Ethiopia NGO-Reporter

ivities, in order to encourage informed public debate. The Ethiopian Civil Society, which was started as systematized voluntary relief and development organizations over the past three to four decades have been growing into self-sufficient and productive third sector. Until recent decades, the activities of the sector were typically and sympathetically associated with the successful accomplishments of voluntary life saving, rehabilitation and development engagements. There successful track records have lead to official recognition of the sector, mobilization of public support and enabled to pull through casual frictions encountered with government bodies and other contemporary problems. Nevertheless, all the ethical, administrative, transparency and lack of proactive communication of non-state actors towards the people combined with the alleged covert political activism, terrorism and clandestine activities carried out under the guise of NGO operation has created deep suspicion with the government and dissatisfaction among the people. As a result, the situation is leading to stringent legal framework and tougher operational environment. The promulgation of the latest NGO law is anticipated to put the sector into difficult situation. At present the Ethiopian Civil Society is getting divided into categories, loosing its influence and rightful place in the national arena. If continued this might curtail the futurity of the sector as a whole. In order to fight such a down turn move and reshape public and government opinion about the sector we need strong and proactive media campaign which voices the concerns of the sector, raises awareness about the role and contribution of the sector, redress misconceptions & misunderstandings, communicates the Vision-Mission and objective of the sector. Through such media approach we need to unite the sector, create a forum of debate and information exchange, build image and revive the declining influence of the sector, promote ethical practices, promote current GO-NGO relations and defend, avoid any association with illegal and unethical practices.