16/07/2025
𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬: 𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐃 𝐈𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬
Recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) have again raised concerns due to misunderstanding about the project's source of funding. This is now the second time such incorrect claims have been made, and it is important to respond with clarity, respect, and truth.
To begin with: The GERD has never been financed by the United States or any external party. The dam was built entirely by Ethiopians, funded through public contributions, diaspora support, and domestic resources. No loans. No donor money. This decision was intentional, reflecting Ethiopia’s desire to uphold national sovereignty and self-reliant development. GERD stands as a powerful example of what Ethiopians can achieve when united by purpose.
Geographically, the dam is located in northwestern Ethiopia, near the Sudanese border. Ethiopia and Egypt do not share a land border; they are linked by the Nile River, over 85% of its flow originates from Ethiopia. It is Ethiopia’s long-held position that this shared river should be a source of cooperation, not division.
The characterization that the dam as “closing up water going to the Nile”, is a misconception. GERD is a run-of-the-river project designed to regulate water flow, reduce flooding, and minimize evaporation losses, not to withhold water. A 2013 International Panel of Experts, which included representatives from Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan, affirmed that GERD complies with international standards and would not cause significant harm downstream.
Most importantly, a number of Egyptian scholars and water experts have also acknowledged GERD’s benefits. Dr. Alaa el-Zawahri, a former negotiator, and Dr. Nader Noureddin, a well-respected hydrologist, have both emphasized the dam’s potential to contribute to regional stability and water management, if framed within a spirit of collaboration.
International media, including Reuters, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera, have recognized GERD as a symbol of African progress, regional integration, and clean energy potential for millions across East Africa.
In conclusion, the GERD is a symbol of Ethiopian self-reliance and its right to development. Misrepresenting it undermines both truth and regional trust. We call on all external actors to support respectful, fact-based dialogue. Ethiopia remains committed to using the Nile responsibly, guided by principles of equitable and reasonable utility of the water.
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