In a video message broadcast from Jigjiga, the capital of the Somali region, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Abiy did not mention the identities of the "countries and groups" that he said were "trying to sabotage" the development of the corridor.

Prime Minister Abiy made the remarks days after the US government released a report stating that “tens of thousands of residents have been displaced” due to the corridor development project.

The report, which examines Ethiopia’s investment climate and was prepared by the US State Department, also highlighted the concerns over the corridor’s development in terms of property rights.

As a result of this project, which is being carried out in at least 40 cities, including Addis Ababa, it is stated that houses and businesses "owned by foreigners" have been "evicted" even at gunpoint.

Days after this report was released, Prime Minister Abiy, who traveled to the Somali Region, announced that he had visited the corridor development project and the construction of new houses in the regional capital, Jigjiga.

Abiy; "To the countries and some groups that are trying to ignore our work, do your work; leave this to us. This country has an owner. Leave our work to us, that is my message," he said, sending a message to the unnamed parties.