Ethiopia is experiencing a sense of optimism over prospects for a democratic opening. Since becoming Prime Minister on April 2, Abiy Ahmed has promised, and in some cases taken steps to implement, political and economic reforms.
The Ethiopian government lifted the State of Emergency, initiated reviews of the Charities and Societies Proclamation and the Anti-Terror Proclamation, opened state enterprises to private sector investment and released thousands of political prisoners, including high-profile opposition 
leaders and journalists. Prime Minister Abiy (right) held dialogues with Ethiopians countrywide, met with opposition party leaders, welcomed the return of diaspora leaders, called for national reconciliation, and agreed to implement the Algiers Agreement and normalize relations with Eritrea.
The National Endowment for Democracy
invites you to a discussion of current developments in Ethiopia
featuring remarks by:
Scott Busby
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
and a conversation with:
Yoseph Badwaza
Senior Program Officer, Freedom House
Sarah Margon, Washington Director, Human Rights Watch
Ameha Mekonnen, Ameha Mekonnen and Associates Law Office; Chairman, Human Rights Council
moderated by
Lauren Ploch Blanchard, Specialist in African Affairs, Congressional Research Service
Wednesday, July 25, 2018. 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
1025 F Street N.W., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004
