Federal officials have suspended licenses of two right-focused groups, the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), The Reporter has learned.
A statement released by CARD on Friday reveals that the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) issued a letter on November 14, 2024, informing it of its operational suspension.
CARD’s director, Moges Demisse, declined to comment on the matter, while efforts to contact AHRE for a response were unsuccessful.
ACSO has accused CARD of lacking political neutrality and engaging in activities it considers contrary to national interests, according to the statement. However, CARD said it categorically rejected the allegations, asserting that ACSO failed to follow proper legal procedures, such as providing prior notification of the issue.
The organization emphasized the importance of transparency in such investigations and stated that ACSO should have included CARD in the process. Despite this, CARD has complied with the suspension order and ceased operations, prioritizing constructive engagement with the authorities.
“CARD remains strictly committed to its legal mandate and categorically denies any involvement in political activities. Our organization is steadfastly neutral in both its approach and practice,” the statement added.
CARD received its operational license under the country’s new civil society law in 2019 and has since worked to advance human rights and promote democratization in Ethiopia. Since its establishment, the organization has been at the forefront of documenting human rights abuses and atrocities in Ethiopia
“We have championed media freedom and digital rights, enabling journalists and citizens to access information, express themselves freely, and safely engage on digital platforms,” reads the statement.
It expressed its intent to engage with ACSO to reverse the decision, address concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and resolve the issue collaboratively.
Sources from the Ethiopian Civil Society Organization Council told The Reporter that it is monitoring the situation and working with both organizations to resolve the matter amicably, and there is nothing more to say considering the case is still fresh.
Repeated attempts to obtain a comment from ACSO representatives were unsuccessful.
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