BRIDGE Research & Innovation
Who are we?
Parliaments. Policy. Peace
BRIDGE – short for Bridge Research and Innovation for Democratic Governance and Enhanced Peace – is an independent, non-profit think tank based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BRIDGE is locally registered under the FDRE Civil Society Organization Proclamation No. 1113/2019.
Our work is centered on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting lasting peace in Ethiopia and the IGAD region through timely, policy-relevant research and fresh analytical approaches.
Guided by the belief that evidence-based ideas can shape stronger societies, BRIDGE works at the intersection of Parliaments, Policy, and Peace. We provide timely research and innovative analysis that inform decision-makers and drive meaningful governance reforms.
Our Team
Dr Mercy Fekadu Mulugeta
Board Chair of BRIDGE, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and is the Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Center of Excellence in Post-Conflict Societies hosted by IPSS.
Dr Kaleab Tadesse Sigatu
Director of BRIDGE, expert in defense and security, parliamentary affairs, and the IGAD subregional organization. Researcher, Assistant Professor, and policy analyst.
Leulseged Girma Hailu
Deputy Director, Experienced professional with a keen interest in peace and security, geopolitics, political economy, community development, parliamentary affairs, global and democratic governance, elections, human rights, and humanitarian affairs. He has held leadership, program management, and research roles within various national and international non-governmental organizations.
Azeb Nega Hailu
Accountant, BA Degree from Addis Ababa University.
Yanet Tezera Yadeta
Researcher, Lecturer at Ambo University, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies. She holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations and an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her academic and research focus includes conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and gender studies in the IGAD region.