By Mandefro Abebaw
The ongoing demolitions in Kazanchis have resulted in the displacement of thousands, highlighting the issue of government harassment in the area.
The mood in Kazanchis, a vibrant district of Addis Ababa, has shifted to one of despair as the Ethiopian government intensifies its demolition efforts, resulting in the displacement of countless residents. With a mere ten days’ notice, authorities have commenced the destruction of both residential and commercial buildings, instigating widespread fear within the community. Tragically, the shock from the announcement has reportedly contributed to the death of a long-standing resident due to a heart attack, amplifying the sorrow felt by the community. The absence of prior consultation and inadequate arrangements for relocation have left many feeling forsaken, prompting expressions of outrage regarding the government’s apparent indifference to their plight.
Amina Belay, a local resident, articulated the profound sense of loss felt by the community, stating, “I never thought I would see our community like this. We are losing our homes, our culture, and our way of life. The government is treating us like we don’t matter.” Her sentiments reflect a broader discontent among residents who are grappling with the implications of the demolitions on their lives and heritage. The rapid pace of the government’s actions has left many feeling powerless and anxious about their future.
As the demolition campaign continues, reports indicate a troubling rise in harassment and intimidation directed at those who dare to voice their opposition. Community leaders and activists have noted that government officials are increasingly arresting individuals who publicly express dissent, effectively suppressing free speech and exacerbating tensions within the neighborhood. This crackdown on dissent not only undermines the community’s efforts to advocate for their rights but also raises serious concerns about the state of civil liberties in the region.
Tesfaye Hailu, a local entrepreneur, expressed his strong disapproval of the recent suppression of dissent, stating, “This crackdown on dissent is unacceptable. Our struggle extends beyond the preservation of our homes; it encompasses the defense of our fundamental rights. We possess the inherent right to voice our opposition to this injustice.”
Following the demolitions, numerous displaced individuals have turned to local schools, which have been converted into makeshift shelters. This development has led to significant overcrowding and has placed immense pressure on the resources of these educational institutions, hindering their ability to carry out their primary functions. As a result, families find themselves lacking adequate support systems, with many being compelled to move to rural areas in Oromia, a stark contrast to the urban lifestyle they have long known.
A former resident of Kazanchis expressed deep sorrow over the situation, stating, “Being sent to rural Oromia feels akin to being exiled from our own lives. Many of us have deep roots in the city, having lived and worked here for generations. This forced displacement is fracturing our families and disrupting the fabric of our community.”
The actions undertaken by the government have prompted significant concerns regarding its dedication to safeguarding the rights of its populace. Advocacy organizations have expressed alarm that the current circumstances in Kazanchis exemplify a disturbing pattern of state-sanctioned intimidation and a blatant disregard for the sentiments of the public. This situation raises critical issues about the government’s accountability and its responsiveness to the needs of its citizens.
Leaders within the community are urgently calling for an immediate cessation of the demolition activities and are insisting that the government initiate a constructive dialogue with the affected residents. They are pushing for a just compensation scheme for those impacted by these actions, alongside a pledge from the government to honor the cultural and historical importance of the neighborhoods earmarked for redevelopment. Such measures are essential to ensure that the voices of the community are heard and respected.
As the situation in Kazanchis continues to develop, the local residents find themselves in a state of vulnerability, desperately seeking global awareness of their plight. Many are grieving the disintegration of their community, while the persistent threat of arrest hangs over those who oppose the demolitions. This crisis starkly illustrates the human toll associated with rapid urbanization and underscores the pressing need for policies that prioritize the rights and welfare of all citizens involved.
Have you seen the conditions in these houses that are being demolished, as long as he is providing an alternative option it is actually the humanitarian thing to do, stop hating on the man that is actually trying to get some things done.
abbi: you must be ኬኛ memebr a gang of few from OROMUMA ruling group looting everything for themselves> The good thing is the days Abiy regime is to be in power is counted.
Mandefro Abebaw: you deserve pride and many many thanks from the victims of this atrocities, tribal and mindless action. Time will prove how dirty and arrogant Abiy Ahmed was!!!
