Gewata

Gewata (also sometimes transliterated as Geta) is a term used in Ethiopian Amharic to describe a period of political instability, lawlessness, and societal breakdown. It generally signifies a time when central authority is weak or absent, leading to increased violence, banditry, and a disruption of normal social order. The concept implies a loss of security for citizens and a breakdown of the rule of law. The specific characteristics and intensity of a "Gewata" can vary depending on the historical and geographical context, but the core meaning remains consistent. The term carries negative connotations, representing a period of hardship and danger. It's often invoked in discussions about political transitions or potential threats to national stability.