Addis Ababa, April 25, 2024 (Addis Walta) The BRICS bloc would bring an immense opportunity to engage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from member countries and foster their capacities, according to Ethiopia’s Authority for Civil Society Organizations.
The authority added that in addition to enhancing civic engagement and influencing policy and decision-making capacities of civil society organizations, The BRICS alliance is critical and can create an opportunity for CSOs of the member countries through exchange of experience and financing.
Ethiopia’s Authority for Civil Society Organizations held discussions with Russia’s civil society experts and various civil associations of the BRICS alliance.
Deputy Director-General of Authority for Civil Society Organizations, Fasika Mola said the Ethiopian government has given special attention to civil society organizations to create an enabling environment and engage them freely as part of the ongoing far-reaching reforms.
Ethiopia has recently made political reform by significantly revising various laws and proclamations that stifled the free engagement of civic society.
Recall Ethiopia was criticized for clamping down on democratic initiatives and actions, however, the country has been experiencing a renewed initiative for political reform and better civil society engagement over the past years.
As a result of the reform, a favorable environment has been created for civil society organizations that would help them play a significant role in the country’s democratization process and overall national development endeavors.
Since Ethiopia is part of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group of emerging economies, Fasika noted that the East African nation will have an opportunity to ensure its benefits globally and to strengthen civil society organizations.
The deputy director-general further explained that Ethiopia’s relationship with Russia and other BRICS member countries is imperative for its civil society organizations to exchange experiences and maximize their financial capacity.