Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a symbol of national pride, has been at the center of geopolitical tensions with Egypt and Sudan, as disagreements over water flow continue.
Ethiopian Official Refutes Trump's Claims of US Funding for Nile Dam
Ethiopian Official Refutes Trump's Claims of US Funding for Nile Dam
Ethiopian authorities categorically deny former President Donald Trump's assertion regarding US financial support for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Ethiopian officials responded strongly to Donald Trump's recent remarks suggesting that the United States helped finance the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), asserting that these claims are "false and destructive." The former president had stated that the controversial dam, which has been under construction for over 14 years, was built "with United States money, largely." The GERD is Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant and has sparked significant national pride among Ethiopians, as its completion was meant to provide much-needed electricity to a majority of the population that currently lacks reliable access to power.
Fikrte Tamir, deputy director of the GERD Coordination Office, firmly rebutted Trump’s claims, indicating the project's funding stemmed solely from the Ethiopian government and its citizens, with "no foreign aid" involved. The independent status of the GERD Coordination Office has raised questions among some Ethiopians regarding the office's knowledge of any deals between the Ethiopian government and the United States.
Tensions surrounding the dam primarily arise from Egypt and Sudan, which depend on the Nile for their water supply and fear reduced water flow due to the dam's operations. Following Trump's previous statements, including one made on his Truth Social platform regarding the dam's financing, Ethiopian officials have been prompted to consider more calculated diplomatic responses.
The GERD, located on the Blue Nile, is designed to generate electricity for Ethiopia's growing population, with about 60% lacking a reliable supply. Initially planned for completion within six years at a cost of $4 billion, the project has faced delays and budget overruns, yet it continues to receive support from the Ethiopian citizens through various fundraising initiatives.
As the dam began generating electricity last year and was fully completed recently, the Ethiopian government has yet to officially address Trump's funding claims. Meanwhile, the dam remains a key aspect of Ethiopia's development aspirations, amid ongoing regional water disputes.
Fikrte Tamir, deputy director of the GERD Coordination Office, firmly rebutted Trump’s claims, indicating the project's funding stemmed solely from the Ethiopian government and its citizens, with "no foreign aid" involved. The independent status of the GERD Coordination Office has raised questions among some Ethiopians regarding the office's knowledge of any deals between the Ethiopian government and the United States.
Tensions surrounding the dam primarily arise from Egypt and Sudan, which depend on the Nile for their water supply and fear reduced water flow due to the dam's operations. Following Trump's previous statements, including one made on his Truth Social platform regarding the dam's financing, Ethiopian officials have been prompted to consider more calculated diplomatic responses.
The GERD, located on the Blue Nile, is designed to generate electricity for Ethiopia's growing population, with about 60% lacking a reliable supply. Initially planned for completion within six years at a cost of $4 billion, the project has faced delays and budget overruns, yet it continues to receive support from the Ethiopian citizens through various fundraising initiatives.
As the dam began generating electricity last year and was fully completed recently, the Ethiopian government has yet to officially address Trump's funding claims. Meanwhile, the dam remains a key aspect of Ethiopia's development aspirations, amid ongoing regional water disputes.
