The International Association of Centers for Federal Studies (IACFS)
- representing 32 independent research centers, from 18 countries on five continents, dedicated to the study of federalism as a mechanism to, among other things, accommodate diversity and settle conflicts;
- counts the Centre for Federal and Governance Studies (CvFGS) at Addis Ababa as one of its members, dedicated to the study of federalism
- expresses deep concern with the current political situation in Ethiopia;
- is deeply concerned that Prof Assefa Fiseha, a staff member and former director of the CvFGS, has been detained in Addis Ababa;
- rejects violence and advocates for dialogue;
- confirms that Prof Assefa is a scholar of federalism, respected and admired by his peers and students for his thoughtful viewpoints and evidence-based research;
- notes that he is a true intellectual and thought leader on federalism in the Horn of Africa, who can play a very meaningful role in healing the divisions in Ethiopia;
- reminds all parties that federalism aims to accommodate diversity through negotiation and agreement in order to prevent, manage and solve conflicts.
Adopted by the Board of Directors on 19 November 2021.
