Addis Ababa, January 8, 2020 (FBC) – Agency for Civic Society Organizations (ACSO) stated that it has registered over 1000 new local and foreign Civic Society Organizations (CSOs) over last year.
The number of CSOs registered to operate in Ethiopia in various fields over the last year has surpassed those which had been inscribed during the preceding five years.
The amendment of the restrictive civil society law has contributed to the increase of number of CSOs which have been joining the sector, it is indicated.
ACSO Communication and Public Relations Team Leader Ahmed Mahmud told EPA most of the registered organizations are local.
The widening of space in the sector will further contribute to the democratization process and promote the rights of their members, he said.
The amended law encourages CSOs to operate without restrictions in democracy and other development issues, Ahmed underlined.
The sector gives a chance for organizations to raise funds from any lawful sources without requesting approval from the Agency, according to Ahmed.
Ahmed further underscored that the amended law also provides the right for all organizations to engage in all lawful activities to accomplish the objectives.