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 is 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.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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Topic vs. Content: Content doesn’t back Topic. What I read gravitated towards “Abiy’s International Diplomacy Failure.” I wonder what the yardstick for ‘diplomatic failure’ is.
GERD Inauguration Celebration: Celebrate it with an on-site open-air banquet & concert for Ethiopia’s Team GERD, Team Salini, Salini’s Family, Team China, Team Turbine …
Abiy vs. ‘International Diplomacy’: Should Abiy or any Ethiopian ever care whether any European or African leader comes for the GERD’s inauguration or not? Hasn’t the West been Egypt’s accomplice in denying Ethiopia loans ever since the Haile-Selassie era?
Abiy vs. Mr. Crump: Mr. Crump thrives on negativity & chaos. He is also more of an attention-seeking child than President. So, Abiy may have opted for Bernard Shaw’s rule-of-thumb: “Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it…”
Mr. Crump vs. Ethiopia: The GERD Team [Sileshi & Co.] refused to sign the Egypt-crafted & Crump-approved Nile deal at the WH. Then, Crump sent it to Abiy via Pompeo. Abiy refused, too! So, Crump would do anything to hurt Ethiopia or derail the GERD.
Hahaha, why Ethiopia has to hear the international community and especially the Americans…With a passion for truth let me give some examples. 1st of all, you are not so important and your ambitions have the same value as any other states ambitions. Except if you believe in the justice of power or that your existence is supreme to others existence, which makes you Nazis!
2nd. For about 25 years Ethiopia is the largest recipient of foreign help, amounting to 1,5 billion $ per year. Money that obviously don’t reach the needy but go in the deep pockets of government officials, NGO people, etc. You can’t be so naive to believe that countries be giving money (because you can’t manage your own country well) for so long are not going to ask for something back!! You can’t use the “we were colonized” card. So your wins and losses are on your solders.
3rd last year the government signed contracts where they borrowed 2,5- 3 billion dollars from the IMF and the central bank, both master instruments and the long hand of USA. What they asked to give this failed government for the loan so that the army can keep killing its own people while the government lives lavish lifestyles, is bir in the free market and not controlled by the central bank of Ethiopia. You see the results of this move.Also to allow foreign banks and institutions previously not allowed in Ethiopia. Tax reforms (happening just now) and many more that will make the rich richer, the poor poorer and will reduce freedoms even more.
4th. complete lack of competent diplomats who can speak and support their arguments at the highest level.
5th. Abie’s pathetic attempt to show that the (much needed and completely justified) built of the dam was an 100% Ethiopian project, as if it’s a shame to work together with entities that have the experience and the know-how, in the fields that the locals are lacking. So, when Trump says USA gave money 2 times the last year,
the company responsible for the design and construction is Italian and China has given money multiple times for this project (just Google if in doubt) the government has the nerve to say that they don’t need and want any foreign assistance. Bad politics, bad decision making and more isolation will not help the country.
Again, as I have wrote before, the inflated sense of self importance, the pride of never being colonized, therefore making you “different/superior” to other Africans , the fear of anything farenji, but the love of our currency will be the downfall of the government and the country.
Ps. We can talk about why and how you escaped from colonization when someone has the bravery to write about facts and not fantasy …
The author of this article does not tell us who was invited for the inauguration of the dam, who accepted and who rejected the invitation. Do you have the list of those invited? Do you have the official inauguration date? I have heard rumors that the date is set on the coming Ethiopian New Year(September 11, 2025). But that was not official.
Also, how is the author so sure that the billions in US dollars that country received from the US in relief aid since 2011 did not indirectly play part in the construction of the dam? Think about it.
Blessings.