Member of Parliament Dr. Dessalegn Chanie has voiced strong opposition to the recently passed Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code Proclamation, arguing that the new law compromises the administrative independence of Addis Ababa. The legislation, which was approved by the House of Peoples’ Representatives on Thursday, April 2, 2026, replaces a procedural framework that has governed the Ethiopian justice system for more than six decades. While the government has praised the bill for modernizing evidence standards and legal proceedings after a six-year drafting process, the approval was marked by a vocal dissent from Dr. Dessalegn and fellow lawmaker Dr. Ababaw Desalew.
The primary focus of the controversy centers on Article 25, specifically a sub-article that grants the Oromia Regional State’s judiciary power over certain crimes committed within the capital city. Under this new provision, cases involving Oromia’s regional institutions, properties, or interests located in Addis Ababa may now be adjudicated by Oromia regional courts. Dr. Dessalegn characterized this as a significant departure from standard federal principles, stating that judicial authority is traditionally tied to territorial boundaries. He expressed concern that allowing a regional government to exercise legal power outside its borders creates a system of judicial overlap that undermines the sovereignty of the chartered city.
Furthermore, the lawmaker challenged the constitutional basis for the provision, specifically referencing the “special interest” of the Oromia State in Addis Ababa as defined in Article 49 of the Ethiopian Constitution. Dr. Dessalegn argued that while the constitution allows for cooperation on resources and social services, it does not grant regional police or courts jurisdiction within the capital. He warned that the ambiguity of the new code could lead to significant confusion regarding which law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigations and which specific penal laws will be applied in these overlapping cases.
The MP also highlighted the political atmosphere surrounding the vote, noting that the proclamation passed with only two dissenting voices. He criticized representatives from other major political groups, including the Amhara Prosperity Party and Ezema, for not opposing the article despite the potential risks to the federal structure. While the executive branch maintains that the code is a vital step toward a more efficient and transparent judicial process, critics suggest that the inclusion of Article 25 may lead to a permanent shift in the legal relationship between the federal government, the capital, and regional states. The law is now expected to face immediate implementation, though legal analysts anticipate that the jurisdictional changes could eventually be subject to a constitutional challenge.
