In a strategic move to address lingering governance and security challenges across Ethiopia’s regional states, the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) has amended the landmark Proclamation No. 395/2003.
This revision seeks to enhance the federal government’s capacity to intervene in regional affairs when peace, security, and constitutional order are at stake, particularly in times of political crisis and humanitarian concern.
The updated proclamation introduces more flexibility in establishing provisional administrations in troubled regions and extends the timeframe for such governance to a maximum of two years with a possible one-year extension granted by the Speaker of the House of Federation (HoF) when circumstances warrant it. This marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that the federal government can respond more effectively to emerging threats without undermining regional autonomy.
The HoPR’s Legal and Justice Affairs Standing Committee Vice Chairperson Essa Boru emphasized the necessity of the amendment during a recent interview with Gazette Plus. He noted that the revised proclamation is essential for tackling entrenched political and security challenges, particularly in regions that have experienced prolonged unrest.
“This amendment empowers the federal government to act decisively when regional administrations are overwhelmed or fail to uphold peace and constitutional order,” Essa stated. “It not only addresses previous legal gaps but also ensures that interventions are carried out within the framework of constitutional rights and in coordination with regional authorities.”
Referencing the Tigray conflict, Essa acknowledged that the earlier version of the law lacked the adaptability needed to navigate the intricacies of such crises. The new provision, he argued, strengthens the federal system by offering clear, actionable guidelines for intervention without encroaching on regional self-rule.
Chief Government Whip Minister Tesfaye Beljige (PhD) also underscored the amendment’s importance, describing the previous proclamation as overly rigid and ineffective in responding to real-time crises. “The former framework often delayed critical intervention, allowing human rights abuses and the breakdown of law and order to persist in some regional states,” he remarked.
Tesfaye clarified that under the new proclamation, a provisional administration may be installed when a regional government is unable to function effectively. If elections to re-establish a regular regional government are not held within four months following annulment, the Federation Speaker is authorized to extend the interim period. This mechanism ensures continuity in governance without compromising constitutional values.
Legal expert Amdegebriel Admasu praised the amendment as a “timely and necessary” measure, especially given the current political crossroads faced by both the federal and state governments. “This is more than a legal adjustment—it’s a guiding principle for sustainable governance,” he explained.
Amdegebriel highlighted that the revised law could help avert future crises by providing the federal government with a clear mandate to act in defense of constitutional norms, while also ensuring that such actions are temporary, purposeful, and subject to oversight. He also stressed the importance of fostering dialogue and preemptive consultations between federal and regional actors to minimize the need for intervention.
The new proclamation also includes directives for provisional administrations to work toward resolving the root causes of federal intervention. This includes not only restoring order but also laying the groundwork for long-term peace and institutional resilience.
As Ethiopia continues to navigate its complex federal structure, this revised legal instrument is poised to serve as a vital tool for balancing regional self-governance with national unity. It reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights while respecting the autonomy of states striking a delicate but necessary balance in a time of transformative political transition.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19, July 2025
