Ethiopia's Political Reforms Scale Up Civic Space, Says ECSOC President

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s political reforms over the past eight years have significantly broadened the landscape for civic participation, enabling civil society groups to transition from confrontation to constructive partnerships with the government, according to Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) President Ahmed Hussein.

Ahmed shared these insights on Thursday evening during a national recognition and appreciation program hosted by ECSOC to celebrate the successful conclusion of the country’s seventh general election.

The event brought together President Taye Atskeselassie, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, ECSOC President Ahmed Hussein, senior government officials, development partners, media representatives, and other stakeholders.

Ahmed further underscored the role of civil society organizations as a bridge between government and the public, describing them as channels through which citizens’ voices are conveyed and heard.

He noted that while civil society has remained committed to advancing citizens’ fundamental rights and safeguarding national interests, organizations were for years viewed with suspicion even after relevant legal frameworks had been introduced.

 

“Before the political reform, civil society organizations were regarded as a cause for concern rather than being supported,” he said.

Following the reforms, he added, relations between government and civil society organizations shifted “from control to partnership, and from restriction to cooperation.”

Ahmed further stated that improvements in the civic environment have enabled civil society groups to play a more active role in encouraging public participation during elections.

He also said ECSOC and its partner organizations carried out extensive activities in human rights promotion and social accountability, helping to raise public awareness that elections are a core element of democratic governance.

According to him, citizens are increasingly engaged as active participants in building a democratic system rather than remaining passive observers.

 

The success of civil society organizations should be measured by their contributions to peace, development, and state-building, crediting the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia for exercising its mandate through independent institutional capacity, he emphasized.

The ECSOC president also commended all stakeholders of the 7th general election, including security institutions, political parties, IGAD and African Union election observers, the media, and legal and democratic institutions, for their role in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.