Rift Valley Institute

07/08/2026

PODCAST | EWNET EPISODE 8

What shapes a researcher’s journey? And how do personal experiences influence the questions we ask?

In Episode 8 of the EWNET Podcast, network members Konjit Hailu (PhD) and Elshaday Hagos reflect on their educational backgrounds, career paths and research interests — from women entrepreneurs and work-life balance in Ethiopia to the role of technology in peace and conflict.

They also discuss the challenges of conducting research, lessons learned and the value of EWNET in building a supportive research community and strengthening collaboration across Ethiopia.

Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/EWNETPodep8

06/08/2026

What do citizens think about elections, legitimacy and governance during the country’s political transition?

'Navigating Political Transition: Citizens’ Views on Elections, Legitimacy, and Governance in Somalia' is a study by Somali Public Agenda (SPA), developed with RVI’s Somali Dialogue Platform.

Drawing on a public opinion poll of 928 respondents across and five Federal Member State capitals, it examines citizens’ democratic priorities, trust in political and electoral institutions and the issues they want political leaders to communicate about more openly.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/5n889jbm

13/07/2026

EVENT REPORT | SHECONF 2026: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Researchers, practitioners and academics gathered in Addis Ababa for the first SHECONF, convened by EWNET, to examine gender, power and knowledge production in Ethiopia.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ykajeak2

06/07/2026

RVI Executive Director Mark Bradbury and Nauja Kleist have co-authored the introduction to a forthcoming special issue of Africa Spectrum on Giving in Somali Diaspora Humanitarianism.

The special issue brings together research from the Diaspora Humanitarianism in Complex Crises (D-HUM) project. It explores how Somali diaspora communities mobilise care, solidarity and support during crises across Africa, and examines the role of diaspora-led humanitarian action within wider aid systems.

The introduction frames the contributions of six articles and is now available online ahead of the full special issue.

Read the introduction: tinyurl.com/yrxywhcd
Learn more about D-HUM: diis.dk/en/projects/diaspora-humanitarianism-in-complex-crises-d-hum

DIIS - Dansk Institut for Internationale Studier, Rift Valley Institute

06/07/2026

Learn what's happening across the Rift Valley Institute in our July Newsletter.

Explore the latest research, insights, stories and updates from across the RVI's programmes and work.

Read it here: https://tinyurl.com/RVINewsletterJul2026

Subscribe to our mailing list: https://tinyurl.com/RVINewsletter

02/07/2026

The Somali translation of the D-HUM policy brief, Diaspora Aid is Crucial for Emergency Relief in the Somali Regions, is now available.

Produced as part of the Diaspora Humanitarianism in Complex Crises (D-HUM) project, the brief examines the vital role Somali diaspora communities play in mobilising humanitarian aid during crises, the challenges they encounter, and the need for greater recognition and coordination with international aid systems.

Read the Somali translation: tinyurl.com/3wxvtc5z

The D-HUM project is a collaboration between the DIIS - Dansk Institut for Internationale Studier, University of Nairobi, and Rako Research & Communication Centre.

Learn more about the D-HUM project: https://tinyurl.com/37vmvcmy

Brødkrumme Forside Dyk ned i DIIS' publikationer Kaalmada Qurbojoogta waa u muhim gurmadka degdegga ah ee gobolada Soomaalida DIIS Policy Brief 25. marts 2026 Kaalmada Qurbojoogta waa u muhim gurmadka degdegga ah ee gobolada Soomaalida Nauja Kleist, Peter Albrecht, Mohamed Aden Hassan & Karuti Kany...

29/06/2026

BRIEFING PAPER: STATE CAPTURE IN AFRICA

How do elite networks undermine democracy, development and security? Nic Cheeseman explores how state capture operates across Africa and what can be done to strengthen accountability and governance.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/y9a4th3s

29/06/2026

EWNET Ep 7: Bridging Research and Policy with Practice

For 25 years, the Women, Peace and Security agenda has evolved beyond participation to tackle financing, institutional change and patriarchy. Samiha Abdulmelik shares lessons from the field.

Listen: https://tinyurl.com/5t59k9rz

23/06/2026

Eastern Africa’s geopolitical landscape is changing. This brief, produced following discussions convened by BIEA, Chatham House and RVI, explores the implications for regional order, conflict and cooperation.

Read more: tinyurl.com/5hx7hyxd

18/06/2026

“The vast amount of research on the ground in somewhere like the Horn of Africa is done by researchers from the locations in question.”

In Episode 5 of the Beyond Series, Freddie Carver reflects on who research is for, how research agendas are shaped and what happens when local researchers have the opportunity to pursue the questions they think matter most.

The episode explores how funding priorities, institutional incentives and assumptions about audiences continue to influence what knowledge is produced and whose voices are heard.

Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT5
Learn more: xcept.riftvalley.net