By Awet Andebrhan Musei
Across Ethiopia, resort construction projects are underway, personally overseen by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, leader of the Prosperity Party often derided as a “Potemkin Party.” Yet serious questions persist regarding the source of funding for these multi‑billion‑dollar ventures. Many appear to have sidestepped established procedures, having been launched without public tenders or transparent clarification about the origin of the money.
While the Prime Minister openly promotes these projects, but he has consistently refused to provide detailed explanations to the House of Representatives about how they are financed. Among the most controversial developments is the Chaka (Jungle) Project , often referred to as “Abiy’s National Palace.”
When members of the House of Representatives questioned the ongoing construction of parks, resorts, and the Chaka Project, Abiy openly opposed them. He asserted that the representatives had no right to demand clarification about projects that were not formally approved in the national budget. This stance, however, exceeds his constitutional authority. Accountability to the legislature is a fundamental principle of governance. As a result, Ethiopia’s lawmakers remain in the dark, denied the right to scrutinize the financial sources and accountability of these ventures. This lack of transparency has raised concerns that such projects could become emblematic of corruption.
Some figures within Arat Kilo’s inner circle, along with senior officials at the National Bank of Ethiopia, believe that the money originates from the United Arab Emirates, funneled through a flagship of foundation that operating under the Prime Minister’s direct approval. They also argue that this explains why he so confidently resists questions from the people’s representatives regarding the budget.
Microeconomic experts in Ethiopia believe that billions of dollars poured into resorts and the Chaka Project Abiy’s so‑called national palace represent extravagant developments that fail to serve ordinary citizens and are widely regarded as wasteful. Even if such resorts were made available for special events, they remain inaccessible to the broader public. Analysts argue that these projects symbolize misplaced priorities and exclusion rather than genuine service to society.
According to various sources, it is alleged that many individuals working at these resorts are closely monitored by security forces operating under the direct authority of the Prime Minister’s office. There are also rumors suggest that some people involved in the construction have been killed or have disappeared. In Addis Ababa, troubling reports of missing children and young people have become a daily concern. Furthermore, it is claimed that many of these resorts are frequented by prominent Emirati businessmen and politicians, including Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who reportedly so closely with the Prime Minister.
Unconfirmed rumors suggest that Sultan Ahmed, the former CEO of DP World, is a regular guest at remote and secretive resorts in Ethiopia, such as Halala Kella Lodge. Some claims link these resorts to sexual exploitation, corruption deals, human trafficking, and informal investments. Individuals from within Arat Kilo’s circle believe that such activities are taking place under the Prime Minister’s watch, with his tacit approval.
Although verified evidence has not yet surfaced, history reminds us that crimes such as those of child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, R&B singer and songwriter R. Kelly, and others were initially dismissed as rumors before investigations confirmed them.
In this light, Ethiopia today faces an unrelenting civil war, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration appears deeply entangled with Abu Dhabi’s influence, absent any institutionalized or statehood agreements. Without the financial and military support of the UAE, Abiy would struggle to sustain the war he is waging within the country.
Even more troubling, Ethiopia now risks becoming a “mirror” of Epstein’s island through its opulent resorts and the Chaka Project widely regarded as Abiy’s national palace. These projects stand as symbols of extravagance and exclusion, serving as monuments to misplaced priorities rather than addressing the urgent needs of the Ethiopian people.
The secrecy surrounding these resorts raises serious concerns. Why are they not accessible to anyone with the financial means to stay there? Why must access require strict approval from the Prime Minister himself? Why do Emirati elites such as Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and other influential figures in politics and business receive privileged service, while ordinary citizens, even those willing to pay, are forced to seek special permission from the power center at Arat Kilo? Moreover, why are the employees of these resorts operating under the surveillance and security apparatus of the Prime Minister’s office?
These patterns create a strong sense that the rumors of crimes behind the walls of these resorts may hold truth. Even if tangible evidence has not yet surfaced, the combination of secrecy, exclusivity, and foreign influence makes the suspicions difficult to dismiss.
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