News Authority rejects allegations of shrinking civic space amid CSO suspensions, rising concern
By Sisay Sahlu
November 30, 2024
The Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO) has refuted claims that civic and democratic freedoms in the country are under threat despite mounting criticism to the contrary from local and international organizations.
During an event this week, ACSO Deputy Director Fasikaw Molla told The Reporter the country’s current civic environment is the most favourable in its history.
The event was organized to announce the fourth edition of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations (ECSO) Week, scheduled to take place for three days beginning December 5, 2024 under the theme, ‘Renewing Promise for Sustainable Peace and Equitable Development.’
CSOs and officials say they hope to use the opportunity to showcase civil society’s contributions through panel discussions, exhibitions, and other activities.
The announcement was, however, overshadowed by the preceding week’s suspension of three prominent organizations—the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), the Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR).
The organizations were accused of “lacking political neutrality” and engaging in activities believed detrimental to national interests. News of their suspension has drawn sharp criticism from local and international rights groups.
CARD rejected the accusations in a public statement made following its receipt of the suspension notice. The organization claims the Authority failed to follow legal procedures such as providing prior notice.
Similarly, AHRE stated the suspension was sudden and unjustified while LHR argued that the claims against it were baseless, adding that its activities align with its stated purpose and the public interest.
In late July 2024, ACSO shut down at least 1,504 organisations, citing failures to submit annual reports and renew licensing. The decision led critics to accuse the Authority of creating a climate of fear and isolation among civil society actors.
Earlier this week, Amnesty International condemned the latest suspensions as violations of the rights to association and freedom of expression, calling on the government to reverse its decisions. Amnesty described the allegations of “political neutrality” as vague and unsubstantiated, adding that such claims have long been used to suppress dissent in Ethiopia.
Likewise, Front Line Defenders also criticised the closures, highlighting an intensifying crackdown on civil society. Its statement mentioned that increased harassment, surveillance, and threats have forced several CSO leaders to flee the country. Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre (EHRDC) echoed these concerns, reporting that many leaders have left Ethiopia due to safety risks stemming from intimidation and threats.
In defense of its actions, ACSO maintains that the suspensions are isolated incidents. The Deputy Director emphasized that only six or seven out of the 5,300 registered CSOs have been suspended, asserting that these measures do not signify a broader crackdown.
“It would be illogical to claim civic space is deteriorating based on these incidents,” he said.
Fasikaw added that an inquiry team is investigating the cases and will provide detailed findings soon.
He reiterated ACSO’s commitment to promoting a vibrant civic space, citing the positive engagement between the authority and civil society. He also urged critics to consider Ethiopia’s historical context, arguing that the current environment exhibits significant progress.
Despite these assurances, civil society leaders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating civic environment.
An anonymous CSO manager told The Reporter that recent changes have made operations increasingly difficult.
“The Civic Organizations Proclamation was globally praised, but implementation on the ground has become challenging. The suspensions reflect political decisions from top government officials, not regulatory actions, noting civil societies have very good relationships with the Authority,” said the manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
In June 2024, a coalition of 12 CSOs, including those recently suspended, released a statement warning of systematic efforts to shrink civic space. They highlighted instances of intimidation, threats, and arrests targeting organisations advocating for human rights and government accountability.
The developments cast a shadow on the upcoming ECSO Week, which aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders and to underscore the role of civil society in advancing peace and equitable development.