Addis Ababa Police announce road closures for mass rally celebrating historic GERD inauguration

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2025 (FMC) — The Addis Ababa Police Commission has announced major road closures in the capital ahead of a grand public rally at Meskel Square on Sunday, September 14, in celebration of the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Ethiopians have been marking the historic commissioning of the GERD, inaugurated on September 9, with nationwide festivities honoring what has been hailed as one of the country’s greatest self-reliant achievement.

Tomorrow’s rally is expected to draw tens of thousands of residents to the heart of the capital in celebration of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam.

Police said the temporary restrictions are necessary to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety during the mass gathering.

Vehicular movement and parking will be strictly prohibited along designated routes starting from 4:00 a.m. on Sunday until the conclusion of the rally.

According to the announcement, the following roads will remain closed to vehicles:

* St. Lideta–Meskel Square highway, closed at Mexico Square
* Bole Atlas–St. Urael Church route, closed at Peacock Traffic Light
* Bulgaria–Mexico Square road, closed at the Twisted Tower
* St. Urael Square–Meskel Square road, closed at Bambis Meqrez Hospital junction
* Olympia Square–Meskel Square, closed at the Olympia intersection
* National Palace–Meskel Square, closed at the National Palace intersection
* Meteorology–National Theater road, closed at Goma Kuteba Traffic Light
* St. Teklehaimanot Square–Immigration Service route, closed at Black Lion Hospital area
* Nigd Matemiya–Filwuha road, closed at Nigd Matemiya intersection
* Churchill Street–Black Lion Hospital route, closed at Tewodros Square
* Arat Kilo–Meskel Square, closed at Parliament area Traffic Light
* Harambe Traffic Light–St. Joseph School route, closed at Harambe Traffic Light
* National Theater–Legehar road, closed at Legehar Traffic Light
* Senga Tera 40/60 Condominium–Legehar road, closed at the condominium bend
* Mexico Square–Senga Tera Traffic Light, closed at Mexico Square
* Areke Factory–Mexico Square, closed at Areke Factory intersection
* St. Lideta–Mexico Square road, closed at Balcha Hospital intersection
* Vatican Embassy–Sar Bet Square, closed at Sar Bet Square
* St. Joseph–Meskel Square, closed at Agona Cinema intersection
* St. Kirkos Tabot Maderia–Legehar road, closed at Tabot Maderia Traffic Light

In addition, police reminded residents that driving and parking on the affected routes will already be prohibited beginning from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, and will remain in effect until the rally concludes.