Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Civil Society Organizations Authority has issued an urgent statement outlining new directives in response to the recent suspension of aid by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Authority reaffirmed that civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia are permitted to raise funds from any legal source and operate for lawful and ethical purposes, as stipulated under the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2011. However, it emphasized that organizations must ensure their resources are used in compliance with the law and for the public good.

The statement highlighted that the Authority is actively monitoring the implications of USAID’s funding suspension and will provide necessary support and oversight as the situation develops.

Furthermore, CSOs currently receiving USAID funding have been strictly prohibited from transferring, disposing of, or selling assets, as well as from transferring funds to third parties for non-project-related purposes without prior authorization from the Authority. The directive underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the sector and ensuring transparency in the use of funds.

The Authority warned that any organization found violating this directive will face appropriate legal consequences.

This development comes as Ethiopia navigates shifting international aid dynamics, with potential impacts on numerous humanitarian and development projects across the country.