Traditional Oromo leaders choose new head in Ethiopia

Traditional Oromo leaders in Ethiopia have transferred power in a colourful ceremony held in Me’ee Bokkoo, about 450km south of the country’s capital Addis Ababa.

Jiloo Maandhoo, who was the ethnic leader - or Abbaa Gadaa - for the past eight years, handed over the mantle to Jaarsoo Dhugoo who will be the 75th leader.

The power-sharing ceremony is taking place at a ritual site in Southern Ethiopia and lasts for a week. It was attended by thousands of people from different regions across the country.

An indigenous system of governance called Gadaa has been practiced by the Oromo people for centuries and is registered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

According to the lore of the Guji community this ancient socio-political governance system started in the 15th century and has been held since without interruption.

Mr Dhugoo will be in power for the next eight years.

The Oromo are Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Image: AMENSISA IFA/BBC