Addis Ababa, March 6, 2026 (FMC) – The Addis Ababa Police Commission has announced that several roads in the capital will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday in connection with the Grand Street Iftar program scheduled to take place at Meskel Square.
The sixth annual nationwide Grand Street Iftar will be observed this Saturday at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, alongside similar gatherings in various parts of the country.
Organized under the theme “Nejashi for the Country,” the communal iftar draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s longstanding legacy of religious tolerance and the historic role of Ashama ibn Abjar—also known as Nejashi—the Axumite ruler widely honored in Islamic history for granting refuge to the first Muslim migrants.
According to the organizers, the theme underscores values of compassion, national unity, and Ethiopia’s enduring contribution to interfaith coexistence.
In connection with the event, the Addis Ababa Police Commission stated that the following roads will be closed to vehicles for several hours:
- The road from Megenagna to Meskel Square, closed around St. Urael Church.
- The road from Wollo Sefer to Meskel Square, blocked at the Olympia area.
- Vehicles traveling from Gotera toward Meskel Square will be diverted around Agona Cinema for heavy vehicles and Tilahun Square for light vehicles.
- The route from Tor Hayloch via Mexico Square to Meskel Square will be closed around the area commonly known as the Circle Bank area.
- Vehicles coming from Piazza via Churchill Street toward Meskel Square will be stopped at the Harambe Hotel traffic light.
- Traffic from 4 Kilo via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs route to Meskel Square will be blocked at the National Palace intersection.
- Vehicles traveling from the Awarre area via Kazanchis toward Meskel Square will be restricted around the Intercontinental Hotel area.
Police said the affected roads and routes will remain closed from 11:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the Iftar program on March 7, 2026.
Authorities also noted that parking vehicles along the specified roads will be strictly prohibited for both short and extended periods during the closure.
In addition, citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities that could pose security threats through the following toll-free hotlines: 990, 991, 987, 816, 011-1-26-43-59, 011-5-52-63-02/03, 011-5-52-40-77, 011-5-54-36-78, and 011-5-54-36-81, or by using the Citizen Participation mobile application (EFPApp).
According to the Supreme Council, the event will be simultaneously held in various cities and communities across the country, emphasizing the spiritual and social dimensions of Ramadan. The program aims to promote solidarity among citizens and highlight the role of faith in fostering mutual understanding and societal harmony.
The head of the President’s Office at the Supreme Council, Ustaz Abubeker Ahmed, stated that the gathering will also feature announcements regarding major initiatives and development projects. He urged participants to observe the sanctity of Ramadan and adhere to Islamic ethical principles throughout the event.
Ustaz Abubeker called on the Muslim community to attend in large numbers, noting that the program serves as a collective expression of faith and social cohesion. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Muslim Youth Council, which will assist in community mobilization and volunteer coordination.
The Grand Street Iftar has become an annual tradition that brings together citizens from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the spirit of Ramadan and Ethiopia’s enduring commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence.