Ethiopia Roundup: Civil society law amendment, sea access tensions with Eritrea, nuclear investments

CSO Law amendment raises fears of repression

The Ministry of Justice has drafted sweeping amendments to Ethiopia’s Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Proclamation, sparking alarm among rights advocates. The proposal would grant the Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO) new powers to suspend organisations on mere suspicion of “a serious legal violation” or when it “believes irreparable harm will occur if the organisation is not suspended,” Addis Standard reports. Belayihun Yirga, State Minister for Government Legal and Justice Service Sector, said Proclamation No. 1113/2011 was among the laws “significantly reformed,” and the changes are based on “extensive studies.” Addis Getnet, Director General of Legal Research, Drafting, Revision, and Codification, stated, “The draft amendment has been prepared in a way that reduces challenges encountered during implementation in recent years and incorporates new rights to further strengthen the sector.”  

PM Abiy reaffirms peaceful pursuit of sea access with Eritrea

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to securing sea access “peacefully,” while rejecting the notion of imminent conflict with Eritrea. “Ethiopia does not have existence without its neighbours, and its neighbours do not have existence without Ethiopia,” he said, adding, “Our desire is to sow good seeds. We want access to the sea based on the principle of mutual benefit, not by force.” Addressing concerns over potential war, Abiy emphasised, “To those who raise the spectre of war with Eritrea, it should be known that we do not desire any conflict on our part; they should also do the same.” He stressed that “in the past seven years, we have not had a single conflict with neighbouring countries,” even as Eritrea accused Ethiopia of “provocative sabre-rattling,” Addis Standard reports.

Debt relief deal under G20 framework

Ethiopia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its Official Creditor Committee, unlocking over USD 3.5 billion in debt relief. Eyob Tekalign, State Minister of Finance, stated, “Ethiopia remains confident that the collaborative and pragmatic spirit that has prevailed so far will help expedite the process of finalising bilateral agreements.” He added, “We continue to engage in good faith with all other external creditors, including bondholders, to secure restructuring terms that align with our debt relief needs and the principle of comparability of treatment,” Capital Ethiopia quotes.

Ethiopia investing in nuclear science for peaceful purposes

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh announced Ethiopia’s commitment to using nuclear science for peaceful purposes, especially in healthcare. “We are bringing life-saving technologies closer to our communities and strengthening regulatory systems to ensure the safe use of radiation,” he said at the Rays of Hope Forum 2025. “Through these efforts, we aim to save lives and promote public health,” he added. Temesgen also highlighted broader achievements: “Our Health Extension Program has trained tens of thousands of community health workers, extending healthcare access to every corner of the country.”

IMF approves Ethiopia review, unlocking $262m

The IMF executive board has approved the third review of Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion loan program, releasing $262 million to support economic reforms. “The authorities have made strong progress in implementing their economic reform agenda in the first year of their Fund-supported programme. Growth has been resilient, and inflation has fallen,” the IMF said. The review follows Ethiopia’s recent debt restructuring agreement, which aims to provide $2.5 billion in debt service relief during the program period through 2028.