Ethiopian Civil Society Under Threat from Proposed Amendments
Ethiopia is facing growing concerns over the proposed amendments to its civil society law, which could significantly restrict the operations of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and undermine the country’s civic space. Human Rights Watch has called on Ethiopian lawmakers to reject these changes, warning that they would grant the federal government sweeping powers to control and limit the activities of civil society groups.
The draft amendments, which have not yet been introduced to parliament, would allow authorities to prohibit foreign funding for organizations involved in governance and election-related work. They would also enable the government to deny registration, suspend, or dissolve NGOs based on vague “national security” grounds without judicial oversight or the right to appeal. These provisions come ahead of the 2026 national elections, raising fears about the impact on independent civic engagement.
A Step Back from Reforms
The current civil society law, known as the Civil Societies Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2019, was enacted in 2019 under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. It aimed to provide a more open and inclusive framework for domestic and international NGOs operating in Ethiopia. However, the proposed amendments appear to reverse many of the reforms introduced after Abiy took office, drawing comparisons to the restrictive 2009 civil society law.
The 2009 law imposed severe restrictions on civil society groups, including bureaucratic hurdles, harsh penalties, and intrusive surveillance. As a result, most independent human rights organizations were forced to close or drastically reduce their activities. The new draft appears to reintroduce similar measures, further eroding the freedoms that had been cautiously restored.
Government Control Over Civil Society
One of the most concerning aspects of the proposed amendments is the shift in power within the Authority for Civil Society Organizations. The draft would reduce the number of seats held by civil society representatives on the Authority’s board, with five out of seven positions reserved for government officials appointed by the Justice Ministry. This change would significantly weaken the voice of NGOs and other civil society actors in decision-making processes.
Additionally, the amendments would impose strict registration and reporting requirements on organizations, requiring approval from the Civil Society Authority before any activity can take place. Groups would need to submit reports within 15 days before receiving property, obtain prior permission to open bank accounts, and renew licenses every four years. These measures could create significant administrative burdens and hinder the ability of NGOs to operate effectively.
Impact on Elections and Civic Engagement
With the 2026 national elections approaching, the proposed amendments are seen as a major obstacle for organizations working on governance issues. The draft explicitly bars both international and domestic organizations funded by foreign nationals from engaging in political advocacy, voter education, election monitoring, or any election-related work. This restriction could severely limit the role of civil society in ensuring free and fair elections.
The lack of a clear definition for “political advocacy” leaves room for arbitrary interpretations by the government, potentially leading to the suppression of legitimate civic activities. Moreover, the bill allows for the suspension of organizations without due process, with the possibility of extending suspensions beyond three months and freezing assets during this period. This could force many groups to shut down, effectively silencing critical voices.
Broader Crackdown on Civil Society
The proposed amendments come amid an ongoing crackdown on civil society and independent rights groups in Ethiopia. Since December 2024, five prominent human rights organizations have been suspended on vague and politically motivated grounds. Between January and June 2024, 1,504 civil society organizations were closed for allegedly failing to submit annual reports.
Journalists and political opposition members have also faced increased pressure, harassment, and arbitrary arrests. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 54 journalists and media workers have gone into exile since 2020. In April, Parliament passed amendments to the 2021 media law, increasing government control over the media by shifting the power to suspend or revoke licenses to the head of the regulatory body, who is now appointed by the prime minister.
Calls for International Action
Human Rights Watch has urged Ethiopia’s regional and international partners to speak out against the government’s actions and demand the withdrawal of the proposed amendments. The organization also called on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and United Nations special rapporteurs to assess the draft law’s compliance with international human rights standards.
“The 2019 reforms offered a lifeline to human rights defenders and independent journalists,” said Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Rolling them back demonstrates that the Ethiopian government has returned to a repressive past that many hoped it had left behind.”
As Ethiopia continues to grapple with conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions, rising tensions with Eritrea, and a deepening economic crisis, the role of independent civil society and media in documenting and addressing these challenges is more critical than ever. The 2026 elections will be a key test of the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of its citizens.
