Mexico Square in Addis Ababa to be rebuilt

Historic square to be rebuilt following railway construction

The historic Mexico Square in Addis Ababa will be reconstructed after the completion of the light railway project, according to Mexico’s ambassador to Ethiopia Alfredo Miranda.

A number of the city's historic sites, roads, and buildings have been moved from their original positions to facilitate the construction of the light railway route. Reports in local media cite the poor handling of some historic sites as well as looting incidents, and the works in Mexico Square, a major landmark in the city, have been controversial. 

Mexico Square was built in gratitude to the support Mexico offered to Addis Ababa in 1935-1936 during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. The sculpture of the Mexican warrior in the square is currently in storage at the National Museum of Ethiopia, according to Ambassador Miranda.

The double track electrified light rail transit project is being contracted by the China Railway Group Ltd, and construction of the 34-km rail system began in December 2011, with funds from the Export-Import Bank of China. The two rail lines will extend over 17 km from east to west, from Ayat Village to Tor Hailoch, passing through Megenagna, Legehar and Mexico Square. The 17 km north-south line will pass through Menelik Square, Merkato, Lideta, Legehar, Meskel Square, Gotera and Kaliti.