Ethiopia Firmly Rejects Trump's GERD Funding Claims, Affirms Self-Reliance
Ethiopia's Water Minister forcefully rejects claims of foreign funding for GERD, emphasizing the dam's completion as a testament to Ethiopian self-reliance and sovereign development capabilities.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stands as a symbol of Ethiopian self-reliance and development
Ethiopia's Strong Response to Foreign Funding Claims
Ethiopia's Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Eteffa has categorically rejected claims about foreign financing of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing the project's status as a symbol of Ethiopia's growing energy independence and self-reliance.
"This Renaissance Dam is built with Ethiopian People and government financing," Minister Eteffa declared during a BBC Amharic interview, firmly dismissing recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about American financial support for the project.
National Pride in Self-Funded Development
The resolute stance on GERD's financing aligns with Ethiopia's broader push toward technological sovereignty and national development. Aregawi Berhe, Director General of the GERD Public Participation Coordination Office, strongly rejected Trump's claims as "incorrect."
Diplomatic Openness Amid Project Completion
With the dam's construction now complete and inauguration scheduled for September 9, Ethiopia maintains its diplomatic stance. Minister Eteffa confirmed the country's continued openness to negotiations with Egypt, demonstrating Ethiopia's commitment to regional dialogue while protecting national interests.
Scientific Validation and Water Rights
An international expert team's study found no significant impact on downstream countries, reinforcing Ethiopia's position on equitable water use. This scientific backing strengthens Ethiopia's stance against colonial-era agreements that historically favored Egypt's water claims.
The successful completion of GERD represents another milestone in Ethiopia's industrial and infrastructure advancement, demonstrating the nation's capability to execute massive projects through domestic resources and expertise.
Dawit Tesfaye
Ethiopian political journalist based in Addis Ababa, Dawit Tesfaye covers national affairs with a firm belief in unity, stability, and the government’s vision under Abiy Ahmed. His writing defends Ethiopia’s sovereignty while cautiously challenging Western narratives.