Ethiopia Undertaking Fundamental Institutional, Legal Reforms

Addis Ababa, November 28, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia is undertaking fundamental institutional and legal reforms to strengthen prosecution services and related justice bodies, Justice State Minister Ermias Yemanebirhan said.

Addressing the closing of the 30th Annual Conference of the East Africa Law Society (EALS), he stated that Ethiopia is undertaking fundamental institutional and legal reforms that are benefiting legal professionals and firms.

 

 

“Ethiopia is undertaking fundamental institutional and legal reforms to strengthen cultures, prosecution services and related justice bodies, recognizing that effective, credible and independent justice institutions are indispensable pillars of economic development and regional integration.”

He reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the autonomy of all justice institutions.

The Ethiopian Federal Advocates Association has made remarkable progress as the current legal reform also recognizes the Association as one of the five core justice institutions in Ethiopia, Ermias added.

For the State Minister, such endeavors are showcasing the government's commitment to harnessing the expertise of thousands of highly trained federal lawyers.

 “Just a few years ago, Ethiopia did not have a single law firm. Today, more than 40 law firms are operating with more emerging demand growth.”

Stating that Ethiopian lawyers benefit from regional integration, the State Minster said the region also benefits from Ethiopia’s size, potential and expanding legal expertise.

“We cannot afford to remain isolated from the regional professional lawyers association. Hosting the 30th annual conference is in itself an expression of our commitment and our capacity.”

Like many African nations, Ethiopia continues to work diligently to strengthen justice and democratic governance guided by the rule of law, separation of power, protection of human rights, transparency, accountability and active citizen participation, he noted.

According to him, lawyers are pivotal to protect fundamental human rights, ensure access to justice for all, and promote accountability at every level.

Additionally, maintaining professional ethics and integrity by adhering to rigorous ethical standards is expected from lawyers to maintain public trust in the legal system, he elaborated.

Public Trust is vital for the effective functioning of democracy and administration of justice, he said, adding “I am confident that both Ethiopian federal Advocates Association and East Africa Law Society will play their roles in the region and beyond.”

AUC Chief of Staff Mohamed El-Amine Souef stated that it is the right time for African states to promote good governance at the national level as many African countries are enjoying multi-party systems.

 

 

Souef emphasized the significance of legal professionals in defending the rights and promoting democracy.

East African Law Society President Ramadhan Abubakar affirmed the commitment to continue the progress that the society has made in a more integrated manner that contributes to protecting human rights and empowering democracy in the region and beyond.