My comment is on the revised economic reform policy and the floating of the Birr. Leaving aside speculations on the impact of the Government's decision and the stringent conditions imposed by the IMF/WB, the main shift is towards a more liberal, market based adjustment with some buffers to avoid inflation.
Meanwhile, there is an opposite trend of Government interference on valued assets like urban land and property. Let me explain.
Urban land is State owned by law. Assets built on urban land, be it a house, a building, a school, a hospital, even gaz stations...) are being hatsily demolished with just 3 days warning to evacuate. No explanation and no time to seek court injunctions. This is not on the "corridors" or on main arteries. It is not for public services or beautification of Addis but for pure speculation by the administration that makes millions from the sale of prime land to the highest bidder.
Highly valued land is summarily confiscated and built up properties are being demolished to clear land for auctions run by the Administration to the benefit of local and foreign investors or cronies. There is no time to challenge these random expropriations and hasty demolitions from a legal and human rights perspective.
More importantly, how does this frantic land grab and speculation match the Government's professed policy of economic liberalization and market adjustments?
Hi, congratulations.
I learned about your work through the substack "This Week in Africa", August 2, 2024, by Jeffrey Paller.
He wrote, with a link:
" I am learning a lot reading Maya Misikir’s Substack about human rights and Ethiopia."
And I totally agree with him: I learn a lot too.
Thanks for keeping the good work, even in so tragic times.
Thank you, Maya. A rather grim update tbh 😔
You're welcome, Lella. I know, I feel the same way.
I was expecting more on the new macroeconomics policy and it's consequences on the nation and its people.
It's definitely on my radar, thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for your excellent summaries.
My comment is on the revised economic reform policy and the floating of the Birr. Leaving aside speculations on the impact of the Government's decision and the stringent conditions imposed by the IMF/WB, the main shift is towards a more liberal, market based adjustment with some buffers to avoid inflation.
Meanwhile, there is an opposite trend of Government interference on valued assets like urban land and property. Let me explain.
Urban land is State owned by law. Assets built on urban land, be it a house, a building, a school, a hospital, even gaz stations...) are being hatsily demolished with just 3 days warning to evacuate. No explanation and no time to seek court injunctions. This is not on the "corridors" or on main arteries. It is not for public services or beautification of Addis but for pure speculation by the administration that makes millions from the sale of prime land to the highest bidder.
Highly valued land is summarily confiscated and built up properties are being demolished to clear land for auctions run by the Administration to the benefit of local and foreign investors or cronies. There is no time to challenge these random expropriations and hasty demolitions from a legal and human rights perspective.
More importantly, how does this frantic land grab and speculation match the Government's professed policy of economic liberalization and market adjustments?
Thanks for the feedback Aster -- stories on land grabbing are everywhere these days and do need a closer look. Noted!
Thank you so much for reading and taking time to share your appreciation- keeps me going! 🙏🏾