Ethopia: Civil Society Authority suspends CARD, citing ‘lack of political neutrality’; rights group ‘categorically contests’ allegations

Addis Abeba– The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) has suspended the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), citing allegations of “activities deemed contrary to the interests of the country” and a “lack of political neutrality.”

In a letter reviewed by Addis Standard, ACSO stated, “It was confirmed through supervisory and evaluation tasks that the organization, which is expected to operate independently from politics, has engaged in activities that harm the national interest.”

The…