USAID-Supported Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Prohibited from Transferring Assets and Funds.

The Authority for Civil Society Organizations has urged Ethiopian civil society organizations receiving financial assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) not to transfer or sell assets and funds without the authority’s express permission. The official also warned that action will be taken against any organizations that disregard this notice.

The authority, which has the power to monitor and control civil society organizations, issued this directive in an urgent statement on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The statement addresses the decision of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to halt aid.

Following an order by US President Donald Trump, who took office last month, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended aid and support worldwide. It was also stated that the Trump administration plans to bring the institute under the purview of the country’s foreign affairs office.

In the 2023 fiscal year alone, America provided 72 billion dollars in support to various countries, including Ethiopia. According to data from the US State Department, USAID has provided humanitarian assistance worth 3.6 billion birr since 2020 to address the damage caused by conflict and climate change in Ethiopia.

The aid organization has also invested 154 million dollars annually to strengthen Ethiopia’s national health system. In addition, the organization announced its commitment to supporting civil society organizations and enhancing the capacity of the media.

In a statement released yesterday, the authority for Ethiopian civil society organizations acknowledged the decision to stop aid by the American aid organization. The authority also announced that it is closely monitoring the decision to terminate the institution’s aid and will provide necessary support and follow-up based on detailed conditions.

However, following this decision, the authority warned Ethiopian civil society organizations that receive US aid not to make any changes to their assets and funds. The authority urged these organizations not to transfer, remove, or sell property without the express consent of the office. “We strongly emphasize that it is forbidden to transfer resources and money to third parties in any way other than those related to normal project operations,” the statement said, announcing additional prohibitions.

The authority also stated that it will take appropriate action against any civil society organizations that act in violation of this warning.