Ethiopia: Ethiopia's Governance Trajectory Shows 'Warning Signs' Despite Modest Gains: Ibrahim Index

What the report says

Ethiopia has posted only modest gains in governance over the past decade, but its overall path is described as showing “warning signs,” according to the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance cited by Addis Standard and distributed by AllAfrica. The latest assessment ranks Ethiopia 30th out of 54 African countries and says its overall score rose slightly between 2016 and 2025, even as several core indicators weakened.

The report points to deterioration in security, rule of law and rights. Security and Rule of Law fell over the decade, with sharp drops in security and safety, rule of law and justice, and absence of armed conflict. Rights indicators also declined, including protection against discrimination and media freedom. The article says the index’s broader warning reflects a fragile domestic environment alongside Ethiopia’s regional ambitions, including concerns about tensions tied to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push for access to a Red Sea port.

At the same time, the index records improvements in some areas. Ethiopia gained in accountability and transparency, gender equality, regional integration and infrastructure, and it was noted for strong youth representation in parliament. The country also ranked well on some perception-based measures, including rule of law and accountability. Overall, the article presents Ethiopia as a country with selective progress but a troubling recent trajectory in security, rights and institutional performance.