Regional Peacebuilding Workshop – Mekelle, September 25, 2025

On September 25, 2025, the Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ACSOT) organized a Regional Peacebuilding Workshop at Planet Hotel, Mekelle, bringing together 145 participants — 23% of them women — from across Tigrayan society. Participants included representatives of government institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, internally displaced communities, ex-combatants, survivors of conflict, academia, religious institutions, media, and other community sectors.

The workshop was designed to ensure broad and inclusive representation. Participants reflected the diversity of the region, while presenters were chosen for their subject-matter expertise and impartiality. Logistical preparations, including venue setup, moderation, and facilitation, were completed in advance, enabling the event to run smoothly.

The opening session emphasized the urgency of addressing political polarization and fostering unity as a foundation for sustainable peace. Presentations explored key peacebuilding principles — justice, community-driven solutions, inclusive participation (especially of women and marginalized groups), collaborative partnerships, and victim-centered approaches. Discussions also examined the root causes of political fragmentation in Tigray, including weakened institutions, diminished social cohesion, politicization of IDP return, and divisive media narratives.

Key discussion points included:

• Governance and Political Identity: Participants raised the need for clear boundaries in peace negotiations and for addressing systemic inequalities affecting marginalized communities.
• Justice and Accountability: Calls were made for inclusive justice mechanisms that recognize victims’ experiences and ensure their meaningful participation in reconciliation.
• Displacement and Humanitarian Needs: Displaced individuals emphasized the urgency of safe, dignified return and warned against politicizing humanitarian concerns.
• Security and Reconciliation: Several participants urged that regional security institutions serve the public interest and unite around reconciliation and IDP reintegration.
• Institutional Trust and Peacebuilding: Civil society representatives stressed trust-building, depoliticized approaches, and community-first strategies over power-driven agendas.

The workshop reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and inclusive engagement while warning against divisive rhetoric that could endanger fragile recovery efforts. It concluded with a collective call for reconciliation, open dialogue, and urgent attention to humanitarian needs, particularly those of displaced populations.

This event marked another meaningful contribution by ACSOT to the region’s ongoing peacebuilding and unity efforts, highlighting the power of inclusive, community-driven recovery in Tigray.

Photo’s of the day