Context
Since 2018, political reforms in Ethiopia have aimed to help overcome the country's authoritarian past, democratise state institutions and liberalise the political system. However, the process has revealed divergences between the new government and parts of society. Different ideas about how the country should be set up, structured and governed continue to result in violence, displacement and political instability to this day.
Since the ceasefire with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in November 2022, the government has the possibility to continue and further develop its reforms. The independence of central state institutions could thus be strengthened, and human rights enforced. However, the state requires capacities to improve inclusive and democratic governance that is based on the rule of law.
Objective
The Ethiopian Government is increasingly taking steps towards transformation into a democratic and inclusive state based on the rule of law.
Approach
The project promotes the independence of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) and supports the role of free media and the judiciary in order to implement and anchor the reforms.
It advises the Ministry of Justice and regional governments on incorporating fair administrative procedures into regional legislation. It also advises the Ministry on introducing a monitoring system to ensure that government authorities implement the human rights recommendations of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
The project also works with civil society organisations to strengthen the election observation system.
The project supports ENDC in implementing the national dialogue and supports civil society representatives in keeping a critical eye on and monitoring the dialogue.
The project also strengthens the Ombudsman’s office of the Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) and contributes to training courses for good radio journalism.
Last update: March 2024