Analytical Report on the Draft Amendment to the Ethiopian CSO Proclamation
Written by: Daniel Mekonnen Yilm
The draft amendment to the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2011 introduces significant changes that will directly affect the independence, operational freedom, and sustainability of CSOs in Ethiopia. Although framed as measures to enhance transparency, accountability, and national security, the amendments disproportionately expand state control over civil society. Provisions such as Article 8 (board composition), Article 59–61 (registration and asset transfer), Article 62 (restrictions on foreign funding and political engagement), and Article 77–78 (investigations and sanctions) establish a legal environment that may shrink civic space and discourage participation in governance-related activities. For organizations such as Initiative Africa, the amendments carry direct implications, particularly in relation to funding, program orientation, and organizational survival.