The Ethiopian city built on imperial ambition and displacement

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a site of seasonal imperial retreats, Hawassa has transformed from a small settlement into a major regional capital. Yet, its rapid urbanization was fueled by the controversial removal of thousands of indigenous residents to make way for progress.

In the mid-20th century, Emperor Haile Selassie took a keen interest in the area now known as Hawassa. Driven by the site's strategic location on the Addis Ababa–Moyale highway and its flat topography, the Emperor ordered the construction of a seasonal palace in Kutuwa in 1958. This imperial interest catalyzed a period of intense urbanization that fundamentally altered the local landscape.

This growth came at a significant human cost. As the town expanded, more than 3,000 local residents were displaced. Historical accounts, such as those by Dubale (2010), highlight a bitter political struggle during this era. While Governor Ras Mengesha Seyoum supported the expansion, his successor, Ras Andargachew Mesay, resisted large-scale mechanized farming projects unless the Sidama people were guaranteed alternative land. Despite these efforts, many households saw their homes bulldozed without notice or compensation.

To repopulate the area, the government settled approximately 400 heads of families who had fought against Italian aggression between 1935 and 1941. These settlers arrived from diverse locations including Wukro, Korem, Harar, and Addis Ababa, leaving a lasting imprint on the city's geography through neighborhood names that reflect their origins.

Today, Hawassa is a complex administrative hub, serving as the capital for both the Sidema Region and the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region. It has evolved from a provincial capital of the Sidamo Province into a modern center of industry and education, hosting the massive Hawassa Industrial Park and Hawassa University.

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