Ethiopia’s Corridor Development Project: Progress or Human Rights Catastrophe?











April 2025

As Ethiopia pushes forward with its ambitious Corridor Development Project (CDP), a sweeping urban transformation initiative meant to modernize 58 cities, it is facing serious accusations of human rights abuses. Amnesty International, in its damning report titled “Ethiopia: Federal Government Must Pause the Corridor Development Project and End Forced Evictions” (Index AFR 25/9098/2025, April 2025), paints a troubling picture of widespread forced evictions, inadequate legal safeguards, and government repression.

A Bold Vision Overshadowed by Displacement

Launched in late 2022 and formally approved in February 2024, the CDP is designed to improve infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs, and enhance urban living. According to the Addis Ababa City Administration, it promises “urban transformation,” linking city projects across sprawling urban corridors.

However, Amnesty International’s investigation reveals a dark underbelly to this vision. The project has already led to the forced eviction of at least 872 people in the Bole and Lemi Kura sub-cities of Addis Ababa, including 254 homeowners and 618 tenants. The evictions were carried out without prior consultation, compensation, or provision of alternative housing. Amnesty warns the actual number of displaced may be far higher given that 29 hectares of land were cleared in these sub-cities alone.

Forced Evictions: Unprecedented and Unlawful

Forced eviction—defined under international law as the involuntary removal of individuals from their homes without legal protections—has become increasingly widespread in Ethiopia. Victims report being notified orally just 24 to 72 hours before demolition. No written notices were issued, and community meetings provided no clarity or resolution.

Amnesty interviewed 47 household heads, all of whom confirmed their homes had been demolished and that they received no compensation. Many lived in “Sened Alba” houses—structures lacking full land title but recognized by local authorities. This legal grey area has been manipulated by the government to deny compensation. One community leader documented 180 households that were evicted, none of whom received restitution.

The Human Toll: Livelihoods, Education, Mental Health

The consequences of these evictions go beyond physical displacement. Many residents lost rental income, their primary source of livelihood. Families that once earned between 800 and 70,000 ETB (approximately USD 7 to 564) per month now face economic ruin. School-age children have dropped out, unable to afford tuition or commute from distant rental units. Mental health concerns are rampant.

“I am now evicted from my Idir and my children are dealing with mental health challenges,” said one evictee.

The destruction of social institutions like Idir (community-based welfare associations) has led to isolation and psychological trauma. Women, children, and the elderly—often dependent on neighborhood networks for support—are disproportionately affected.

Silencing Dissent: Journalists and Activists Targeted

Amnesty also highlights increasing repression against journalists and human rights defenders. Reporters trying to cover CDP-related evictions have been harassed or threatened. In one high-profile case, renowned artist Azeb Worku was arrested in September 2024 for criticizing the demolitions [Amnesty, 2025].

The government has also suspended civil society organizations that attempted to document or protest the evictions, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship.

Violations of International Human Rights Law

Amnesty International asserts that the Ethiopian government has violated multiple international human rights obligations:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25): Right to adequate housing.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 11): Guarantees housing rights.

African Union Kampala Convention (Article X): Prohibits displacement from public/private development without safeguards.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights mandates that evictions occur only after:

Genuine consultation with those affected.

Adequate written notice.

Legal remedies and compensation.

No one is rendered homeless or vulnerable.

None of these standards were met in the CDP rollouts.

Government Response: Contradictions and Denial

Despite public outcry, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has downplayed concerns. In January 2025, he claimed that “15,000 evictees in Jimma have not demanded compensation” [Ethiopia Observer, Jan 2025]. Minister Chaltu Sani later said demolitions were halted, yet Amnesty’s findings show continued activity.

These contradictory statements reveal a lack of coherence and accountability in how the government is handling the CDP.

Recommendations from Amnesty International

Amnesty International calls for immediate action:

Suspend all evictions and halt the CDP until human rights safeguards are in place.

Conduct an independent human rights impact assessment.

Provide alternative housing and full compensation to affected persons.

Allow visits from UN Special Rapporteurs on adequate housing.

Enable civic and journalistic oversight of development projects.

They also call on development partners and regional bodies like the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to hold Ethiopia accountable.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for Development

Ethiopia’s CDP may be a milestone in urban development, but if executed without justice, consultation, and compassion, it risks becoming a humanitarian disaster. The government stands at a crossroads: reform the CDP with human rights at its core, or continue down a path of exclusion, repression, and instability.

Urban renewal must not come at the cost of basic human dignity. The people displaced are not obstacles to progress—they are citizens, families, and communities who deserve a voice in shaping Ethiopia’s future.

Citations: Amnesty International. (2025). Ethiopia: Federal Government Must Pause the Corridor Development Project and End Forced Evictions (AFR 25/9098/2025). https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr25/9098/2025/en/