Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ethiopia are close to launching a civil society council at the federal level.

Executive Director of Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organisations (CEHRO), Mesud Gebeyehu, said that all-important preparations had almost been finalised to launch the council next month (October).

‘We have fulfilled almost all necessary prerequisites to launch the council. Now, what is needed is the approval of the majority of CSOs through available mechanisms taking Covid-19 into consideration’, The Ethiopian Herald quoted Gebeyehu as saying.

He also said that the amended CSO proclamation had stopped government from interfering in the activities of the civil society.

According to him, the political situation of the country has not been conducive for CSOs as they could hardly freely carryout their activities.

‘The first thing that the government should do is creating an enabling environment and creating a platform for CSOs to work effectively and freely’, he added.

‘From this perspective, the government has done lots of positive things like amending the CSO proclamation, reforming the agency for civil society organisations, and bringing dedicated individuals to leadership’.

He said that when they go to some ministerial and regional offices, they face challenges and even the attitude some have come up with was not stimulating.

‘We are trying to approach different government officials. We will also have a discussion forum with service delivery government officials within the shortest time possible’, he noted.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald

Photo source: Africa Progress Panel