Unity and Revival: The Rise of the Heero Council
Historic Gathering at Odaa Roobaa: The Heero Council Ascends, Uniting the Five Branches of Arsii
In a landmark ceremony resonating with deep historical significance, the 20 Dhaddachas (Gadaa class leaders) of the Arsii Sikkoo Mandoo generation gathered under the sacred Odaa Roobaa sycamore. From this assembly, the most senior and pivotal leader, the Dhaddacha Heeroo, has formally risen, marking a decisive moment in the restoration and unity of the Arsii Gadaa system.
The ascension of the Dhaddacha Heeroo is the culmination of a major decree passed during the recent Dhaddacha Guutaa (Grand Assembly). This decree, rooted in a call made by the Abbaa Gadaa of all Arsii, Aliyyii Muhaammad-Suruur, mandated the reconstitution of this supreme council. Its purpose is to reunite the five historic branches (Baalli) of the Arsii nation—Birmajii, Bultuma, Bahara, Horata, and Roobalee—whose people are spread across the lands of Baale, Diida’a, Gadab, Albaso, Laangannoo, and Dambal.
A Unifying Vision for a Dispersed People
Abbaa Gadaa Aliyyii Muhaammad-Suruur, during his term of office, has spearheaded efforts to bring the dispersed children of Sikkoo Mandoo back to their rightful place within the Gadaa structure. Strengthening this mission, the recent decrees are a high-level strategy designed to foster unity among the five branches. The plan specifically allocates a dedicated week for the branches to meet, allowing communities separated by distance to see each other, share ideas, and discuss their collective concerns.
A Community’s Determined Effort
The successful execution of this profound ceremony is credited to the exceptional effort and organization of the broader community, particularly the people of Baalee Bahaa and the residents of the historic Laga Hidhaa district. Their deep commitment to the success of this Gadaa event underscores the living, community-driven nature of the institution.
This gathering at Odaa Roobaa transcends ritual. It is a powerful act of political and cultural revitalization, signaling the Arsii Sikkoo Mandoo’s intent to reclaim the cohesion and governance envisioned by their forefathers. As the Heero council takes its place, it reaffirms the core Gadaa principle: “Gadaan ta misaaf mirgaati” — “Gadaa is both a duty and a right.”
The rise of the Heero is not just a return to formality; it is the reassembly of a people’s parliament under their sacred tree, ready to guide their future through the ancient, yet ever-relevant, laws of balance, justice, and collective responsibility.
Community Mourns Visionary Mentor Guy Moon
NEWS RELEASE: A Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Visionary Mentor Guy Moon
It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of the tragic passing of Guy Moon, a beloved patriarch, husband, father, and a visionary figure in media and faith communities. Mr. Moon was killed in a traffic collision on Thursday morning.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their deep grief and the profound impact of their loss: “We are overcome with grief to announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Guy Moon… We feel singularly blessed to have been able to call him dad and husband.” Acknowledging the immense pain, they drew strength from his own legacy, stating they are “emboldened to grieve him with honor and courage with the tools that he equipped us with in his beautiful life.”
The family tentatively plans to celebrate his life on his birthday, February 7th, in the Los Angeles area, with a later gathering in his hometown in Wisconsin. Details will be shared as they become available.
A Legacy of Faith and Mentorship
News of his passing has sent waves of grief through a wide network of friends, colleagues, and those he served. Dhaba Wayessa, a close friend and brother in Christ, shared a moving tribute highlighting Guy Moon’s remarkable spirit.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my brother in Christ, Guy Moon… Guy was a man of vision, faith, and generous courage,” Wayessa stated.
He specifically recalled Moon’s transformative initiative in 2011, when he coordinated the LA Media Mission Team and traveled to Ethiopia. There, in collaboration with Sandscribe Communications and Mekane Yesus Seminary, he dedicated himself to serving and mentoring young media students.
“His commitment to equipping others, especially emerging storytellers, left a lasting imprint that continues to bear fruit,” Wayessa added. “His life reflected Christ’s love through action, creativity, and service.”
This mission stands as a testament to Moon’s belief in empowering the next generation, extending his influence far beyond his immediate circle and leaving a global legacy of inspiration and practical skill.
A Call for Prayer and Comfort
As the Moon family and all who knew him navigate this sudden and painful loss, the community is called to surround them with support. Wayessa’s prayer echoes the sentiment of many: “May the Lord surround His family and friends with His peace and comfort, and may the hope of the resurrection sustain all in this time of deep sorrow.”
Guy Moon’s unmistakable legacy of familial love, creative mentorship, and faithful service will be profoundly missed. His memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him and the many young professionals he helped to shape.
The family respectfully requests privacy as they mourn and make arrangements.
Together we remain,
The Moon Family & A Grieving Community
Irreechaa: For Peace and Reconciliation
By Girma Mirgisa Reba
Ethiopia is endowed with beautiful diversity and richness of cultures, which are celebrated at different times in the country. In particular, September is a month of festivals, holidays and celebrations around the country, among which, are Meskel festival and Irreechaa festival, thanksgiving of the Oromo people.
