By Getnet Alebel
His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I had a visionary plan to build a hydroelectric power dam in Ethiopia’s Blue Nile basin. The project was carefully studied and designed by both foreign and Ethiopian engineers. However, it faced significant external resistance and internal challenges—most notably, the denial of loans by the World Bank and the IMF due to Egyptian influence and the fear that Ethiopia’s control over the Nile River could shift regional power dynamics.
Despite these setbacks, the Emperor boldly issued a 50 Ethiopian dollar note featuring the image of the dam. This note was more than just currency; it symbolized his vision, his legacy, and the deep sense of national pride embedded within it. It served as a message of hope—a quiet assurance that modern, self-reliant Ethiopia would one day carry this dream forward, and that future generations would complete what had been started.
A Letter of Assurance to the President of Egypt
His Majesty dispatched his special envoy, H.E. Lij Endalkachew Mekonnen, with a letter addressed to Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. In that letter, the Emperor made it clear: one day, younger generations of Ethiopians would build the dam with their own resources. The project would rise not through borrowed money, but through the will, determination, and sacrifice of the Ethiopian people.
That letter was more than diplomatic correspondence—it was a bold assurance. And today, the dream has been realized. In September 2025 (1917 E.C.), under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, one of the largest and most powerful hydroelectric dams in Africa was completed on the Nile River.
The Emperor’s vision for a developed and modern Ethiopia has become a reality. That letter to Egypt was historic and unprecedented—a declaration that building a dam on the Nile was not only inevitable but destined. It stands as his second great preface to history, following his famous 1936 speech in Geneva, where he rose courageously before the League of Nations and warned the world’s leaders:
“It is us today. Tomorrow, it will be you.”
Only days later, World War II broke out.
A Lesson of History for Younger Generations
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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