In 1942, a pivotal Order was issued. It meticulously outlined the organizational structure and responsibilities of various ministries within the Ethiopian government. This foundational document provided a clear framework for governance. Its following amendments enhanced this structure during a significant period in the nation’s history.
At the helm of this structure was the Prime Minister, established as the chief minister. This individual was directly accountable to the Emperor and the government. The diligent execution of ministerial duties, programs, and laws was expected. They wielded the necessary powers to implement them effectively. The Emperor held the sole authority for the appointment and removal of the Prime Minister. The Emperor appointed other ministers based on the Prime Minister’s recommendation. This process also extended to high-ranking government officials above the rank of Assistant Minister. The Emperor appointed them in consultation with the relevant minister.
Ministers were vested with considerable authority to manage their respective ministries. This included the power to enter into agreements. They could incur expenses within their allocated budgets. All actions were in adherence to the revised constitution and other prevailing laws. Each minister directly reported to the Prime Minister. Through him, they reported to the Emperor and the government. This structure ensured the legal compliance and efficient execution of their ministry’s work. Furthermore, ministers were responsible for preparing necessary legal drafts. These drafts ensured the proper functioning of their ministries. Ministers also issued regulations in accordance with the laws governing their specific responsibilities. They could also issue administrative regulations for their ministries’ day-to-day operations, as permitted by the laws of the Imperial Government. If a minister was absent or unable to perform their duties, the highest-ranking official within that ministry would take over the management of the ministry’s affairs. This official, commonly a Deputy Minister or higher, was authorized to participate and vote in the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers itself was defined as the collective body of all ministers, with shared responsibility for their decisions. The Prime Minister chaired this council. It served as the central forum for deliberation. It was where decision-making on all matters presented before it took place. Policy decisions emanating from the council were ultimately submitted to the Emperor through the Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers was responsible for establishing its own operating procedures. It maintained its own secretariat. The Emperor appointed the chief secretary of the secretariat upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
The Order meticulously established and delineated the duties of several key ministries. The Ministry of Community Development and Social Affairs took on the task of planning public life development. This included self-help and mutual aid initiatives for urban and rural populations. They executed these initiatives through research, education, and creating experimental centers. Its social welfare mandate included developing programs for the self-sufficiency and support of the poor and physically disabled. It aimed to support those facing social problems and victims of natural disasters or unforeseen circumstances.
This ministry collaborated with other ministries to guide juvenile offenders towards positive social lives. It established specialized organizations for their rehabilitation through education. The ministry actively guided and encouraged youth recreation programs. In the realm of employer and employee relations, it handled job placement programs. It also ensured protection from accidents and illness. It was involved in improving working conditions and regulating the work of women and children. It encouraged Ethiopians to pursue modern knowledge and technical skills. It registered and supported labor and employer unions. It facilitated the resolution of disputes between employers and employees. Finally, it fostered the creation, encouragement, and oversight of cooperative societies.
The Ministry of Public Health was tasked with protecting and expanding public health across the Empire. Its duties included monitoring the enforcement of public health laws and ensuring the implementation of health-related orders. It planned and established public health organizations, services, and preparations. It also organized systems for their overall administration, control, and monitoring, unless otherwise legally specified for another ministry. The ministry issued licenses to private health organizations, services, and preparations. It registered these entities and defined standards for both public and private health entities. It also licensed and registered healthcare workers at various levels, setting and enforcing standards for their work and competence. Furthermore, it established medical and health education schools. It regulated these institutions and determined examination standards. The ministry conducted exams and issued diplomas and certificates, again unless legally specified for another ministry. Promoting health awareness and education among the populace was another key responsibility. Lastly, it represented the government. It protected its interests in public health organizations with a financial stake. The ministry coordinated these efforts with relevant ministries.
The Ministry of Land Tenure and Administration held crucial responsibilities related to the nation’s land. It was tasked with studying and proposing improvements to land tenure, and subsequently implementing approved changes. This involved examining relations between landlords and tenants. The focus was on land tenure, rent, crop distribution, and similar matters. The ministry administered all government-owned land. If legally specified, another ministry handled it. The ministry was responsible for distributing government land for settlement programs according to approved plans. It ensured the establishment and maintenance of land registration records. It also monitored land use, conducted mapping, and performed land surveys and cadastral work unless otherwise specified. Additionally, it took necessary measures to ensure quick resolution of land disputes during registration and cadastral surveys. Finally, it studied land taxes. It provided recommendations to the Ministry of Finance. The ministry also categorized land for tax and other purposes.
The Ministry of Communications oversaw various vital aspects of transportation and communication. Its duties included regulating and controlling air and railway transport services. It also regulated and controlled inland waterway and maritime transport within the Ethiopian Imperial territorial waters. It operated and controlled port, docking, and navigation services, and, in agreement with relevant ministries, defined free port zones. The ministry was also responsible for fostering, supporting, and regulating the operations of national commercial shipping. A key function involved registering all vehicles and licensing drivers. It determined tariffs for all commercial transport. This applied to transportation by land, air, inland waterways, or sea within the Empire. Establishing and operating air traffic control services fell under its purview. Finally, it represented the government. The ministry protected the government’s interests in communication organizations. This was in coordination with relevant ministries where the government was financially involved.
Beyond these detailed ministries, the order generally established a comprehensive governmental structure. This structure included the Ministry of Community Development and Social Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, and Ministry of Land Tenure and Administration. It also comprised the Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Information and Tourism, and Ministry of Mines. Additionally, it encompassed the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Education and Fine Arts, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The order also covered the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Agriculture. Furthermore, it included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Imperial Court. The structure was rounded out by the Ministry of Pen, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Planning and Development. It also included the Ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone.
This 1942 Order was a significant step in shaping the administrative landscape of Ethiopia. It laid down the fundamental powers and duties that would guide its ministries in serving the nation.