Ethiopian officials have firmly denied former President Donald Trump's assertion that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was funded by the United States. Trump's comments, made last week, labeled the construction of the dam as being done "largely" with US money, a statement that has been characterized as "false" and damaging by Ethiopia's deputy director of the GERD Coordination Office, Fikrte Tamir.
The GERD stands as Africa's largest hydro-electric plant and symbolizes national pride for many Ethiopians. Over the past 14 years, Ethiopian authorities have consistently stated that the dam’s funding has come entirely from the government and its citizens. US authorities, however, have not elaborated on Trump's remarks.
Known to have raised concerns in Egypt and Sudan, the dam is feared to potentially decrease the water flow they receive from the Nile River. The GERD began electricity generation in 2022, but the ongoing tensions related to its impact on water resources remain unresolved.
Trump has previously raised these claims, with statements implying financially reckless US involvement in the dam's funding. Despite this, Ethiopia emphasizes the country’s sovereignty and the independence of its funding strategy, bolstered by public support through donations and investments, which totaled over $12 million last year alone.
The GERD, which is over a mile long and 145 meters high, is critical for providing much-needed electricity, as around 60% of Ethiopia's population lacks this utility. As the construction faced delays and budget overruns, the Ethiopian government and its people have continued to contribute resources, demonstrating a collective commitment to the project amid international scrutiny.
The GERD stands as Africa's largest hydro-electric plant and symbolizes national pride for many Ethiopians. Over the past 14 years, Ethiopian authorities have consistently stated that the dam’s funding has come entirely from the government and its citizens. US authorities, however, have not elaborated on Trump's remarks.
Known to have raised concerns in Egypt and Sudan, the dam is feared to potentially decrease the water flow they receive from the Nile River. The GERD began electricity generation in 2022, but the ongoing tensions related to its impact on water resources remain unresolved.
Trump has previously raised these claims, with statements implying financially reckless US involvement in the dam's funding. Despite this, Ethiopia emphasizes the country’s sovereignty and the independence of its funding strategy, bolstered by public support through donations and investments, which totaled over $12 million last year alone.
The GERD, which is over a mile long and 145 meters high, is critical for providing much-needed electricity, as around 60% of Ethiopia's population lacks this utility. As the construction faced delays and budget overruns, the Ethiopian government and its people have continued to contribute resources, demonstrating a collective commitment to the project amid international scrutiny.
