Second Quarter Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Transitional Justice in Tigray.

The Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray, in partnership with GIZ, conducted the Second Quarter Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Transitional Justice in Tigray on April 29, 2026, at Desta Hotel in Mekelle.

The meeting brought together 52 participants, including representatives from CSOs, survivors, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), government institutions, and community leaders. The session ensured inclusive participation, with 10 women (20%) contributing to the discussions.

The primary focus of the meeting was the co-creation of a strategic vision, mission statements, and an actionable Roadmap to guide ACSOT member organizations in engaging effectively with Ethiopia’s national transitional justice process. Building on a consultant’s earlier draft, participants worked collaboratively—under the technical facilitation of the GIZ team led by Dawit Merhatsidik—to refine strategic directions, strengthen collective ownership, and ensure the Roadmap reflects both local realities and international standards.

Key Discussions

Participants engaged in interactive group discussions, presentations, and reflections to develop a Roadmap aligned with the proposed GIZ framework. The objective was to ensure that CSO engagement in the transitional justice process is strategic, coordinated, and inclusive.

Key Outcomes

Development of a shared vision for a healed and democratic Tigray, where IDPs return and constitutional order is restored
Clear definition of CSOs’ mission roles, including documentation, advocacy, reconciliation, and victim support
Strengthening of ACSOT’s coordination role as an alliance of civil society organizations
Recognition of community leaders’ role in promoting reconciliation across border areas
Establishment of shared ownership of the Roadmap, ensuring inclusivity and practicality
Enhanced collaboration among CSOs and stakeholders to influence national transitional justice implementation

Reflections and Learnings

The meeting highlighted a strong collective desire for peace and the prevention of renewed conflict. Stakeholder consultations enriched the Roadmap, fostering greater ownership and alignment with community needs.

Participants embraced a shared vision of justice grounded in established standards and emphasized the importance of building justice as a system in Tigray beyond transitional justice processes. The discussions demonstrated that strategic co-creation leads to more practical, grounded, and impactful outcomes compared to purely academic approaches.