I am actually an Ethiopian who has no skin in the game. I hate to see all the bickering without providing a realistic solution.
Hate and writing how bad things are solves nothing.
I appreciate ppl that take action, we all do not have to like it.
By the way when I was young Ethiopia was one of the poorest nations in the world, it may not seem it but things are improving.
That doesn’t include the hate and division based on ethnicity but we are each responsible for how we treat each other.
The actions taken by the dictator Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Adanch Abebe, particularly regarding the forced displacement of residents without adequate notice or consultation, have significant implications for human rights in Ethiopia:
1. Violation of Rights: The lack of prior consultation and the abrupt nature of the forced evictions violate fundamental human rights, including the right to housing, the right to participate in decisions that affect one’s community, and the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
2. Increased Social Tension: Such actions can exacerbate social unrest and tensions between the government and communities. Displacement and demolitions can ignite anger and lead to protests, which may be met with further repression.
3. Erosion of Trust: The government’s disregard for the voices and needs of its citizens can erode public trust in governmental institutions. When people feel that their rights and dignities are not respected, it undermines social cohesion and the legitimacy of the government.
4. Potential for Abuse: The increase in state-sponsored harassment of dissenters raises concerns about a broader climate of fear and repression. This can lead to human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and violence against those who speak out against government policies.
5. Displacement and Poverty: Forced displacement often leads to economic hardship for affected individuals and families. Many displaced people may struggle to find adequate housing, employment, and access to basic services, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
6. Cultural Erosion: The demolition of neighborhoods can result in the loss of cultural heritage and community identity, as long-standing communities are uprooted and fragmented.
7. International Reputation: Such actions may draw criticism from the international community, potentially leading to diplomatic repercussions and affecting Ethiopia’s standing in regional and global affairs.
8. Humanitarian Crisis: The immediate needs of displaced populations—such as shelter, food, and healthcare—may not be met, leading to a humanitarian crisis that could require national and international intervention.
Overall, the implications of these actions highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to governance that prioritizes human rights, community engagement, and social justice in Ethiopia.
The actions taken by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, involving the demolition of residents’ houses without proper compensation or adequate relocation, are indeed inhumane and raise serious ethical and legal concerns. These actions reflect a blatant disregard for the rights and dignity of affected individuals and communities. Here are some key points highlighting the inhumanity of such actions:
1. Lack of Due Process: Demolishing homes without prior consultation or due process violates fundamental principles of justice and fairness. Residents are entitled to be informed and involved in decisions that affect their lives and properties.
2. Displacement Without Support: Forcing people from their homes without providing alternative housing or adequate support systems leaves them vulnerable and exposed. Many may find themselves homeless, living in temporary shelters, or struggling to find safe accommodations.
3. Economic Hardship: The destruction of homes disrupts livelihoods, particularly for those who rely on their properties for income. Without compensation, displaced individuals face significant economic challenges, potentially leading to poverty and instability.
4. Psychological Impact: The trauma of losing one’s home can have severe psychological effects on individuals and families. Feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and despair are common among those who have been forcibly displaced.
5. Erosion of Community: The demolition of neighborhoods disrupts social structures and community bonds. The loss of a shared space can lead to isolation and a breakdown of social support networks.
6. Violation of Human Rights: Such actions contravene international human rights standards, which protect individuals from arbitrary eviction and guarantee the right to adequate housing. The lack of compensation or relocation further exacerbates these violations.
7. Increased Tensions and Resentment: These inhumane actions can fuel resentment toward the government, leading to increased social tensions and potential unrest. When people feel their rights are being trampled, they may resort to protests or other forms of resistance.
The actions of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, therefore, not only reflect an inhumane approach to governance but also jeopardize the fundamental rights and well-being of countless Ethiopian citizens. It is crucial for the government to prioritize humane and just treatment of all residents, ensuring that their rights are respected and protected.
The truth not what all of you writing. The bad or the good that done with Dr. Abiy Ahmed was known. Don’t express your heat with unreasonable!