An Ethiopian official has strongly denied former President Donald Trump's repeated claims that the United States financed the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), deeming the assertion false and "destructive." Trump previously stated that the dam was built "with United States money, largely," igniting tensions between Ethiopia and its upstream neighbors, Egypt and Sudan, who worry about reduced water flow from the Nile.
Fikrte Tamir, the Deputy Director of the GERD Coordination Office, emphasized that the dam was constructed "without any foreign aid" and maintained that the Ethiopian government, alongside contributions from its people, funded the project entirely. During its 14 years of construction, public enthusiasm surged, enabling the government to finance it through direct contributions, bonds, and diaspora donations.
The GERD is Africa's largest hydro-electric plant and is crucial for supplying electricity to Ethiopia, where approximately 60% of the population currently lack access to electricity. Despite the dam's significance, it has raised concerns in Egypt and Sudan, who fear potential water shortages.
In a recent statement, Tamir suggested that the Ethiopian government should navigate diplomatic discussions regarding Trump's comments with prudence. The GERD Coordination Office, while technically independent, works under government oversight, and Tamir's comments have sparked debate among Ethiopians regarding its independence in potential US negotiations.
The US State Department has yet to clarify Trump's remarks or confirm any alleged funding. Trump's previous assertions on his social media platform have echoed similar concerns regarding the dam's impact on Nile River water flow.
As the GERD commenced electricity production in 2022 and was fully completed this month, its construction has generated both pride and controversy. Originally projected to cost $4 billion and be finished in six years, escalating costs and delays have not deterred public support; the GERD Coordination Office reports that 1.7 billion birr (approximately $12.3 million) has been raised in the year before July 7 alone.
With the dam now operational, Ethiopia aims to leverage its renewable energy potential while navigating complex regional relations with its Nile neighbors amid unresolved disputes over water rights and management.
