Amnesty’s report and the Commissioner’s tweet came after news of forced evictions in different parts of Addis Ababa in previous weeks. The City Administration had protested saying the evictions targeted illegal settlements that were using the COVID-19 outbreak as a cover. But the victims have reported to both Balderas and Amnesty that they have been living in the area since 2007. Many have said that the forced evictions by the City Administration go directly against the essence of this prohibition and all other efforts aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19. Mr. Muchena said, “The authorities must immediately stop these forced evictions and ensure that people are provided with alternative housing as a matter of urgency.

Source: Ethiopian News April 29, 2020 14:48 UTC