Culture | Make me a city

Ethiopia’s capital is a showcase for its leader’s ambition

Despite the ongoing civil war, Abiy Ahmed is remaking Addis Ababa

Workers arrange a garden at the Friendship Square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on September 22, 2020. - For the past year, workers have been busy transforming a disused plot of land down the hill from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office into a park showcasing his political vision.The 48-hectare Friendship Square is rich in symbolism promoting unity. (Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS / AFP) (Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Jun 16th 2022|ADDIS ABABA

To walk among the happy throngs in Sheger Park, Addis Ababa’s newest and glitziest public space, is to encounter an idealised vision of Ethiopia’s future. Gentle piano music wafts through the air. Beaming newly-weds pose for photographs beside a glittering artificial lake. Young professionals clink wine glasses as families donning traditional white shawls wander through a botanical garden. When the sun sets a spectacular display of water fountains erupts to rapturous applause.

This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Make me a city”