The Objectives of BRIDGE Research

• BRIDGE Research works to strengthen the role and performance of legislative institutions across the Horn of Africa by conducting evidence-based research, offering capacity-building support, and closely monitoring parliamentary activities. We aim to increase transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the law-making process
• Conducting research, preparing analyses, disseminating reports, organizing training sessions, and providing actionable recommendations on peace, governance, and development issues with a focus on the Horn of Africa region;
• Conducting research, preparing analyses, and disseminating reports that support and enhance the activities of legislative institutions and standing committees of parliaments in the Horn of Africa region;
• Facilitating platforms where policymakers, law enforcement agencies, scholars, and citizens in the Horn of Africa region can come together to discuss and exchange ideas on peace, governance, and development issues;
• Work in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations that are engaged in peace, governance, and development endeavors of the Horn Africa region;
• Increase the participation and roles of women and other vulnerable groups in policy making and law enforcement across the Horn of Africa region, with a focus on addressing issues of peace, governance, and development.

Reasons for Establishing BRIDGE Research

BRIDGE Research focuses primarily on the activities of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the legislative institutions in the Horn of Africa region. There are three main reasons for establishing the organization:

1. The fact that there is no adequate number of institutions dedicated to conducting research on peace, governance, and development issues in the East Africa region has been a key driving force behind the establishment of BRIDGE Research. In connection with this, the establishment of BRIDGE Research was driven by the belief that it could play a pivotal role in providing policy recommendations to strengthen and assisting IGAD member states and the efforts of key institutions, such as IGAD, in advancing peace, governance, and development in the region.
2. In other parts of the world, parliamentary monitoring organizations are widely recognized for their vital role in raising public awareness about the activities and functions of parliaments and legislative bodies. In this context, BRIDGE Research aims to address the existing gaps within IGAD region by actively monitoring the activities of parliaments and their standing committees. Through these efforts, BRIDGE Research seeks to ensure that parliamentary activities receive proper attention and visibility among the electorate and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, it conducts in-depth, evidence-based research to serve as input for the members of parliament and its standing committees.
3. The IGAD region in the Horn of Africa region, there is not only a scarcity of research focusing on peace, governance, and development but also a significant lack of platforms that bring stakeholders together to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas on these critical issues. Hence, BRIDGE Research will actively work to close this gap by creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders involved in peace, governance, and development. These platforms will facilitate the exchange of ideas, foster meaningful deliberations. It will also organize training programs, workshops and discussion forums designed to build the capacity of organizations dedicated to promoting governance, peace, and development across the region.