Scholars warn that disputes and conflict over urban land ownership are becoming an increasingly common source of political tensions.
A recent workshop organized by the Rift Valley Institute in the capital saw experts present studies on contentious ownership claims in urban centers such as Hossana, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Addis Ababa.
They posited that these disputes are growing more frequent, stemming from economic, cultural, and historical factors that remain unaddressed.
“There is a risk that the competing claims arising in these and other cities could escalate into conflict if not properly managed,” said one presenter.
Experts observe that the inclusion of cities like Hawassa under the Sidama Regional State has created a sense of “deprivation” among other regions in Southern Ethiopia, while places like Hossana are the subject of disputes along religious lines, and Dire Dawa is a point of contention between two distinct regions.
Samir Yusuf (PhD), head of the Institute, pointed out that urban ownership disputes are increasingly common despite Ethiopia’s low rate of urbanization.
“Urbanization in Ethiopia is only at a 23 percent growth rate. The contribution of cities to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is also only 38 percent. However, even in this underdeveloped state of urbanization, the competition and scramble for ownership is intensifying,” he said.
Dereje Feisa (PhD) presented a study on Hossana, seat of the Central Ethiopia regional administration and the Hadiya Zone, and the conditions surrounding disputes there. He noted that the town has transitioned from a military camp to a hub for remittances from abroad, driving the contentions.
“About 75 percent of the zone’s population follows the Protestant faith,” he said. “However, the political elite appear to be wavering between the former Hadiya Islamic history and the current Protestant identity. The Zone’s relationship with neighboring Siltie, Mareko, Kebena, and Gurage communities also seems to be determined by this. Currently, remittances from abroad, especially from South Africa, are the main basis for the city’s growth and expansion,” said Dereje.
He also noted that Hossana’s rapid expansion poses a threat to surrounding farmland.
In his address to the workshop, Robel Mulatu (PhD) highlighted the conflict arising in Hawassa as a result of competition between the Sidama and Wolaita communities.
“The competition framed as a struggle for job opportunities or an economic issue,” he said, adding that “there is also competition and conflict between Protestants and Orthodox Christians over public gathering spaces and religious holidays in the city.”
Dalia Ashenafi, who presented a study on the competition arising in Addis Ababa, indicated that various parties are trying to express the sentiment that “the city is theirs”, focusing on public festivals and events.
“The competition to celebrate the Adwa Victory Day, the emotions expressed during the celebration of Irreecha, the sentiments expressed during the annual Great Ethiopian Run, and the ownership questions raised about Meskel Square are issues that have intensified the ownership competition around the city,” said the researcher.
According to her, the competitive sentiment was created based on political and narrative changes in the country.
She added that while the government and its supporters express the position that the city is becoming a multi-ethnic capital reflecting the identity and culture of all communities, a strong opposition sentiment has arisen that a campaign to erase the city’s existing identity and marginalize the identity and expression of other community groups.
She further stressed that the ownership conflict in Addis Ababa is not only economic, with residents increasingly expressing the view that they are being pushed out or dispossessed of their land and ownership.
Dalia called on the government to implement a more inclusive urban policy.
