Rapid Legal Changes Expose Gaps In Ethiopia’s Lawmaking System, Study Finds

August 10, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Frequent amendments, repeals and inconsistencies in Ethiopia’s laws are exposing weaknesses in the country’s lawmaking system, with rushed legislation and fragmented legal procedures undermining stability and predictability, a study by the Federal Justice and Law Institute has found. The study, as reported by Tikvah Ethiopia, found that the country lacks a comprehensive policy governing legislative stability and an integrated legal framework covering the process from drafting legislation through implementation and monitoring.

It examined all proclamations passed by the House of Peoples’ Representatives between 2018 and 2026 and compared the country’s legislative system with experiences from Botswana, Ghana and South Africa. Among the cases identified was Proclamation No. 1263/2021, which repealed 18 proclamations and 35 regulations. The study also found instances in which laws were amended in the same year they were enacted, including legislation governing the Ethiopian News Service and excise tax.

In one case cited by the study, a provision concerning the laundering of proceeds obtained through illegal means was amended only one week after it was enacted after concerns that it contained a human rights violation. The study said such cases reflected weaknesses in legislative review and drafting. The report found that some subordinate laws, particularly in the tax sector, were issued without adequate review, while some directives were not readily accessible. It also identified conflicting provisions between proclamations and cases in which lower-level laws conflicted with higher laws or the Constitution.

The study linked the instability to the rapid pace of legislative activity following the political changes that began in 2018. It said laws enacted in haste had limited consultation with the public and professionals, potentially making it harder for investors to make long-term decisions and reducing citizens’ understanding of their rights and obligations. Although laws are inherently subject to change as they govern relations between society and government, the study said legislation should maintain quality, clarity, consistency, predictability and continuity.

It found that Ethiopia’s existing legal framework includes the Constitution, Regulation No. 6/2016 and Proclamation No. 1263/2021, among other instruments, but said these do not provide a unified system governing the entire legislative process. Instead, procedures are spread across separate and fragmented directives. The study identified six institutional pillars as essential to legislative stability: effective constitutional supremacy, an effective separation and balance of powers, strong parliamentary committee structures, professional legislative drafting capacity, meaningful public participation and independent judicial review.

It found several institutional weaknesses in Ethiopia, including shortages of qualified professionals, poor coordination among institutions, insufficient leadership attention and the absence of a consistent legislative drafting system. The report also identified some existing mechanisms as strengths, including a three-stage review and reading process, the Ministry of Justice’s review role, the presence of a legal centre and advisers, and the recently established executive responsible for legal reform and oversight at the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

Drawing on the experiences of Ghana, South Africa and Botswana, the study recommended strengthening parliamentary committees, expanding professional legislative drafting capacity and institutionalising participation by public, cultural and religious representatives. It also recommended developing an integrated policy and comprehensive legal framework for lawmaking, establishing an independent law commission, introducing legislative drafting training and curricula at universities, and establishing a system to ensure subordinate legislation is consistent with proclamations. The study further called for clearer judicial authority to interpret constitutional compatibility, safeguards for the autonomy of the lawmaking process from external influence and measures to insulate legislation from political confrontation.

Source: FSX Business News