KEYIR NEWS - The Federal Supreme Court has unveiled a new procedural guideline governing the enforcement of judgments within federal courts, marking a significant reform in Ethiopia’s judicial system. The directive, which came into effect on 30 August, is already under implementation, the Court confirmed in a statement on Friday.
The guideline sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Courts’ Enforcement Office, the body tasked with implementing judicial decisions after disputes between judgment creditors and debtors have been resolved. By providing detailed procedures, the new framework is designed to strengthen compliance with court orders and ensure that judgments are enforced in a manner that is fair, transparent, and efficient.
According to the Supreme Court, the reform is aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in the execution of court decisions. In the past, delays, procedural inconsistencies, and limited oversight in the enforcement process have undermined public trust in the justice system.
The Court emphasised that the guideline not only provides clarity on the duties of enforcement officers but also reinforces the principle of accountability in carrying out judicial orders.
A key feature of the guideline is the introduction of a structured complaint-handling and resolution mechanism. This allows parties facing difficulties during the enforcement of judgments to lodge complaints, which must then be addressed through the procedures established in the directive.
The Court underlined that this provision is intended to protect the rights of both judgment creditors and debtors, ensuring that neither side suffers undue prejudice during the execution process.
Legal experts have welcomed the move as a positive step towards strengthening rule of law and judicial integrity. “Enforcement has long been the Achilles’ heel of Ethiopia’s justice system,” one legal scholar told Keyir News.
“The adoption of a clear and transparent framework can significantly improve confidence in the judiciary, as justice does not end with the issuance of a judgment, it must be effectively implemented.”
The Court highlighted three primary objectives of the guideline: ensuring that court judgments are carried out effectively; safeguarding the rights of litigants during enforcement; and fostering public trust by demonstrating transparency and fairness in judicial administration. By institutionalising these standards, the judiciary aims to bridge the gap between legal pronouncements and their practical realisation.
Observers note that the reform comes at a critical juncture, as Ethiopia seeks to modernise its justice sector amid wider institutional reforms. The government has repeatedly stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law as part of its state-building and governance agenda.
The Supreme Court’s initiative is expected to contribute to these broader efforts by reducing friction in the judicial process and curbing the inefficiencies that have historically plagued enforcement.
While the guideline represents progress, its long-term impact will depend on consistent application and proper resourcing of the Enforcement Office. The coming months are expected to reveal how effectively the new system addresses complaints and whether it can serve as a model for regional and lower-level courts across the country.