Mesud Gebeyehu
Who am I?
I am a legal professional and passionate human rights advocate with over a decade of experience advancing civic space, democratic governance, and human rights in Ethiopia and the broader East and Horn of Africa region. I hold an LLB (2012) and an LLM in Public International Law (2017) from Addis Ababa University. From 2012 to 2023, I served as Lecturer in Law and Director of Legal Affairs at Samara University. I co-founded and led the Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO), a coalition of 32 local CSOs working to build capacity, advocate strategically, and expand civic space. Currently, I serve on the Executive Committee of the Ethiopian CSOs Council (ECSOC), representing over 5,300 CSOs, where I lead the National Issues and Government Relations Sub-Committee. I also sit on the boards of: Coalition of Ethiopian CSOs for Elections (CECOE) – with 1,700+ member CSOs focused on electoral integrity and Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) – the national regulatory body for CSOs (elected in 2024). Regionally, I am Vice Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa CSOs Coalition for Election (E-HORN). Globally, I contribute to the Global Protection Cluster (GPC) Advocacy Working Group. My expertise includes human rights-based approaches, peacebuilding, civic space protection, and advocacy strategy. I am also an experienced trainer, researcher, and policy influencer.
My Vision for CIVICUS and Civil Society
Around the world, civil society is under growing pressure—from shrinking civic space, authoritarianism, and dwindling resources. I believe in the power of civil society and grassroots movements to drive sustainable peace, democratic development, and social justice. To achieve this, we must engage constructively with governments, including those resistant to CSO participation. My experience in Ethiopia has shown that dialogue and strategic engagement can lead to real reform. CIVICUS has a critical role to play as a global platform that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and solidarity among civil society actors.
I envision a CIVICUS that strengthens grassroots voices, particularly from the Global South, promotes diversity and inclusion in leadership, facilitates learning and the exchange of successful civic engagement strategies and mobilizes resources for organizations working in restrictive environments.
If elected, I will support CIVICUS’s mission through outreach, advocacy, and strategic resource mobilization. I am committed to contributing to board planning, engaging actively with networks like AGNA, and amplifying CIVICUS’s work globally.
A Personal Reflection
I strongly believe in inclusive decision-making: “About me, without me, is nothing for me.” Empowering grassroots voices means not only inviting them into the room but making them part of the process. Every voice matters—and I strive to ensure that all voices, especially those marginalized, are heard and valued.
I take pride in my public speaking, listening, and negotiation skills. While my background is in law and the social sciences, I acknowledge a gap in my tech and AI skills—an area I’m eager to improve.
Failure has taught me resilience and creativity. As Nelson Mandela once said: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
The fight for civic freedom is far from over. It requires our persistence and solidarity.
Aluta continua!
Mesud G. Reta
