Ethiopia’s Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) has reportedly suspended two prominent civic organizations, citing alleged involvement in activities undermining the national interest and failure to maintain political neutrality.
The Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) are no longer permitted to operate in the country.
CARD confirmed the suspension and denied engaging in activities beyond its mandate. In a statement released on Friday, the organization disclosed that it received a letter from ACSO on November 14. The letter alleged “a lack of political neutrality” and accused CARD of conducting “activities deemed contrary to the interests of the country.”
The statement also criticized ACSO, claiming it “did not follow requisite legal procedures, such as providing prior notification of the issue or conducting a transparent investigation.”
The Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) has yet to comment on the suspension.
According to a report by Wazema Radio, ACSO issued separate letters to both organizations. The letters reportedly accused them of serious violations of the law, including political bias and activities deemed harmful to the people and the national interest.
Wazema Radio also indicated that more than two organizations were suspended, though the additional entities were not named.
Critics argue that the suspensions may themselves violate the law, as ACSO is accused of bypassing legal procedures outlined in its own provisions for such actions.
