Ethiopian official denies Donald Trump’s claim that US funded River Nile dam
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Ethiopia denies Trump's claim that the U.S. funded the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam
Trump’s Nile Dam Claim Rejected by Ethiopian Official
Introduction: Ethiopia Counters US Funding Claims
An Ethiopian official has firmly denied former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that the United States largely funded the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Labeling the claim “false and destructive,” the official emphasized that the massive hydroelectric project was built entirely without foreign financial aid.
Trump’s Controversial Statement
During a recent public address, Donald Trump claimed that Ethiopia’s megadam was “built with United States money, largely.” This statement reignited an ongoing international debate, particularly concerning Egypt and Sudan, who have expressed long-standing fears that the dam could threaten their water supply from the River Nile.
GERD: A Nationally Funded Project
Fikrte Tamir, deputy director of the GERD Coordination Office, categorically dismissed Trump’s remarks on Tuesday. She stressed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was funded solely through domestic means, including government resources and public contributions. “The dam was built without any foreign aid,” she said.
Public Mobilization and Local Investment
Since construction began in 2010, the Ethiopian government has heavily relied on local funding sources. Citizens were encouraged to buy bonds, companies contributed directly, and Ethiopians in the diaspora sent financial support. The GERD Coordination Office, though technically independent, was established to coordinate these national fundraising efforts.
Public Reactions and Diplomacy Urged
Ms. Fikrte urged the government to handle Trump’s accusations through diplomatic means, stating that such unfounded claims could harm Ethiopia’s global image. However, some Ethiopians questioned whether the Coordination Office was fully aware of all international deals involving the dam, given its operational independence from the federal government.
Silence from Ethiopian Government
Despite widespread public interest and international attention, the Ethiopian government has not officially responded to Trump’s latest comments. This silence contrasts with previous occasions when officials defended GERD’s independence from foreign influence, particularly during international negotiations.
Recurring Trump Remarks on GERD
This is not the first time Trump has brought up the issue. In a post on his Truth Social platform last month, he wrote that GERD was “stupidly financed by the United States of America” and claimed it “substantially reduces the water flowing into The Nile River.” His statements align with the concerns of Egypt, a known ally of the Trump administration.
Tensions with Downstream Nations
Egypt and Sudan, both located downstream from Ethiopia, have persistently raised concerns about the dam’s impact on Nile water flow. They argue that the dam could reduce the water they depend on for agriculture and drinking, while Ethiopia maintains that the project is vital for economic growth and electricity generation.
Dam’s Strategic Importance to Ethiopia
GERD, which began producing electricity in 2022 and was completed earlier this month, stands as the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa. It stretches over a mile long and towers 145 meters high on the Blue Nile. Ethiopia sees it as a transformative solution to its severe electricity shortages, with nearly 60% of its population lacking reliable access to power.
Fundraising Success Despite Delays
Though the project has experienced significant delays and budget overruns initially expected to be completed in six years for $4 billion public support has remained strong. In the past year alone, the GERD Coordination Office reported collecting 1.7 billion birr (approximately $12.3 million) from citizen contributions.
Conclusion: National Pride Amid Global Scrutiny
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam represents more than just a power source it is a symbol of national unity and self-reliance. While Trump’s comments have stirred political controversy, Ethiopian officials and citizens continue to stand by their homegrown achievement, rejecting any claims that diminish the country’s ownership of its landmark project.
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