On January 11, 2025, the Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ACSOT) convened an inception workshop at Mekelle’s Desta Hotel. The gathering aimed to amplify advocacy efforts for the full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) and to ensure Tigray’s meaningful participation in national political processes.

The workshop commenced with an opening speech by Berihu Gebremedhin, the provisional CEO and program manager of ACSOT. Mr. Berihu emphasized the critical role that strong civil society organizations (CSOs) play in achieving peace and democratic governance. He stated, “It is impossible to achieve peace and democratic governance without building strong CSOs that advocate for the rights of civilians and accountability of government.” His remarks set the tone for a collaborative effort aimed at fostering a more resilient civil society in Tigray.

Welday Abrha, the project coordinator, elaborated on the initiative’s objectives, which include capacity-building training for civil society groups to deepen their understanding of COHA and the national political process. Key activities planned include conducting public opinion surveys on COHA implementation, synthesizing insights for regional and national stakeholders, and airing radio advocacy programs to raise awareness about the findings.

The workshop also served as a platform for stakeholders-including government officials, political party representatives, religious leaders, minority group representatives from Irob and Kunama, internally displaced persons (IDPs), elders, disabled persons, and other CSOs focused on peace building and democratic governance-to engage in meaningful dialogue.

A significant portion of the discussions revolved around the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, the return of IDPs, and the maintenance of Tigray’s territorial integrity. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that these elements are crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region.Transitional justice emerged as another critical topic during the discussions. Many stakeholders raised concerns about the inclusivity of current transitional justice policies, arguing that they may not adequately address the needs of Tigrayans affected by the conflict. There were calls for a more robust international judicial process to hold accountable the multiple actors involved in Tigray’s human rights violations, suggesting that national mechanisms alone would not suffice to deliver justice.

The inception workshop marked a significant step forward for ACSOT and its member organizations as they seek to empower civil society in Tigray. By enhancing civic engagement and advocating for democratic governance, ACSOT aims to create a more just and peaceful future for all Tigrayans. The commitment displayed by various stakeholders at the workshop underscores a collective desire to rebuild and heal a region scarred by conflict while ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and respected in the ongoing journey toward peace.