GERD African pride: The inauguration of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Abiy Ahmed’s rejected invitations

Nama Nekemto

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stands as a symbol of African ingenuity and self-reliance. Ethiopia’s achievement in constructing this monumental project, largely through its own efforts, serves as an inspiring example for the entire continent. The GERD’s successful completion demonstrates the potential for African nations to undertake ambitious infrastructure projects independently, fostering economic growth and regional development. This should serve as a powerful catalyst, encouraging other African countries to pursue similarly impactful initiatives.

However, the narrative surrounding the GERD’s construction is often clouded by political considerations. Attributing its completion to external forces undermines the significant contributions of Ethiopian engineers, workers, and various Ethiopian government’s unwavering commitment. The suggestion that the dam was built by another nation, such as the United States, is misleading and dismissive of Ethiopia’s considerable investment and dedication. Such assertions are as inaccurate and inappropriate as suggesting Ethiopia financially contributed to the Hoover Dam’s construction.

While Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s silence on the matter does not automatically validate or invalidate claims of recurrent assertion that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam construction and completion were financed by the United States could not be proven true, investigation into the financing sources, encompassing both public and private investments, from various domestic and international actors, would be necessary to provide a definitive answer. Such an investigation might reveal a far more complex funding structure than what is commonly presented, and simplistic pronouncements risk oversimplifying a multifaceted issue. It’s crucial to consult official government reports and independent financial analyses to understand the true extent of US involvement and the overall financial landscape of this monumental project.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s silence could be interpreted as conclusive evidence to repeatedly said misleading statements. A strong leader, prioritizing Ethiopia’s interests and national pride, would unequivocally reject such misrepresentations. The GERD’s story is one of African self-determination, a narrative that should be celebrated and accurately reflected. It is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the immense effort and dedication that went into this remarkable project, showcasing the potential for future achievements throughout the continent.

It obvious that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to secure the attendance of European and African leaders at the dam’s inauguration ceremony have not yielded the expected results. Despite his considerable diplomatic outreach, the anticipated level of international participation appears to be significantly lower than hoped for.

This situation underscores a broader concern regarding Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s international relationships. While his administration has actively sought to foster collaboration with various nations and organizations, the level of genuine trust and sustained partnership seems limited. Anecdotal evidence suggests that his attempts at forging close relationships, sometimes perceived as overly familiar or exceeding diplomatic protocol, have not consistently translated into reliable alliances. A pattern has emerged where initial enthusiasm is not followed by long-term commitment from many international partners.

The reasons behind this are complex and require further analysis. However, it is crucial to examine the effectiveness of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s diplomatic strategies and the overall perception of Ethiopia’s international standing to fully understand why he is facing challenges in securing the desired level of support. A thorough review of these factors is vital for the future of Ethiopia’s international collaborations and diplomatic relationships.