It also represents the start of Ethiopian New Year , symbolizing a stimulating time of change, thanksgiving and renewal, with the celebration of a series of cultural and religious festivals throughout the month. It is also a season when the landscape is dressed with the golden color of Ethiopian daisies, locally known as Adey Abeba flower.
Ethiopian New Year signifies a time of renewal, as the rainy season subsides leaving behind lush fields blooming with yellow daisies which adorns homes of many Ethiopians throughout September, and representing the spirit of peace, hope, harmony and love which come along the New Year.
Meskel, a UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural heritage, is also celebrated by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians on Meskerem 27 and commemoration of the unearthing of the True Cross of Jesus. The Yo Yo Gifata of the Wolaita, Yo Masqalaa of the Gamo, Ya Hode of the Hadiya, Meskel of the Gurage, Hashu Masqala of the Kembata Tembaro, Gofa Gaze Masqalaa, and Mashqare-Kaficho, among others, adorn the month of September in southern part of the country by festivities and joy. It is also a time of attracting more tourists.
Similarly, the week-long Irreechaa cultural festival is observed by the Oromo people at the beginning of spring as a time of peace, reconciliation, unity and thanksgiving and forgiveness. Irreechaa is ‘Thanksgiving Day’ for the Oromo people after the end of the rainy season. It is celebrated for all things that Waqaa ‘God’ has done for people like bringing rain, peace, health, fertility, abundance, and for the beautiful weather they have cherished. In the course of Irreechaa festivals, thanks will be given for the achievements of last year and chanting for the hope and productivity of the future.
The Oromo people consider the winter; rainy season that lasts from June to September as the time of difficulty because the rainy season causes much muddy and the surroundings covered with heavy cloud. The heavy rains are also accompanied by thunder and cold weather. The weather conditions make life inconvenient for human movements. The heavy rains may cause rivers to over floods and family relationships to fall into difficulty. Therefore, the Irreechaa festival is all about rekindling about family connections, hope and joy. Friends and relatives who missed each other and the beautiful nature for a long time due to the rainy seasons long for getting together for the blessings and festival of Irreechaa by the Oromo people. It is also a season where sowed crops will blossom, get ripe and bear fruits.
Irreechaa is celebrated in different localities across Oromia and worldwide where Oromos are living. In particular, the Irreechaa festivity which is taking place at Hora Finfinne and Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu town, is a unique thanksgiving festival which brings together millions of people from all corners of Oromia and the country.
Irreechaa is a time for the Oromo people to celebrate their culture and traditions. People during the festival wear colorful traditional attires as well as sing and dance. It is one of the best festivities of Ethiopia where cultural singing and dancing are common. This grand festival attracts a large number of the Oromo people and people from all parts of the country regardless of age, religion, political affiliations and sex to come together and celebrate the festival with extraordinary love, chanting and unity. It is a time to honor nature and give thanks for the blessings of brotherhood.
The concept of peace and reconciliation are an important and integral part of the daily activities of the Oromo people. The Oromo preach peace and reconciliation and offer blessings during thanksgiving ceremonies of Irreechaa. The worldview of the Oromo is to forge unity, peace and social relations with other people. Peace is achieved when mankind is at peace with God, nature and all creations. According to the sayings of the Oromo“Peace is a gift from God; and peace is better than wealth.” This shows how much the Oromo people value peace.
The Oromo people love and respect their Creator, take care of nature, have a good relationship with God, and take the view that a person who does not have a good relationship with God will not have peace with man and other creatures either.
So, Irreechaa celebration is a manifestation where the whole walks of life practice chanting about peace and reconciliation. And all who participate in the chanting pray for the peace of the Earth, the country, children, elders, wish best for the present life and next generation as well as for livestock and all living things. Thanksgiving Day is where the Oromo people proclaim peace and reconciliation to all without revenge but with pure heart.
Forgiveness is central to the Ireechaa festival. Ireechaa is believed to be of great importance to those people who are able to give forgiveness for their intentional or unintentional grievances with other people.
The day of the festival is believed to be a day of peace, happiness, reconciliation, forgiveness and prosperity. Accordingly, before anyone celebrates Irreechaa, be they individuals or groups, resolving conflicts between them, reconciling, forgiving each other, establishing peace and reconciling with God are the preconditions to be observed. That is why the saying of the Oromo has it: “Yoo namni walitti araarame, Waaqnis namaaf araarama” which means “If a man is reconciled to a man, God is reconciled to man.”
In Irreechaa celebration where Oromo people celebrated this grand festival along with other nations and nationalities of this country. Since recently, not only Oromo people, but also different nations and nationalities in the country are celebrating the event together with their Oromo brothers and sisters. This in turn has been consolidating linkage among the nations and nationalities thereby strengthening the love, unity and harmony among Ethiopians. Such a festival serves as a significant forum to further exchange cultural values among the Ethiopian nations and nationalities.
Since the Gada System has been registered as one of the Intangible International Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Irreechaa festival is also embraced by the international community at large as part and parcel of an ancient tradition of the Gada system. So, a lot is required from all stakeholders to promote this festival and exploit its tourism potential. It is also important to promote the significance of this grand festival at international level and get registered by UNESCO. The festival should also be celebrated in accordance with its values and assets and pass on to the next generation.
Oromedia 