Ethiopia’s Corridor Project Displaces Thousands
Ethiofact — Amnesty International is calling on the Ethiopian government to immediately pause the implementation of the nationwide Corridor Development Project (CDP), citing widespread and unlawful forced evictions that have displaced hundreds and left thousands more in fear of losing their homes.
A recent investigation by the global human rights organization found that at least 872 residents—including 114 children and 13 elderly individuals—were forcibly evicted from their homes in Addis Ababa’s Bole and Lemi Kura sub-cities in November 2024. None of those affected were adequately consulted, compensated, or provided with alternative housing, the report says.
The CDP, which was launched to modernize urban infrastructure and boost investment across 58 Ethiopian cities, has been described by city officials as a transformative project. However, its implementation has sparked public backlash due to sudden demolitions, the destruction of historical neighborhoods, and what Amnesty says are clear violations of international human rights law.
“The scale of forced evictions under the CDP is unprecedented in Ethiopia,” Amnesty stated. “Residents are being removed from their homes without due process, leaving many homeless and without compensation.”
Amnesty’s Crisis Evidence Lab used satellite imagery to confirm that 29 hectares of densely populated areas in Addis Ababa were cleared between November 2024 and February 2025. The cleared land reportedly remains vacant.
“We Lost Hope on the Government”
In addition to losing their homes, many evictees have suffered severe economic, social, and psychological impacts. Former homeowner Tefera, who used to rent rooms to support his family, told Amnesty that his children had to drop out of school due to the sudden loss of income.
“I have faced problems with my social life and mental health,” another resident said. “We lost everything.”
Evictions have disrupted traditional community safety nets like Idir, a vital local welfare system. Families also reported increased transportation costs and lack of access to schools, further straining their resources.
One evictee, now homeless, made a desperate plea:
“Give me a paper proving I am not Ethiopian, and I’ll leave for Kenya or Sudan. Where else can I go?”
No Legal Protections, No Compensation
Most of the affected properties were “Sened Alba” homes—structures legally recognized but lacking formal land ownership certificates. According to the report, this technicality was used by authorities to deny residents compensation.
Even those with proper land certificates, according to local media, received “undervalued” payouts. Amnesty found no evidence of genuine public consultation, and notices of eviction were often delivered orally, just days before demolition.
Human Rights at Risk
Amnesty argues the evictions constitute a breach of international and regional treaties to which Ethiopia is a party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Kampala Convention. These treaties explicitly prohibit forced evictions and require states to provide housing, legal remedies, and consultation before any displacement.
Furthermore, the organization highlighted growing risks for journalists and activists covering the CDP. Multiple reporters have allegedly faced threats or harassment, and human rights defenders documenting evictions have been arbitrarily detained.
Government Response
While Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was quoted in January claiming that “15,000 evictees in Jimma town have not demanded compensation,” Amnesty maintains that government responsibility to compensate and resettle evictees exists regardless of public demand.
Urban Development Minister Chaltu Sani reportedly told Parliament that demolitions were being reassessed. Still, no formal response has been given to Amnesty’s findings, which were shared with authorities on April 1.
Amnesty’s Recommendations
- Amnesty International is urging:
- An immediate halt to forced evictions.
- A temporary suspension of the CDP.
- Independent investigation into human rights violations.
- Fair compensation and alternative housing for all affected.
- Engagement from international partners and African human rights bodies.
With forced evictions continuing and citizens facing displacement, Amnesty’s report raises urgent questions about the balance between development and human dignity in Ethiopia’s rapidly urbanizing future.