Losing Community, Facing Uncertainty

The Psychosocial Impact of Forced Relocation in Addis Ababa

The Addis Ababa City Administration has undertaken several changes in the city in the past few years. Building parks and museums and renovating historical sites like Meskel Square have been part of these citywide renovations. In the past few months, the Corridor Development Project, funded by the city with an expansive 42 billion birr budget, has been taking place. The project is already uplifting the city’s image by renovating the looks of public spaces to be more glamorous. The project will raise the international standard of the town and make Addis Ababa more tourist-friendly.

While the project’s importance is acknowledged, its effect on the displaced residents without due preparations and early notice has been a hot topic. Residents in areas where the city renovation with improved public space occurred complain about needing more time to prepare and relocate. They mentioned they needed to be provided with a suitable home as a replacement. Such a rushed way of relocating residents will have a psychosocial burden on elders and even others. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at how the people have been affected.

In a city of more than five million, the number of which grows by the day, the burden on Addis Ababa to meet the needs of the residents has been significant. There is an increasing demand for the construction of housing units to accommodate the growing population and the accompanying homes and business centres that inevitably follow.

Two months ago, the Corridor Development project, which crosses five of the 11 sub-cities in the city, was launched in the capital. The City Administration argues that the project is necessary to address the city’s infrastructure needs and transform its appearance to meet its growing international stature.

To accomplish this bold goal, the city’s historical aspect has given way to a new and modern look. This meant that many historical sites and buildings were demolished, according to some critiques, leaving the city without its past. The project came fast and has been vast, which has caused many changes in the way people live and work.

Oustaz Abdulhamid had to leave his home around Doro Manekiya, in the city centre, because his neighbourhood, one of Addis Ababa’s shanties and high public health risk, was demolished because of the Corridor Development project. He states that there has been a significant economic loss to him and his friends because his neighbourhood used to attract commercial activities from down to dusk. “The residents around this place are retailers and wholesalers, and now most have lost their jobs and don’t have a source of income to live by,” he says.

Even though he has lost his home, his soul lives in ‘Doro Manekiya’. That’s a place where he has built his identity. He found it difficult to start a new life elsewhere. Oustaz Abdulhamid said that he needed to be given more time to relocate. He also talks about the difficulty of adapting to the new home. “The number of classes provided as compensation was not enough and appropriate. I used to have a three-bedroom house, but I now have a one bedroom condominium house. However, the most significant impact is the loss of the local mosque,” he tells EBR.

On the other hand, Digafu Mulugeta, a 65-year-old man who also left Doro Manekya, said that he is satisfied with the home his family got. “Initially, there was no electricity, but it has now been installed. The problem now is the shortage of water,” he tells EBR. Leaving his home meant that the Edir, a local welfare association he was part of, was closed because members were dispersed to many places. He is now working together with two of his friends to form a new one in his new surroundings.

While the financial burden of relocation on the residents is significant, another aspect that can’t be overlooked is the psychosocial issues. Digafu says he had so many friends and family in his previous neighbourhood as he lived there for decades. He explains how he treasured those relationships and support systems.

“Having a close-knit community is absolutely essential for survival. From a psychological perspective, strong social connections provide crucial support systems that help individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience and emotional stability,” states Daniel Gebre, a clinical psychologist working in private practice.

Daniel elaborates that humans are inherently social beings, which makes those connections fundamental. He describes institutions like Edir and Ekub (social saving and sharing platforms) as “lifelines within communities.” He added, “Edir offers emotional comfort and financial assistance during times of grief, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.”

According to Daniel, the value of Ekub is also paramount. “Ekub promotes financial security and trust among members, reducing anxiety and strengthening community bonds.” He says that these institutions are essential for mental well-being, as they provide tangible and emotional support when needed most.

A social anthropologist who chose to remain anonymous states that the psychological impact of relocating is profound. He explains that a person’s life is dependent upon social life. “A person is a result of social interaction,” he says.

The expert elaborates that once a social structure and gathering is formed, it becomes difficult to start a new life, which might be unknown and unclear. Leaving structures like Equb and Edir, which serve as insurance for society, will have huge impacts.

“Trust is not a one-time process,” he told EBR. “Individuals in a society build trust through a long period of time. Relocating means they are starting a new life with a new society, where trust has not yet been built,” he adds.

Within society, people take care of each other. They look after the sick and help them buy medications for those who can’t afford to do so. Neighbours taking turns to bring food for those who don’t have an income or a family who supports them is something seen in communities that have established long ago. Having people around who check on our wellbeing and many other happenings is highly valued in societies like Ethiopians. Chatting over coffee or while returning from a church or a mosque is an integral part of the daily routines for people like Digafu. It’s these routines that the new city development projects are disrupting and calling for a new adjustment plan.

Since the condominium project started in 2004 under the leadership of Mayor Arkebe Equbay, many people have been forced to relocate to the outskirts of Addis Ababa, leaving behind the memories many have of the city centres and old neighbourhoods. Displacement from a long-term community can trigger a range of psychological challenges. According to Daniel, this can manifest as feelings of profound loneliness and isolation due to the loss of social support networks. In more severe cases, displacement can result in trauma-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This event can be anything shocking, scary, or dangerous, and it can have a lasting impact on the person’s mental and emotional health.

Oustaz Abdulhamid is now without work. The mosque he used to teach at is no longer there. He also talks about the challenge of needing help to shop easily. “I used to get everything I needed to buy for the home nearby, but now that is not the case,” he tells EBR. The sudden change is difficult for him and his son, who now has to make new friends.

Digafu is also not working at the moment. The small business he had near his previous home has been taken down. He now spends his time taking walks and meeting some of his friends.

The citywide corridor development project is believed to attract foreign investment and facilitate tourism in the city. The government has started this initiative to secure foreign currency and solve the noticeable shortage. The project hopes to revitalize slum areas of the city and, by doing so, improve the living conditions for residents.

The expansion of roads is geared to accommodate rising traffic volumes by creating spacious pedestrian walkways. According to state media, the plan is to “restore heritage sites and upgrade buildings to align with the city’s aesthetic standards.” However, in doing so, the heartbeat of the city—the people—can have their lives significantly and permanently altered if the necessary interventions and smooth transition aren’t equally taken care of. EBR

12th Year • June 2024 • No. 130