Ethiopia has experienced marked human rights progress since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in April 2018. The government released prisoners of conscience, initiated reform of repressive laws, shut a prison renowned for torture, and arrested and charged former officials suspected of human rights violations. But the country faces significant challenges ahead of elections slated for 2020, including rising tensions, conflict along ethnic lines, and accountability for past and present human rights violations. To consolidate progress amidst these challenges, the government needs to expedite systemic reform of key institutions.
