Chinese-built railway in Ethiopia to replace historic French line In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, a new Chinese built railway is to replace the line constructed by the French “Chemin de Fer” company at the turn of the twentieth century. The Addis-Djibouti line is one of eight new rail routes that will connect Ethiopia to neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan. IMAGES of the abandoned railway station of Dire Dawa.