Ethiopia's First Instance Court of Cassation has issued a ruling on the dispute over the Commercial Councils Building in Mexico, Addis Ababa, between the Ethiopian Chamber and Addis Ababa Chamber. The decision requires the Ethiopian Chamber to transfer its branch office to the Addis Chamber. This move could usher in a new phase for the building project.
The First Instance Court of Cassation has ruled today on the ongoing dispute over the Commercial Councils Building in the Mexico area of Addis Ababa, involving the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (Ethiopian Chamber) and the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (Addis Chamber).
The ruling stems from the Ethiopian Chamber's prior violation of a court order, as detailed in the decision. On Hidar 1, 2018 (Ethiopian calendar), the court issued an injunction against the Ethiopian Chamber (petitioner) for preparing sections of the building for the Addis Chamber before developing its own premises and submitting them to the court. Ignoring this injunction, the Ethiopian Chamber transferred the keys of the sections to the Addis Chamber, prompting the court to order the immediate transfer of the sections to the Addis Chamber.
According to Capital's report, 20 senior Ethiopian Chamber employees were observed removing office furniture and belongings from the premises. Ato Sbsb Abafira, President of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, stated to Capital: “The development title (Hidar 1, 2018) that was in the court has been implemented today (Hidar 2, 2018).” This decision signals a new chapter for the building project.