About us

The SIRAD Institute for Research and Development (SIRAD) is a leading civil society organization in Ethiopia dedicated to uniting communities to develop and implement sustainable livelihoods, evidence-based solutions for peace, social cohesion, Capacity building and empowering women and youth for inclusive development. In addition to its peacebuilding efforts, SIRAD also operates as a research consultant firm and policy advisory institute in Ethiopia and Horn of Africa.

Our Mission

We unite communities in developing sustainable livelihood solutions that promote peace, human rights, and social cohesion while serving as a leading research and policy advisory institute.

Our Vission

SIRAD envisions a region where innovative approaches to sustainable livelihoods and conflict resolution foster collaboration, unity, and lasting peace in an inclusive society.

Building Peace from the Ground Up

SIRAD bridges the gap between grassroots knowledge and policy-making. We don't just study conflict - we equip Ethiopians with the tools to solve it through:

Community-led peacebuilding initiatives
Cutting-edge conflict research
Policy frameworks adopted by governments
Capacity building for sustainable impact

Learn About Our Approach

Our current projects

Inter-Party Dialogue Under Irish Aid Funded Project

With support from Irish Aid, SIRAD is implementing an Inter-Party Dialogue Platform in the Somali Region to promote peaceful political engagement and inclusive governance. This initiative has successfully established a six-party political forum that fosters regular dialogue among registered political parties, including the ruling party. The platform has helped reduce tensions, promote understanding, and resolve conflicts through discussion. In partnership with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), the forum aligns with ongoing political and electoral reforms, enhancing its credibility and keeping parties informed of national developments.

Civic-Government Dialogue (Under Irish Aid Funded Project)

SIRAD is implementing a Civic-Government Dialogue initiative to strengthen ties between citizens and local government by creating an inclusive space for community engagement. These dialogues promote trust, accountability, and participatory decision-making by involving diverse groups such as women, youth, elders, and persons with disabilities. Citizens voice their concerns on issues like service delivery, security, and social cohesion, while government officials gain valuable insight for responsive policymaking. The initiative also incorporates traditional conflict resolution methods, helping to de-escalate tensions in areas with recurring communal disputes, such as Kebribeyah.

FCDOII: Peace by Piece II – Bridging Divides through Research and Dialogue for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia

SIRAD, with support from the FCDO through Conciliation Resources, is implementing the “Peace by Piece II” project in the conflict-affected border areas of Moyale, spanning the Somali and Oromia regions. Aimed at fostering peace and social cohesion between Somali and Oromo communities, the project addresses deep-rooted tensions driven by resource conflicts and political marginalization. Using a multi-track approach, it includes community-based conflict mapping, cross-community dialogue forums, and the formation of joint peace committees for conflict prevention and resolution. The initiative also engages policymakers and promotes narrative change through storytelling and youth-led cultural campaigns to counter hate speech and ethnic stereotypes.

Our Work

Driving inclusive peacebuilding, democratic governance, and community resilience across the Horn of Africa.

Comparative learning session between Somaliland and Ethiopia at border areas

Peacebuilding & Dialogue

Inclusive Peacebuilding & Cross-Border Dialogue — Horn of Africa

In partnership with Conciliation Resources (CR), SIRAD is implementing a Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Danish MoFA)-funded programme focused on inclusive peacebuilding and dialogue initiatives in the Horn of Africa. The project specifically targets four cross-border districts — two along the Somaliland border and two in South-West Somalia — with the aim of fostering peaceful coexistence, strengthening inter-community connectivity, and improving livelihoods among border communities.

Start: 1 Aug 2025 End: 31 Mar 2027

Partners Conciliation Resources & Danish MoFA

SIRAD Voter Educator delivering messages on voter registration

Democratic Governance

Strengthening Ethiopia's Elections for Democratic Sustainability — Somali Region

In partnership with UNDP, SIRAD is implementing the 'Strengthening Ethiopia's Elections for Democratic Sustainability' project in the Somali Region. The initiative promotes civic engagement, voter education, and inclusive democratic participation among communities in the region.

Start: March 2026 End: August 2026

Partner UNDP

Peacebuilding & Conflict Transformation

Election, Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement

Research, Surveys & Assessments

Policy Development & Advisory Services

Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening

Youth & Women Empowerment

Development and Humanitarian Programs

Dialogue Platforms

Our Trusted Partners

We collaborate with leading organizations to deliver impactful technology training programs.