Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Ethiopian Ministry of Justice has announced significant reforms to strengthen the justice system and bolster democratic institutions. State Minister of Justice Belayihun Yirga told ENA that the reforms represent a break from past practices, which saw institutions revise their own frameworks. The current reform, he said involved a neutral consultative council established by the Ministry of Justice. The process has led to the revision of outdated and restrictive laws, including those related to trade and criminal matters, which had remained unchanged for over six decades.
Belayihun highlighted progress in governance systems, noting that the executive branch had previously lacked the willingness to implement reforms that would limit its powers. The current reform, he explained, has closed this gap through expert-driven restructuring and institutional reforms. The state minister emphasized steps taken to ensure judicial independence, noting that courts can now have their budgets approved directly by parliament, free from executive interference. This, he said has enhanced the practical independence of the judiciary.
The reforms also extend to democratic institutions, with the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia conducting the sixth general election independently under revised rules and preparing for the seventh election within the same framework. Additionally, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has gained greater autonomy following amendments to its governing proclamations.
Attention is also being given to traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, with efforts underway to leverage indigenous knowledge and social values in conflict resolution. On the international front, Belayihun said Ethiopia has strengthened collaboration with various countries in the justice sector, including China, Brazil, and Algeria, reflecting increased global engagement in the sector.
Source: allafrica
