This report gives an overview of the legal frameworks pertaining to the regulation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the greater Horn of Africa, ongoing political and economic transformation, as well as the increasing tension and dynamism between governments and CSOs. It focuses deliberately on the shortcomings affecting the growth and contributions of the NGO sector to the general population. It further presents an array of opportunities and threats, as well as successes and challenges, that the NGO sector is now facing.
With the ultimate aim of assisting in the development of effective civil society engagement, which in turn promotes the enjoyment of human rights and development across Africa, the report
discusses the existing national normative, institutional, collaborative and financial frameworks regulating governance. More importantly, it identifies existing shortcomings in these frameworks
and offers recommendations to address them.
The report is expected to influence, shape and change the relevant legal frameworks by engaging, lobbying and advising governments, regional and continental governance institutions, as well as development partners. The findings and recommendations in the report primarily target institutions with appropriate mandates in regulating CSO action at the national level, and regionally via the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), and the African Union (AU). Moreover, CSOs, international organizations and development partners may draw lessons from these findings and recommendations in their engagement with regional and national stakeholders.
