The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF) was conceived and grown-up during the most difficult time for the sector. It is documented that, the informal task force was created to respond to the draft Charity and Society Proclamation No.621/2009.

By undertaking a series of deeds as preparation and groundworks, the ECSF formally formed in May 2013 as a non-partisan, independent, inclusive, and voluntary national platform, envisioned to bring the voice of the sector together, to be heard, and to influence the responsible bodies in power. Few leaders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at a time [I called them Visionary persons] showed their determination and resilience to address the key challenges faced by the sector. I have great thanks to those people.

I confirmed from the then leadership that, the forum organization came across turbulent situations, particularly during the EPRDF led-government, till 2018. Despite several challenges, the Forum successfully coordinated the CSOs as an umbrella organization. To mention the most important one is that, the Forum had made successful evidence-based advocacy to revoke or amend the ChS Proc. No. 621/2009. Evidence shows, the forum undertook an assessment ‘on the drawback of the proclamation and its negative consequence on the sector, what the country lost as consequence and recommendations in depth’. The forum leadership conducted a series of communications and discussions with high officials, including the Ex-Prime Minister, Officials of HoPR, and officials of the Ministry of Federal Affairs, and presented the findings of the assessment.

Fortunately, the leading party at the time in 2018 fully acknowledged the drawback of the ChS Proc. No. 621/2009, and implications on the freedom of association of the citizen. Accordingly, the reform government has decided this law needs to be repealed and replaced with the new one that can ensure the right of association enshrined in the law of land, and international conventions. To me, this was the new paradigm in the Ethiopian CSOs history in general, and ECSF in particular, because it was the time when the CSO was highly constrained by the laws, and practices of the government; more importantly the ECSF revoked its license for a temporary period by the decision of the ChS Agency Director without due process of the legal procedure.

However, in the post-2018, the ECSF has been given recognition by its members, and relevant government (bodies officials), and hence the responsibility of coordinating the sector in the process of drafting the New CSOs Proclamation. In close collaboration with The Legal and Justice Affairs Advisory Council established under  FDRE Attorney General Office (AGO),  the ECSF had given the opportunity to manage the input collection assignments, for the drafting process of the new CSO proclamation. As part of its key assignment, the forum was able to successfully manage the process of the input collection, drafting, and following-up the entire process up to the approval stage of the Proc. No.1113/2019. Subsequently, successful awareness creation programs were also held to familiarize this law by organizing more than 16 events and addressing 1,676 participants drawn from CSOs and Government relevant sectors in all regions.

The forum managed the formal establishment of the CSOs Council which was held on 31^st December 2020. The entire ground works for the council birth was fully coordinated by the Forum in collaboration with Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) by actively engaging all key stakeholders, including its members, individual CSOs, and relevant government bodies. After the council’s formal establishment, the Forum served as a secretariat office of the council [supporting the functions of the Executive Committee] for more than 10 months.

It is notable to mention that, after the council come into effect, confusion was broadly observed about the fate of the Forum and the possible relationship. This highly affected the smooth operation of the forum for more than one year or beyond. However, visionary leadership of the Forum made in-depth deliberations and decided on the need for the continuation of the Forum, in fact, reconsideration shall be made on the mandates and area of engagement that need to align with the existing conditions which aimed at the vital role of the Forum for the sector. In fact, recently there is a good beginning of creating clarity on the relationship and differences between the two important organizations by ECSF, ECOSOC, and our partners.

I would say the forum has played a conductive role as a pioneer organization in Ethiopia to advocate policy change and internalization of the system in the CSOs sector by convincing the authoritarian leaders via presenting research [evidence] base arguments. 

Since the year 2022, the forum able to make unparalleled jobs in creating awareness of CSOs laws [Proclamation, Code of Conduct, and approved Directives]. Almost all regions (except Tigray) were reached out including their respective zones. Moreover, the forum has begun strengthening the regional CSOs Network and its members in order ensure their active participation in the process of National Dialogue, Peacebuilding Process, Conflict Resolution, and advocacy in any policy formulation and legislation process, etc. This effort inspired many CSOs leaders to play the role CSOs, beyond traditional service delivery. Moreover, strengthening the CSOs Network in regions and creating solid partnerships and collaboration with ACSO, and regional ACSO-delegate bodies, and… like, has been some of the successful jobs done by the forum in recent years, which resulted in the improvement of trust and confidence among our sector and the government bodies. At present, the forum revised its bylaw, developed its Strategic Plan for the coming five years (2023-27), and all internal policies including its website.

In general, these high-level results were achieved by valuable efforts made by individuals and stakeholders, which include the effective and committed leadership of the Forum at different times, active and determined staff of the forum, and cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders particularly the Forums’ members, the Consultants (experts live for the sector) and some government officials mainly ACSO leaders, and Ministry of Justice leaders, and Donors of the forum like CSSP2 (Most), Irish Aid, USAID, NED, etc. All these deserve the utmost gratitude and sincerity.  Many thanks shall be extended to our members, governing bodies (past and current), and our stakeholders who contributed towards the attainment of the forum directly or indirectly.  

Finally, I would like to call upon all persons to stand with the CSOs in one way or another, so that, a vibrant CSOs Sector can be created in Ethiopia that can contribute to sustainable peace, and development and high-level Human Rights standards prevail in Ethiopia.  Government officials should support civility and civil society actions with high sincerity, not only because their beloved families are civil today, but also because they themselves are certainly civil when they finish their office term tomorrow. The Private business communities are civil and the effort of the CSOs directly benefits them at the time of action. The endeavors of the CSOs for better democratization and human rights conditions would certainly benefit the short-term and long-term living conditions of all citizens, including the private sector. In particular, the young generation shall be committed to getting engaged in civil society programs and positively contribute to civic activities, to support the foundation of democratization, peace, and security; and in sum holistic development. These will be determined by the actions and/or inactions of the current generation whether operating in the public service, civil society, and private sector actors. I call upon the usual support of our members, and double their contribution for a better position of the forum for higher impact.     

I thank you very much for the readers of this message, and apologies for any inconvenience created in the message (if any). 

Terefe Degeti Ejeta

Executive Director, The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF)