The new framework also expands restrictions on serious crimes, strengthens reconciliation requirements, and introduces stricter procedural standards for pardon applications.

The Directive for the Submission and Granting of Pardon Requests for Convicts replaces a three year old directive which previously governed federal pardon procedures. According to the directive, the reforms are intended to establish a “clear, fair, efficient, and consistent” pardon system while addressing implementation gaps identified in the earlier framework.

One of the directive’s most significant additions is Article 13, which permits the Federal Pardon Board to recommend pardons on a conditional basis. Prisoners who qualify for higher education may receive pardons to pursue their studies, while individuals with special professional skills may be released to continue serving in their professions. The Board may also impose additional conditions it considers necessary to protect public and state interests.

Responding to a question from The Reporter on whether the provision disadvantages prisoners without educational or professional qualifications, Ephrem Abinet, a legal consultant and lawyer, said the primary objective of imprisonment is rehabilitation and reintegration.

“The main goal of putting criminals in correctional facilities is to make them feel remorse about their wrongdoing and reintegrate into society after their release,” Ephrem said, adding that the provision mainly targets young prisoners with university entrance qualifications or ongoing studies who could later contribute professionally to society.

The directive states that conditional pardons must specify obligations beneficiaries are required to fulfill within a set timeframe, while foreign nationals without legal residence permits may receive pardons on the condition that they leave Ethiopia or are deported.

In another major departure from the previous directive, the Board may now recommend revoking pardons if beneficiaries violate imposed conditions without convincing reasons or commit another intentional crime within five years of release.

Ephrem said the new directive also addresses transparency gaps in the previous framework, particularly regarding evidence submission for pardon requests.

“In the previous directive, the correctional facility would simply state whether it opposed or did not oppose the inmate’s pardon,” he said. “The current directive improves this by specifying that the facility provides evidence strictly from an ethical and behavioral standpoint.”

The directive also clearly specifies who may submit pardon requests, including close relatives such as adult and adopted children, and requires proof that court-imposed fines have been paid before applications proceed.

The revised framework further broadens the list of crimes requiring stricter eligibility thresholds. Convicts sentenced for specified serious offenses must serve at least half of their prison term and demonstrate good conduct before becoming eligible to request a pardon.

The directive adds money laundering, crimes against constitutional order, armed rebellion, inciting civil war, aggravated murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, aggravated robbery or banditry, crimes against historical heritage, and grave treason to the previous list.

“Given the gravity of these crimes, requiring the completion of half the sentence as a prerequisite for a pardon is appropriate,” Ephrem said.

The directive also formally introduces a “recidivist” standard, defining repeat offenders as individuals who intentionally commit another offense within five years after serving a sentence or receiving a pardon for a prior crime punishable by at least six months imprisonment. Absence of recidivism is now explicitly listed as a condition for pardon eligibility.

The new framework additionally places greater emphasis on reconciliation between offenders and victims. Prisoners convicted of homicide, attempted homicide, bodily harm, aggravated robbery causing serious injury or death, and intentional arson causing serious injury or death must now provide written evidence showing reconciliation with victims or victims’ families, or demonstrate genuine but unsuccessful efforts to reconcile.

The directive also formally recognizes traditional reconciliation systems practiced within ethnic and community structures. Under the rules, reconciliation conducted through tribal or community-based systems is acceptable if it includes the consent of victims or victims’ relatives.

Ephrem welcomed the recognition of traditional reconciliation mechanisms but argued the directive should have provided broader standards for proving unsuccessful reconciliation attempts.

“An inmate might find the victim and attempt to compensate them, but the victim may simply refuse. That refusal itself should count as a documented effort,” he said, adding that reconciliation attempts in Ethiopia are often carried out through elders, or shimagle, whose testimony could serve as evidence.

In politically sensitive cases involving crimes against constitutional order, armed rebellion, or inciting civil war, the directive requires written confirmation from the president or head of government of the region where the crime occurred stating that the prisoner’s release is necessary for regional peace and that reconciliation through elders has taken place.

The conference, co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Ethiopian government, is expected to bring together policymakers, scientists, health professionals, development partners, innovators, and private-sector representatives from around the world.

Speaking at the launch event this week in Addis Ababa, Hadera Abera, a state minister for Foreign Affairs, said the success of CPHIA 2026 would depend on “the engagement and shared commitment of all involved partners.”

Officially opening the launch, the State Minister said African Union member states, international organizations, registered institutions, development partners, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, youth groups, and innovators are all expected to participate actively in the conference.

“We hope the conference will deliver practical outcomes and foster partnerships that will accelerate the move toward a healthier and more prosperous Africa,” he said.

During the briefing, organizers also outlined the ongoing work of the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), which is leading preparations for the conference agenda.

According to organizers, the scientific program will be coordinated by Professor Placid Mbala, who heads the international coordination team, and Professor Yemane Birhane, who leads the local coordination team. Together, they will oversee a network of more than 100 experts tasked with shaping the conference agenda and facilitating dialogue among politicians, policymakers, researchers, and program implementers.

The SPC is responsible for coordinating conference sub-teams, reviewing abstracts, ensuring scientific and evidence-based content across conference platforms, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and international health partners.

Organizers said weekly planning meetings are already underway to refine the conference themes and discussion tracks, with sessions expected to continue throughout the preparation period and after the conference itself.

This year’s conference will be held under the theme: Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from Health Dependency and Vulnerability to Ownership and Resilience.

Launched in 2021, CPHIA has become Africa’s largest public health gathering, serving as a platform for discussions on health systems, scientific innovation, disease preparedness, and continental health policy.

Organizers also highlighted efforts to mobilize private-sector support in addition to existing sponsorship packages and partnership initiatives. The secretariat said it is developing communication, advocacy, and branding strategies and has contracted agency partners from the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates to support conference organization and private-sector engagement.

The secretariat added that Ethiopia has the infrastructure needed to host the event, including streamlined visa procedures and adequate airline connectivity for the expected international delegates.

Speaking at the briefing, Professor Yemane Birhane said the conference presents “an opportunity to renew Africa’s commitment to self-reliance.”

He added that the continent’s investments in training, research infrastructure, and institutions over the past decades have grown significantly. He said the conference will create opportunities to strengthen partnerships, showcase innovations, and promote the exchange of knowledge and skills across Africa.

The report shows that while total revenues and grants have climbed by 55 percent year-on-year to nearly 705 billion Birr, expenditures grew even faster to over 798 billion Birr over the six-month period. The figure is close to 80 percent higher than expenditures recorded during the first half of the last fiscal year.

Tax revenue remains the primary source of government revenue, accounting for 580 billion Birr or 82 percent of total collections. Direct taxes alone contributed nearly one-third of total tax revenue. The Ministry report highlights strong gains in corporate income tax, which surged by more than 92 percent from last year.

Officials attribute the growth to ongoing tax reforms, including the introduction of quarterly advance payments for corporate taxpayers and the implementation of the National Medium-Term Revenue Strategy.

Despite these gains, government expenditure has ballooned, owing largely to recurrent spending, which has doubled. Key drivers cited in the report include civil service salary adjustments, expanded social protection programs, and inflation-related outlays.

Significant resources were also directed toward subsidy programs, particularly for fuel, fertilizer, and the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), aimed at cushioning vulnerable households amid ongoing economic reforms, reads the report.

At the same time, debt servicing costs placed increasing pressure on public finances, with interest payments on domestic debt alone rising by over 250 percent.

To finance the widening deficit, the government relied heavily on domestic borrowing, which reached 139.7 billion birr during the review period, according to the Ministry. External financing played a more limited role, reflecting tighter global financial conditions, Ethiopia’s default credit rating, and ongoing debt management efforts.

Nonetheless, the report forecasts 10.2 percent GDP growth in 2025/6 and lauds an improved export performance. Export revenue over the first six months of the fiscal year pushed past the five billion dollar mark, driven largely by gold.

However, import value also grew by 23.3 percent, leading to a widening of the trade deficit. The deficit expanded from USD 5.9 billion in the first half of 2024/5 to USD 6.3 billion this year.

The Ministry of Finance also noted that while tax collection is on a “robust upward trajectory,” performance in domestic indirect taxes remains below target. Officials have signaled a need for enhanced tax audits with targeted efforts to identify causes of weak performance in indirect tax collection.

The Overseas Medical Service Referral System Implementation Directive introduces sweeping changes to how Ethiopian patients are referred to and treated in foreign healthcare facilities. Most notably, it establishes an accountability framework for locally licensed medical referral agents.

Under the directive, agents are now legally required to compensate patients for harm arising from medical errors, professional negligence, or substandard care received in foreign hospitals. This provision addresses a long-standing gap, where patients previously had little or no legal recourse when malpractice occurred outside Ethiopia’s jurisdiction.

To enforce this obligation, the Ministry has tightened eligibility criteria for agents. Only licensed health professionals are permitted to operate as referral agents, and they must present verified documentation confirming that their partner institutions abroad hold recognized national or international quality certifications.

The directive also introduces stricter oversight measures. Agents who fail to adequately support patients or who misrepresent foreign medical facilities face administrative sanctions ranging from formal warnings to the revocation of their Certificate of Competence.

In addition, agents are required to provide continuous assistance throughout the patient’s treatment journey. If a foreign hospital refuses to treat a referred patient after arrival, the agent must notify the Ministry within one working day.

The new liability framework is expected to incentivize agents to conduct more rigorous due diligence when selecting foreign healthcare providers, while offering Ethiopian patients an added layer of protection when seeking treatment overseas.

Beyond regulating agents, the directive reinforces state control over outbound medical referrals. Patients must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry, supported by medical evidence demonstrating that the required treatment is unavailable domestically, that delays could result in irreversible harm, or that ongoing treatment abroad necessitates continuation.

Financial requirements have also been formalized. Patients must present proof of a minimum bank deposit of 500,000 Birr, which rises to one million Birr for transplant procedures.

Only designated comprehensive specialized hospitals—or, where unavailable, approved general hospitals—are authorized to issue foreign medical referral board certificates. These institutions are required to submit updated records of board members and their specimen signatures to the relevant authorities.

Overall, the directive marks a significant policy shift, strengthening patient protection while imposing stricter accountability and compliance standards across Ethiopia’s growing medical travel sector.

Opening the event, Ahmed Shide, minister of Finance, said climate action is central to the country’s development agenda. He described the forum as a key platform for South-South learning, while stressing that current financing falls far short of what is needed. Priority areas include climate-resilient agriculture, water security, renewable energy, sustainable land management, and resilient urban systems.

The opening also marked the launch of the Climate Investment Funds’ (CIF) Accelerating Resilience Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Economies (ARISE) program. The initiative will provide up to USD 40 million per country or 50 million for regional programs, with applications open until June 8, 2026.

According to Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, ARISE aims to mobilize public and private finance and embed resilience into national development strategies. Since 2008, CIF has invested over one billion dollars in resilience programs across more than 30 countries.

Gbadegesin warned that climate shocks are threatening billions of livelihoods and emphasized the need to scale up investment to protect economies and communities.

Alex Mubiru, director-general for East Africa at the African Development Bank Group, noted that Africa remains the most vulnerable yet underfunded region. He highlighted over USD 1.1 billion in CIF-backed projects across 28 African countries, leveraging around USD 10 billion in co-financing, and pointed to Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in 2027 as a key moment for the continent.

Dawit Alemu, project manager at the Ministry of Industry, told The Reporter that climate investments are already yielding results.

He noted that combined CIF and multilateral development bank investments have provided USD 32 million for “Nature and People” programs, with a strong multiplier effect generating USD 12 for every dollar invested.

Ethiopia is also among the top candidate countries competing for a USD 250 million CIF funding window, with only a few countries remaining in the final selection stage.

He said industrial decarbonization is advancing, with factories shifting from diesel and coal to electric systems, supported by Ethiopia’s renewable energy capacity. Circular economy efforts are also expanding, with up to 20 percent of steel inputs sourced from recycled scrap and around 30 percent of plastic waste reused.

On e-mobility, he noted that over 111,000 electric vehicles are now in use, mainly in Addis Ababa, with more than ten assembly plants operating across industrial hubs such as Debre Berhan, Dukem, and Bole Lemi. Green logistics are also improving, with the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway serving as a carbon-free transport corridor.

As Ethiopia prepares to host COP32, officials say scaling up finance and private sector engagement will be key to turning commitments into impact.

In an interview with The Reporter’s Sara Solomon, Tian Zhenke, general manager at CCCC First Highway Engineering in Ethiopia, discusses the company’s achievements, investment footprint, and long-term plans. He also reflects on efforts toward localization, knowledge transfer through a newly established research and development center, and the importance of cooperation with local firms amid ongoing industry challenges. EXCERPTS:

The Reporter: CCCC is one of the dominant foreign construction firms in Ethiopia. What is your current market share and what are your major achievements?

Tian Zhenke: CCCC has been active here for over 30 years, beginning with the Ring Road project. To date, we have completed more than 120 projects and currently have over 36 ongoing. We have delivered signature infrastructure such as the Addis Ababa–Adama Expressway, Bole Airport expansion projects, the Woldiya–Mekelle railway, and several industrial parks including Mekelle, Semera, Jimma, and Debre Birhan. Additionally, we have completed 70 percent of the municipal roads in Addis Ababa. Given our extensive portfolio, we play a decisive, dominant role in the sector; we are effectively the number one contractor in both the international and domestic markets in Ethiopia. Our contribution to Ethiopia is significant: we currently employ 10,000 people and have employed over 100,000 throughout our history here. These achievements demonstrate that under the Belt and Road Initiative, we are fulfilling our role effectively. Beyond infrastructure, we contribute to Ethiopian society by enhancing people-to-people cooperation, communication, and diplomatic ties between China and Ethiopia.

How many of those 10,000 employees are Ethiopians, as opposed to expatriates?

Of our current 10,000 employees, more than 9,300 are local, meaning our local content stands at a very high 93 percent. We aren’t just hiring laborers; many local employees hold high-level management positions. Our key personnel are Ethiopian. From management down to the labor level, that 93 percent local representation is something we are very proud of. We are blending with your society to the point that CCCC is practically a local contractor already. We aim to become even more localized; for example, my assistant is Ethiopian and is a key member of our team. We are putting localization into practice every day.

Regarding your achievements, have you registered any patents or do you have plans to do so?

We have already registered many intellectual properties. As a large company, this is essential. We must ensure that these high-level technologies are recognized as property that is properly registered and reserved. We handle this as a company in strict accordance with the norms, rules, and regulations of Ethiopia.

How do you secure projects in Ethiopia? Is it through competitive bidding or direct awards?

We are awarded contracts through international competitive tendering processes. We perform our duties and secure our work according to the established rules, norms, and regulations.

The Adey Ababa Stadium project is nearing completion. What are its key features and what contributed to the delays?

This will be a landmark project for both Ethiopia and the East African region. The stadium can accommodate 65,000 people, making it the largest in the country and the region. The project consists of three phases; we are currently in the second phase. Phase One was completed on time, and we are proceeding with phase two according to the schedule. For phase three, we are currently mobilizing resources with great care. We will complete this project and make the country proud. It will be a landmark that the people will feel a great sense of pride in whenever it is mentioned.

Can you provide an estimated completion date for the stadium?

If I am not mistaken, it should be completed sometime next year. That is a detail I would need to confirm specifically.

CCCC inaugurated a research and development center in Addis Ababa in January 2026. How vital is R&D to your operations?

It is critically important. It is a priority for companies like ours because it facilitates technical and knowledge transfer. This center is the practical application of that goal, as it is a technical hub where we will cultivate and train more people. We intend to train individuals in technical issues and modern construction methods. Many will benefit—specifically local employees—as they gain technical talent and capabilities through knowledge transfer. We are fulfilling our promise to the local community here. It is a strong start that we need to enhance to further deepen this type of development.

How much does your company invest annually in this R&D center?

The investment is substantial. When it comes to social contributions, we don’t focus on the cost. We don’t worry about the specific input or assets. We view this as a necessary investment in the cooperation between our two countries and the betterment of Ethiopian society. Helping people develop their skills is precious and, in my opinion, priceless.

Since CCCC began operations in Ethiopia, what is the total investment to date?

It is approximately ten billion dollars, by my estimation.

Generally speaking, are your projects financed by the Chinese government or through other mechanisms?

As a company, CCCC has its own social responsibilities, so we invest our own resources. We intend to stay here for another 100 years and want to continue working with your country, so we invest ourselves. We believe this is necessary and beneficial for Ethiopia and our employees. We embrace these social responsibilities as a company.

Regarding industry challenges like foreign exchange shortages and workforce constraints—how have these affected the industry and your specific operations?

These are indeed common challenges facing the entire construction industry, not just CCCC. However, where there are challenges, there are also opportunities. As a giant international firm, we view these as opportunities to develop and stabilize the industry. We aim to create standards and benchmarks to help the sector become more sustainable. Ultimately, we are moving in a good direction under this country’s leadership. The government and the people are working efficiently, actively, and energetically. This energy is where we see the most opportunity for the industry.

Local companies often worry about being overshadowed by foreign firms. How do you view the competition between local and international players?

In my view, international and domestic contractors should learn from one another. We should foster more cooperation to achieve mutual understanding and a “win-win” outcome. Local contractors have their own unique advantages, while international contractors bring technical advancements. By joining forces, we can overcome difficulties together. We are currently increasing our cooperation with local firms through joint ventures and consortia for bidding and tendering, such as with Stadia Consultants. Competition should not be the mainstream focus; cooperation should be. We must look at the big picture of boosting one another.

Regarding the R&D center and knowledge transfer, what recommendations do you have for local construction companies?

We should engage in mutual learning; local firms should recognize that technical talent is the priority. Through our CCCC workshops, we are boosting skill transfers. We need more platforms to facilitate this. CCCC is working hard to increase local content—not just by employing local people, but by procuring locally and partnering with local contractors. If we continue to learn from each other, it will boost the entire industry and help local contractors grow. A win-win situation is created when we prioritize local employment and mutual benefit.

How does the construction industry in Ethiopia compare to other countries where CCCC operates?

I have worked in more than 14 African countries over an 18-year career, so I feel qualified to answer. Ethiopia is a wonderful country with smart, friendly people. The industry and the workforce here are developing very well compared to other nations on the continent. I learn a lot from your people; I often tell my employees that I am still learning here. I am very happy to be here and hope to work another 30 years and eventually retire in Ethiopia.

How has the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) contributed to infrastructure growth in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa?

CCCC operates within the framework of the BRI, engaging in pragmatic cooperation. We are the primary implementers of these initiatives on the ground. The BRI benefits these countries and their people through the goal of “constructing and sharing together.” CCCC plays a decisive role in executing that vision of shared development.

In light of BRICS initiatives, what is the future plan for CCCC in Ethiopia and the broader region?

As mentioned, our plan is to stay for 100 years, which requires even deeper localization. We want to move toward projects involving advanced technologies, digital implementation, green development, and integrated systems. We are seeking more projects that emphasize intelligent and digital development. This will transform the country’s image and ensure mutual benefits for everyone involved.

The report, titled The State of the World’s Human Rights, presents a global and regional overview alongside country-specific assessments. Amnesty said it documented widespread violations by governments and other actors in 2025, including systemic injustices and accountability gaps, with many trends continuing into 2026 despite limited areas of progress.

In its Africa overview, the organization noted that the African Union’s 2014 goal to eliminate hunger and food insecurity by 2025 remained unmet. It added that governments across the continent increasingly treated protests as security threats, while conflict and climate-related disasters continued to displace millions.

In Ethiopia, the report highlights large-scale displacements linked to urban development initiatives, including the government’s Corridor Development Project Ethiopia. According to Amnesty, thousands of residents were evicted with as little as 72 hours’ notice, often with limited consultation or compensation.

Authorities have since announced a temporary suspension of the project in parts of Addis Ababa and pledged to improve engagement with affected communities.

Amnesty also pointed to mounting pressure on civic space, citing arbitrary arrests of journalists and harassment of activists. Proposed amendments to civil society legislation were flagged as potentially restricting foreign funding and expanding executive oversight of organizations, raising concerns over freedom of association.

The report flagged the arrest of more than 140 medical workers during nationwide strikes over pay and working conditions, with some detained for weeks.

In conflict-affected regions such as Amhara and Oromia, Amnesty said violations persisted, while the transitional justice process remained stalled nearly three years after its announcement. It added that no meaningful progress had been made toward accountability for crimes committed during the Tigray conflict.

Women and girls, the report noted, continue to face gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence, with limited access to justice and support services.

Concerns were also raised over the treatment of refugees, with Amnesty reporting that at least 600 Eritrean refugees were forcibly returned, exposing them to risks of detention and abuse upon arrival.

The organization concluded that these developments reflect broader challenges related to governance, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The Ethiopian government has previously stated that development projects are aimed at improving infrastructure and living standards. It has also pointed to ongoing reform efforts, including plans to implement transitional justice measures following the completion of the agenda-setting phase by the National Dialogue Commission.

“The Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state,” reads a statement issued by the AU Commission yesterday in response to Israel’s appointment of its first ambassador to Somaliland last week.

On April 15, 2026, Israel appointed Michael Lotem, former ambassador to Kenya, as its first non-resident ambassador to the Republic of Somaliland, four months after becoming the first to recognize Somaliland.

The governments of a dozen countries, including Somalia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt, have condemned the move, characterizing it as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

The first session, held on April 16, 2026, under the theme “The Role of the Civil Service Sector in Advancing Good Governance in Ethiopia,” brought together representatives from the Prosperity Party (PP), Ethiopian Social Democratic Party (ESDP), and Freedom and Equality Party (FEP) to assess the state of institutional neutrality and present their respective positions.

Civil Service Commission chief and ruling party representative Mekuria Haile (PhD) acknowledged existing challenges in the sector but attributed them largely to structural and capacity-related limitations. He identified a skills gap among civil servants, weak work culture, and the government’s limited capacity to offer competitive salaries as key constraints.

Mekuria noted that efforts are underway to improve service delivery, highlighting the Mesob One-Stop Service Center as a successful initiative. He added that the government plans to expand access to such services through additional branches.

Kemal Seid of the FEP, however, argued that the civil service lacks institutional neutrality and is significantly shaped by political considerations. He stated that promotions, benefits, and overall structure within the sector are influenced by political affiliation, undermining effective service delivery. He acknowledged that digitalization efforts, including the Mesob One-Stop initiative, are a positive step, but noted that usage remains limited due to the small number of available branches.

Rahel Bafe (PhD), chairperson of the Ethiopian Social Democratic Party, linked these concerns to broader governance challenges. She argued that the growing number of political parties reflects systemic governance shortcomings and criticized ongoing civil service reforms as destabilizing. According to Rahel, frequent restructuring has prevented professionals from developing practical experience and institutional continuity. She further alleged that recruitment, training, and appointments are driven by political loyalty rather than merit or inclusiveness.

Rahel also claimed that corruption has become institutionalized, stating that “corruption is now considered a right and is conducted officially, with transactions increasingly occurring through formal financial systems.”

She added that basic public services such as electricity and water are being delivered at costs that many citizens cannot afford, despite being locally produced.

Participants from civil society organizations, research institutions, and higher education institutions echoed concerns about political interference, emphasizing the need to strengthen institutional independence.

Yohannes Kidane of Pioneers of Change Africa warned that the sector is at risk due to entrenched corruption, the dominance of ruling party affiliates within institutions, and declining professionalism. He stressed that the civil service remains a determining factor in a country’s development and called for reforms that ensure integrity, competence, and independence from political pressure.

India Shafi from the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council questioned whether genuine political neutrality is possible in a system where the distinction between the ruling party and the government is unclear. She noted that civil servants affiliated with opposition parties often feel unable to openly express their support, citing fear of repercussions. In contrast, she claimed that those aligned with the ruling party tend to receive greater access to promotions and educational opportunities.

Responding to concerns raised during the discussion, Mekuria pointed to a new proclamation aimed at addressing political influence within the civil service. He said both the government and the ruling party recognize the need for reform, adding that the updated legal framework emphasizes the importance of a free, fair, and independent civil service. He also cautioned that prohibiting civil servants from political party membership could adversely affect both ruling and opposition parties.

On corruption, Mekuria described it as a shared responsibility between the government and society, stating that petty corruption is more prevalent while large-scale corruption remains limited.

Addressing concerns over low salaries, he noted that the government has allocated over 290 billion Birr within the last two years for salary increases. However, he clarified that adjustments made over the past two years were primarily aimed at offsetting inflation rather than significantly improving real income levels.

The update was shared during a project closing and learning workshop organized by Timran, a CSO engaged in political empowerment, in Addis Ababa on April 14, 2026. The event marked the conclusion of a six-month initiative aimed at enhancing women’s participation in transitional justice under the theme “Women Lead Peace and Justice.”

Speaking at the workshop, National Human Rights Monitoring Directorate Director Awol Sultan said the government is moving toward implementation, with the legal framework currently under development. He noted that lessons from both domestic initiatives and international experience-sharing programs will be incorporated.

Awol said the framework will include a truth-seeking commission, a special prosecutor, institutional reform mechanisms, and an independent jury system. He added that provisions will be introduced to ensure women’s leadership and participation through quota arrangements.

According to him, implementation will begin once the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission completes its agenda-setting phase. He also stressed the importance of strengthening civil society organizations and ensuring their active engagement throughout the process.

The workshop also highlighted outcomes from Timran’s six-month project, which was financially supported by the UN Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund and technically backed by the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy.

Presenting the results, Program Manager Kidist Getachew said the initiative aimed to equip a diverse group of women, including parliamentarians, human rights advocates, civil society representatives, political party members, women in leadership, and conflict survivors, with the knowledge needed to engage in transitional justice processes.

She said the project was implemented between October 2025 and March 2026 across Addis Ababa and seven regional states: Amhara, Oromia, Afar, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, Central Ethiopia, and Somali.

A total of 91 women received training on transitional justice, with reported improvements in their understanding following the sessions.

Kidist cited varying levels of prior knowledge among participants, limited training time, and the sensitivity of the subject, particularly among survivors, as key challenges encountered during implementation.

Timran also shared lessons from an experience-sharing visit to Liberia. Founder Bilen Asrat said a 10-member delegation, comprising representatives from government institutions, survivors, and civil society, participated in the three-day program.

The delegation held discussions with 13 institutions involved in Liberia’s transitional justice process, including government bodies, international organizations, civil society groups, and survivor associations. Bilen noted that Liberia was selected as a case study due to its efforts to promote women’s participation in transitional justice.

She also pointed out that Liberia’s process experienced delays between 2009 and 2023, partly due to political challenges, including the involvement of senior leadership figures in past abuses and the absence of full accountability measures.

The workshop underscored a shift toward implementation of Ethiopia’s transitional justice policy, with a growing emphasis on institutional setup, lessons from international experiences, and inclusive participation, particularly of women.