Accra:Civil society organizations across Africa are facing mounting challenges that complicate their operations, including issues with registration laws, donor withdrawals, and new surveillance rules. These challenges collectively hinder the ability of civil society to function effectively.
According to Cameroon News Agency, in Morocco, the failure of authorities to issue final registration documents has excluded active groups from opportunities essential for their work. Latifa Soufiani from Espace Associatif highlights a gap between law and practice, where local authorities sometimes refuse to issue the necessary documents, turning legal recognition into an obstacle for associative action.
In countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic, temporary registration papers can expire before official approval is completed, further complicating matters for organizations that depend on donor funds. These challenges are compounded by donor due-diligence rules, which may reject organizations lacking proper documentation.
The Forus report titled "Strengthening the Enabling Environment for Civil Society Evidence and Priorities for Action" underscores the shrinking space for civil society, even in regions where formal rights are in place. The report draws from the experiences of 76 national NGO platforms and 8 regional civil society coalitions, with data from the EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE) across 86 countries. It highlights that technical rules such as registration requirements and foreign funding controls progressively narrow the operational space for civil society organizations.
Donor decisions also play a significant role in shaping the enabling environment for civil society. Abrupt funding cuts and rigid compliance requirements can harm organizations' ability to function and advocate effectively. After the 2025 freeze of US assistance, a significant number of organizations reported a direct impact, with many losing substantial portions of their budgets. Chris Nkwatsibwe from the Uganda National NGO Forum emphasizes the need for civil society to remain independent, questioning the kind of financing that would allow them to do so in restrictive environments.
The Forus report advocates for early-warning systems to identify potential restrictions and encourage timely action from Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members and other stakeholders. This entails consistent government policies where development commitments are not undermined by security or digital regulations that restrict independent organizing.
The report concludes that African civil society is seeking conditions conducive to independent planning and action, rather than protection from scrutiny. The evidence presented offers a roadmap for DAC members to support a thriving civil society in Africa.