In a statement made last week, Trump accused the United States of providing substantial funding for the dam's construction, a claim Ethiopian officials describe as false. Fikrte Tamir, the deputy director of the GERD Coordination Office, responded on Tuesday, clarifying that the dam was entirely financed by the Ethiopian government and its citizens, without any foreign aid.
“The government should handle Trump's remarks with strategically planned diplomatic dialogue,” Fikrte noted, emphasizing the potential for misunderstanding due to the independent nature of her office.
The GERD has stirred strong reactions since its inception. While Ethiopia views the dam as critical for generating electricity—an essential resource for 60% of its population lacking reliable power—Egypt and Sudan express concerns over the impact on their water supply from the Nile, which is crucial for their populations.
Despite Trump reiterating his claims, Ethiopian officials have not officially responded to them, further igniting speculation among locals about the nature of any US-Ethiopian dealings. Initially projected to take six years to complete with a budget of $4 billion, the GERD was operational in 2022 but faced significant construction delays and cost overruns. Throughout its development, various fundraising strategies have been employed, including bond sales and public contributions, totaling approximately $12.3 million in recent months.
As the dam continues to generate both electricity and contention, the Ethiopian government remains focused on its core mission while navigating complex regional dynamics.
“The government should handle Trump's remarks with strategically planned diplomatic dialogue,” Fikrte noted, emphasizing the potential for misunderstanding due to the independent nature of her office.
The GERD has stirred strong reactions since its inception. While Ethiopia views the dam as critical for generating electricity—an essential resource for 60% of its population lacking reliable power—Egypt and Sudan express concerns over the impact on their water supply from the Nile, which is crucial for their populations.
Despite Trump reiterating his claims, Ethiopian officials have not officially responded to them, further igniting speculation among locals about the nature of any US-Ethiopian dealings. Initially projected to take six years to complete with a budget of $4 billion, the GERD was operational in 2022 but faced significant construction delays and cost overruns. Throughout its development, various fundraising strategies have been employed, including bond sales and public contributions, totaling approximately $12.3 million in recent months.
As the dam continues to generate both electricity and contention, the Ethiopian government remains focused on its core mission while navigating complex regional dynamics.
