Background/who we are
The Gebrehiwot Baykedagn Center for Strategic Studies (GBCSS) at Mekelle University is established to address critical gaps in research and academic discourse on the Horn of Africa, a region marked by its historical significance and contemporary geopolitical challenges. The center aims to explore pivotal issues such as state formation, resource utilization, and emerging conflicts like fundamentalism and terrorism, fostering an environment for open dialogue and robust analysis. Leveraging its geographic proximity to vital information sources, GBCSS focuses on research, training, advocacy, and consultancy to enhance knowledge on peace, development, and democracy. Named in honor of Gebrehiwot Baykedagn, a notable intellectual in Ethiopian history and political economy, the center seeks to honor his legacy while promoting its core activities: serving as an information hub, a training outlet, and a platform for public discourse.
Our Vision
To become a leading center of excellence in strategic studies recognized for producing valuable research and insights that contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Horn of Africa.
Our Mission
To serve as a resource hub for strategic studies that informs and influences peace, development, and democracy in the Horn of Africa. We achieve this through research, policy analysis, educational programs, and fostering open debate on key issues.
Our Philosophy
We believe that a deep understanding of historical, political, and economic contexts is key to addressing modern-day challenges in the Horn of Africa. Through research, education, and dialogue, we aim to foster peace, promote sustainable development, and enhance democracy in the region.
Our Values
At GBCSS, we are guided by values that reflect our commitment to academic excellence, transparency, and community engagement. These include:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and academic rigor in all our work.
- Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with institutions and scholars across the globe.
- Inclusiveness: Ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are included in our work.
- Innovation: Applying forward-thinking approaches to address strategic regional challenges.
What We Do
At the Gebrehiwot Baykedagn Center for Strategic Studies (GBCSS), we prioritize key strategic functions, including:
- Serving as a data repository for strategic issues related to peace, development, and democracy.
- Providing training, advocacy, and consultancy services for both government and non-governmental actors.
- Conducting high-level research on critical regional strategic themes.
- Organizing public debates, workshops, and conferences to foster dialogue.
- Offering educational programs and hosting postgraduate students to support academic growth
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to address the strategic needs of the region and are centered on peace, development, and governance/democracy.
Research
We conduct empirical and policy-oriented research on the intersections of peace, development, and democracy in the Horn of Africa. Our focus encompasses critical areas such as political economy, foreign policy, conflict and peace, federalism, multiculturalism, conflict dynamics, governance, and strategic resource management. Through cutting-edge research, we aim to inform policymakers, governments, and communities, equipping them with the tools and data needed to effectively address regional challenges.
Education
GBCSS offers educational programs focused on building capacity in Peace Studies, Development Studies, and Strategic Governance. Our courses are designed to equip students and professionals with the skills necessary to analyze and tackle regional challenges effectively.
Training
Capacity-building is central to our mission at GBCSS. We provide high-quality professional training programs for government and non-government actors, featuring workshops, seminars, and panel discussions on strategic themes. These initiatives aim to enhance expertise in peace, development, and democracy, fostering a skilled workforce equipped to address both regional and global challenges.
Community-driven Programs
In collaboration with local communities, we implement programs that promote dialogue and community-driven initiatives in peace, development, and democracy. These efforts are crucial for fostering local ownership of these processes, ensuring that solutions are relevant and sustainable.
Our Services
GBCSS provides a range of services including:
- Consultation: Offering expert advice on peace, security, development/political economy, democracy, and governance issues.
- Research and Policy Analysis: Producing in-depth research and analysis on regional strategic issues.
- Training and Capacity Building: Delivering specialized training programs for government and non-government actors.
- Networking: Creating platforms for dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
- Publications: Disseminating research findings, training materials, and policy papers to stakeholders through various media.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
GBCSS operates under the College of Law and Governance at Mekelle University and is led by a Director who oversees research, training, and educational programs. The center comprises a dedicated team of researchers, trainers, and administrative staff, all working collaboratively to fulfill its mission. Additionally, GBCSS engages with external experts, institutions, and policymakers to ensure the quality and relevance of its activities.
The Director
The Director of the center is appointed by the head from three nominees selected by the department council based on merit and good conduct, serving a two-year term with the possibility of reelection for one additional term. The Director is accountable to the head of the department and is responsible for day-to-day operations, which include implementing strategies approved by the Supervisory Committee, managing technical, financial, and administrative matters, preparing the operational plan, raising additional funding, communicating with internal and external institutions, submitting semi-annual reports, nominating staff, and utilizing university resources in consultation with the department head. The Director may be removed for incapacity, gross incompetence, breach of duties, repeated absence for over 180 days, or contract termination, and is subject to administrative liability for any breaches of duty.
Deputy Director
The Deputy Director is appointed by the head of the department upon nomination by the Director of the center and is accountable to the Director. The Deputy Director assists in implementing the center's responsibilities and serves as acting Director during the Director's absence or when the position is vacant.
The Supervisory Committee
The Supervisory Committee consists of three to five members selected by the department council, with the chairperson appointed by the head from among the committee members. The committee is responsible for monitoring the center's overall performance, which includes approving the center's plan, annual budget, and necessary personnel and experts. The term of office for committee members is two years, while the chairperson serves a three-year term.
Advisory Committee
The center includes an external Advisory Committee, consisting of up to three members approved by the department council upon nomination by the head of the department. Members of the Advisory Committee must be known for their integrity and honesty, and they cannot belong to any political party. The department council may establish detailed criteria for their nomination. The Advisory Committee is responsible for assisting the center in implementing its strategic plans by providing feedback on strategic and operational strategies, aiding in funding efforts, facilitating partnerships with external institutions that share similar goals, and serving as patrons of the center.
