In a significant move to enhance the role of civil society in governance, a new cooperation framework has been launched between the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC). This framework aims to increase civil society involvement in government policies and protect public interests, addressing long-standing challenges faced by civil society organizations in Ethiopia.
Civil society organizations in Ethiopia have faced numerous hurdles over the years, including restrictive legal and policy frameworks that have limited their activities, reduced resources, and diminished societal acceptance. Many organizations have struggled to survive under these conditions. However, with the introduction of this new framework, there is hope for resolving these issues and enhancing civil society’s contribution to national development.
Ahmed Hussen, President of ECSOC, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “Civil Society Organizations faced significant challenges due to the previous restrictive law prior to the enactment of proclamation 1113/2019. We hope this new framework will boost the efforts in solving these problems together and increase our contribution to national development,” he said.
Fassikaw Molla, Deputy Director General of ACSO, emphasized the government’s recognition of civil society’s role and its commitment to creating a conducive environment for these organizations. “This cooperation framework will play a crucial role in strengthening trust between the government and civil society and building mutual understanding,” he noted.
The framework seeks to eliminate the mistrust that has developed over the years and foster a new spirit of cooperation between the government and civil society. It focuses on addressing legal and policy barriers, resource scarcity, and capacity constraints within the civil society sector.
The framework emphasizes the importance of increasing information exchange between the government and civil society and strengthening civil society’s participation in policy discussions. By doing so, it aims to create a more inclusive and transparent governance process.
Identifying and addressing problems facing the civil society sector is central to this initiative. The framework outlines strategies to enhance civil society’s capacity and ensure that their voices are heard in policy-making processes.
While this framework represents an important step forward, its successful implementation will require strong commitment and joint efforts from both the government and civil society. It is crucial that both parties work together to address the challenges facing the civil society sector and ensure that this collaboration leads to meaningful contributions to national development.
The launch of this cooperation framework marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen civil society and enhance governance. By fostering a more collaborative environment between the government and civil society, Ethiopia can leverage the potential of its civil society organizations to drive positive change and support sustainable development. As the country moves forward, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders involved.
