family relations; intra-and-inter-clan relations; Guma and Diya; justice delivery system; environment and wildlife protection.
Moreover, concepts and trends were presented by Abba Gadas and knowledgeable elders of the Afran Qallo, Ituu, and Humbanna (Anniya) who have accumulated knowledge on Gada laws with regard to political, economic, social, environmental and other matters that affect the Oromo society, and their contributions to peace, justice, and environmental protection and discussion by the participants.
Prof. Jeylan Wolyie, vice president for administration and students’ affairs at Haramaya University, stated that the institute’s research works have a significant role to play in reviving and utilizing the history of the Geda system with the effort of Oromo scholars. To do this, it must research the community’s culture and way of life.
Prof. Jeylan promised that the university will support scholars, elders, and religious leaders to play their part in promoting peace and development by identifying the common values like those in the Geda system that bring people closer to one another.
Ahmedin Muktar Abdullahi, Abba Hawas in Afran Kalo Abagada, explained to the participants that equality and environmental protection are important in the Geda system, adding that the Geda system treats all human beings and creatures equally.
Shamil Ahmed, Itu Abba Geda, said that the Geda system is a source of peace, and peace is the greatest wealth that can be used by all human beings.
The participants remarked that such forums are crucial and Haramaya University Geda Research Institute should concentrate on such discussion.
By: Shemsedin Mohammed
Camera: Fuad Ahmed
Haramay University Public & International Relations Directorate