Ethiopia is poised to tighten its grip on civil society with draft amendments to its 2019 law that would grant sweeping powers to restrict nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).

Human Rights Watch warns that the proposed changes, likely to be introduced ahead of elections in June 2026, would curb foreign funding for groups engaged in governance and election-related work and allow authorities to suspend or dissolve organisations on vague “national security” grounds, without judicial oversight or appeal.

The reforms would reverse gains made under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed since 2019, recalling the repressive 2009 law that forced many independent rights groups to close.

The amendments also reduce civil society representation on the government body overseeing NGOs, allocating five of the seven seats to officials appointed by the justice ministry. Registration and reporting burdens would increase, while the vague ban on “political advocacy” risks broad, arbitrary enforcement.

The government has already suspended several human rights organisations and shut down over 1,500 groups since early 2024. Journalists and opposition figures face harassment, arrests, and exile amid growing media restrictions. As Ethiopia confronts internal conflicts and economic woes, the space for independent scrutiny is closing just when it is most needed.

Ethiopia’s partners should denounce the draft law and press for adherence to international human rights standards. Without urgent intervention, the country risks sliding back into authoritarianism, dimming hopes of democratic progress.

Source: HRW