Ethiopia’s 27-year EPRDF regime was marked by systematic human rights violations. Following the political transition in April 2018 and the devastating northern conflict (2020-2022), a comprehensive transitional justice (TJ) process was launched. This article critically analyzes the ongoing TJ process, focusing on its legal and institutional frameworks. Employing a qualitative research design, it examines the strengths and weaknesses of the National Transitional Justice Policy, its alignment with the Pretoria Agreement, the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP), and the EHRC-OHCHR joint report. The article identifies significant legal gaps, such as the policy’s lack of inclusiveness, the contested decision to use a special bench within existing courts rather than a new, independent court, and its inability to effectively address international actors’ crimes. It further explores institutional challenges, including the government’s perceived lack of impartiality, insufficient funding, ongoing conflicts in Amhara and Oromia, and the credibility crisis of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. The article argues that for the
TJ process to be successful, it must be inclusive, establish a truly independent judicial mechanism, and integrate international legal standards. The analysis concludes by proposing recommendations for a more contextually appropriate and effective pathway to justice and reconciliation in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Transitional Justice, Ethiopia, Transitional Justice Policy, National Dialogue, Gross Human Rights Violations