Regional Reports - the European External Action Service

� A regional network that brings together a fairly diverse typologies of NSA has been
established and legalized (at regional level) in the last quarter of 2007, and is currently
operational. The lead initiative of forming the network (Association of Civil Society
Organizations in Tigray- ACSOT) was taken by REST, TWA and major FBOs in the
region (EOC, ECC, EECMY and ISCT). In addition to the above, a mix of NSA comprising:
MBAs, PAs, Association of PLWHA, PWDs and Elders, Unions of Iddirs, and regional
NGOs are affiliated as founding members 9 .
� Before embarking upon founding the network, the initiators commissioned a survey (using
appreciative enquiry technique) on the overall aspects of civil society in Tigray. Through the
survey process, a collective appreciation on shared-identity and the importance of
contributions being made emerged, and this in turn led to the idea of forming a network.
� The Network has two major objectives: facilitating interactions/dialogue between CSOs and
the regional government, and strengthening efforts of members. On the part of the
government, a dedicated senior advisor to the regional president on popular and civil society
participation is already in place, and has been closely working with ACSOT. Regarding the
capacity strengthening role, it has organized some forums for sharing information and
learning.
� For the stronger regional NSA, like REST and TDA, ACSOT is seen as a means for
broadening the base and make-up of the regional NSA landscape. According to the leadership
of REST, emergence of other strong organizations taking charge of local actions is needed so
that the direct participation demands on REST are reduced.
.. with the support to the ACSOT formation process, REST is communicating to others that it
doesn't want to remain the only dominant and 'big' NSA in the region. We also want to
delegate some of the tasks to others, and this is best facilitated if we have strong regional
network. Ato Yemane Solomon, REST
� In addition to ACSOT, there are other networking initiatives of NSA in the region. The
PANE regional chapter for Tigray is one such example. With REST and TYA as lead
promoters, the Chapter is engaged in coordination of group initiatives revolving around
PASDEP and MDG introduction and monitoring. The Mekele Child Centred Forum is a
registered regional network promoted by the Labour and Social Affairs Bureau. It has 10
member NSAs, and during the field survey the forum was observed to be inactive due to
transfer of the lead facilitator.
� It is learned that CRDA has also a plan of establishing a regional Liaison Office in Tigray.
From experiences in other regions, facilitating interactions between members, on one hand,
and between members and the regional government is the major functions of the Liaison
Offices. Then, it is important that the Liaison Office is established to build-on and contribute
to the effectiveness of the regional process of networking and interactions amongst NSA and
with other major actors.
6. Dialogue and Cooperation between NSA and Government
The following are indicators of the levels and nature of dialogue and cooperation between NSA
and the regional government:
� the simplification of registration of regional NDA through the Notary office of the Justice
Bureau,
9 27 NSA are founding members of the ACSOT
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