Addis Abeba– The Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) has been suspended once again by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), just days after the lifting of a previous suspension.
A source informed Addis Standard that a letter dated 16 December, received on 17 December, alleges that the organization has “failed to heed the lessons from the warning” issued during the lifting of the earlier suspension and claims that CARD “has not taken corrective measures.”
The source described these claims as “both inaccurate and unfair,” noting that since the previous suspension was lifted, the organization had not resumed operational activities or initiated new projects. “It is unclear how such allegations of misconduct can be substantiated,” the source added.
The source further raised concerns about the warning that led to the suspension, stating that it contained “vague and sweeping accusations” not supported by evidence. “We were in the process of engaging with ACSO to seek clarification on its content, which lacked specific details regarding any alleged actions,” the source said. The source noted that before the organization could address the concerns or resolve the matter through dialogue, ACSO issued a new suspension.
“This decision leaves us without the opportunity to clarify or defend our position,” the source remarked, further describing the prior suspension as “arbitrary and unsupported by evidence.” the source criticized the process, emphasizing that it undermines the organization’s ability to operate within Ethiopia’s legal framework.
The suspension follows ACSO’s recent decision to lift restrictions on CARD and two other organizations—the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)—earlier this month, with sources alleging that ACSO did not provide specific reasons for the lifting.
These suspensions were originally imposed in November, with ACSO citing concerns about an alleged “lack of political neutrality” and activities deemed contrary to the “national interest.”
CARD had previously challenged the suspension, arguing that ACSO failed to follow the “requisite legal procedures,” such as providing prior notification or conducting a transparent investigation.
Several international human rights organizations have also criticized the suspension, calling it a serious blow to civic space in Ethiopia. Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Ethiopian authorities to “immediately reverse” the decision, with Deputy Africa Director Laetitia Bader stating, “Ethiopian authorities are squeezing shut whatever space remains for independent rights groups to operate in the country.”
Amnesty International condemned the suspension as part of a “growing crackdown on civic space,” while the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) described it as a “major setback” for civil society, attributing the decision to political motives. AS
Bomb attacks at ‘gov’t-organized’ rally in Amhara region leave one dead, several injured
US Ambassador urges Ethiopia to remove officials implicated in rights abuses, raises concerns over shrinking civic space