FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Global Agaezi Scholars Association (GASA) Expresses Grave Concern Over Threats to Academic Freedom and University Independence in Tigray
Date 02.06.2026
The Global Agaezi Scholars Association (GASA) expresses its profound concern regarding the deteriorating state of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the safety of scholars across universities in the Tigray region. Reports of intimidation, political interference, restrictions on independent inquiry, and threats against academics have created an environment that undermines the fundamental mission of higher education.
Universities exist to advance knowledge, foster critical thinking, encourage open debate, and serve society through independent teaching, research, and public engagement. Academic freedom is not a privilege granted by authorities; it is a cornerstone of any functioning university system and an essential requirement for intellectual progress and democratic development.
As scholars and members of the global academic community, we reaffirm the principle that:
Global Agaezi Scholars Association (GASA) Expresses Grave Concern Over Threats to Academic Freedom and University Independence in Tigray“The mission of Universities is the promotion of critical thought, both in our research and in our teaching. We don’t tell people what to think; we seek to show people how to think. As a consequence, the repression of academics is often amongst the first moves of those groups and regimes that seek to impose conformity and exclude criticism. In many parts of the world today, academics are under attack for doing their jobs, for what they have said, for who they are, or simply because of where they are. In defending these colleagues at risk, then, we are defending the very idea of a University.”
The current threats facing scholars and institutions in Tigray raise serious concerns about the ability of universities to operate free from political pressure and coercion. When academics are silenced, intimidated, or prevented from pursuing independent scholarship, the consequences extend far beyond individual campuses. Society as a whole loses access to evidence-based knowledge, critical inquiry, and the free exchange of ideas that are essential for peace, development, and social progress.
The Global Agaezi Scholars Association calls upon:
- All relevant authorities to respect and protect the autonomy and independence of universities in Tigray.
- University administrations to uphold academic freedom, institutional integrity, and the rights of faculty, researchers, and students.
- National and international academic organizations to monitor developments closely and stand in solidarity with scholars facing threats or restrictions.
- Human rights organizations and international partners to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights, security, and professional independence of academics in the region.
- The global academic community to raise awareness about the challenges confronting higher education institutions in Tigray and to advocate for the protection of scholars at risk.
We stand in solidarity with all scholars, researchers, educators, and students whose rights and freedoms are under threat. The defense of academic freedom is inseparable from the defense of human dignity, intellectual independence, and the pursuit of truth.
The Global Agaezi Scholars Association remains committed to supporting colleagues at risk and to promoting an academic environment where ideas can be explored freely, research can be conducted independently, and education can flourish without fear.
About the Global Agaezi Scholars Association
The Global Agaezi Scholars Association is an international network of scholars and professionals dedicated to advancing education, research, academic excellence, and the protection of academic freedom. The Association works to strengthen scholarly collaboration and advocate for the rights and safety of academics worldwide.
GASA is a global network/organization of Agaezi scholars from different backgrounds pursuing interests across the humanities, technologies, business, engineers, health professionals, arts and other sciences working to transform bold ideas into sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and future generations of the Agaezi Nation community worldwide. We accelerate innovation, so all our people can thrive. We advise and partner with public institutions, businesses, grassroots groups, and investors to solve the most pressing challenges of Agaezi people. Our work is produced in book and journal publications, films and documentaries, script writing and journalism.
GASA has no political affiliations but seeks to encourage all who, independently of institutions, offer well-founded studies of society, in the humanities and the sciences, or ideas of cultural significance connecting with like minded individuals who support, mentor and inspire each other globally and locally.
Media Contact:
Global Agaezi Scholars Association (GASA)
info@gasa.org
+4179 628 22 07
www.anu-party.org