Ethiopia's government has launched a major urban development plan called the corridor project aimed at modernizing Addis Ababa and other key cities. Initiated in 2024 under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this effort focuses on extensive infrastructure upgrades to transform the capital’s landscape. While the project is touted as a step toward national advancement, its implementation has involved the eviction of over 10,000 residents in Addis Ababa, raising serious concerns about the social cost of such rapid modernization.
Critics argue that these forced relocations reflect an increasingly authoritarian approach and suppress opposition voices. The Prosperity Party defends the initiative as essential for Ethiopia’s future growth, yet the displacement of families has generated significant public unease. This situation underscores the conflict between the government’s push for urban progress and the protection of citizens’ rights amid a politically sensitive period leading up to general elections. The report examines the broader implications of this top-down urban renewal strategy.