Supreme Court president says Judiciary contributing in democratic process

Addis Ababa, June 15, 2021 (FBC) – President of the Supreme Court of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Meaza Ashenafi today stated that time has come for the judiciary to contribute in the democratic process and to continue increasing the positive impact of courts in democracy.

The Federal Supreme Court has today discussed the Federal Courts’ Five Years Strategic Plan (SP) with various stakeholders.

It has been highlighted on the discussion that ensuring the independence and impartiality of the judiciary has been the goal of reform works which is integrated into the Strategic Plan.

The Reform agenda that has been implemented in the last three years enables federal courts to take concrete action to bring forth sustainable systemic and cultural changes by laying a strong foundation for and independent and accountable judiciary, access to justice, legal literacy, and modern court services.

Institutional independence, independence of judges, increasing accountability, speedy disposal of cases, investment in technology, gender diversity, prevalence of check and and partnerships established with international development partners such as UNDP, USAID  and Open Society Foundation have been considered as major achievements registered in the legal sector during the last years.

Challenges including prevalence of the COVID 19 pandemic, historical mistrust, politicization, peace and security, limited public legal awareness have been identified as problems that must be addressed through concerted efforts to the future.