Civil Society Organizations Irreplaceable Partners, Says Democratic System Building Coordination Center Head

Addis Ababa, March 6, 2026 (ENA)— Civil society organizations are irreplaceable strategic partners in building a robust democratic system, Democratic System Building Coordination Center Head with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister and Prosperity Party Vice President, Adem Farah, said today. 

The 5th Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week kicked off in Addis Ababa today under the theme “Self-reliance: A Pillar of Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development.”

On the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the government has been working with focus on civil society organizations since the onset of the national reform.

He emphasized that civil society organizations are key partners in establishing the country's democracy and ensuring economic growth by addressing gaps left by the government and the private sector.

The government believes these organizations are crucial for shaping future generations, building trust among citizens, and enhancing social unity, Adem stressed.

He noted successes since the ratification of Proclamation No. 1113/2019, which guarantees the right to organize, and has expanded civic space by removing unnecessary restrictions.

The number of civil society organizations in the country has nearly tripled, contributing significantly to development and peace building, the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

He called on the organizations to strengthen their roles in democracy, support voter education for the upcoming election, and help the country's transition to productivity.

Justice Minister Hanna Arayaselassie said in her keynote speech that the number of civil societies in Ethiopia has increased significantly due to the legal and procedural reforms carried out in recent years.

The government supports people's rights to gather and express themselves as recognized through official announcements.

The Minister highlighted the importance of community organizations in promoting democracy, peace, and economic growth, encouraging the groups to participate in discussions, justice processes, and elections.

Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) Director-General, Samson Biratu noted that civil society organizations (CSOs) now operate in a conducive environment freely and effectively fulfilling their mandates.

He emphasized that the fifth SCO Week aims to foster stakeholder cooperation and experience-sharing in a peaceful, encouraging setting.

"To ensure the event's success and expansion across the region and Africa, this initiative offers tremendous potential for growth and collaboration among nations and organizations", the Director-General said.  

Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) President, Ahmed Hussen, stated that reforms have spurred numerous CSO formations, significantly advancing Ethiopia's democratization and development.

"To maximize their public benefits, all stakeholders must actively engage," Ahmed urged, adding that building trust between CSOs and government requires collaboration and transparency.

Ahead of the upcoming national election, the President affirmed CSOs readiness to help support the elections to be fair, free, credible and inclusive that empower citizens to form their government.