Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared his bewilderment over why so many people get angry and view Ethiopia as a wrongdoer when the development of the Abay (Blue Nile) River is discussed.

"The Ethiopian people, who sought justice in the GERD, were punished by an unjust world," he stated.

The Prime Minister said that while Ethiopia would have preferred to collaborate with many others, the precondition of "if you don't abandon this project" and the way they were viewed as a "wrongdoer" was very challenging. He pointed out how frustrating it was that many became angry and even took the issue to the UN Security Council, despite the fact that the GERD was built without diminishing the river's water flow.

Prime Minister Abiy noted that global institutions are often seen providing massive loans for casinos and hotels, yet they are unwilling to finance projects like the GERD that have the potential to transform human lives.

He added that while God created the world with enough for everyone, human selfishness has turned it into a place of greed.

He stated that after the dam's construction began, it was discovered that the river was carrying not just silt but also gold. He said he now understands that the anger of many was rooted in the realization that Ethiopia was retaining its own wealth.

The Prime Minister concluded that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will not only retain Ethiopia's soil and gold but will also bring light to the many who have been living in darkness. He recalled that the world's perception of the matter was distorted and that it required immense effort to clarify the facts and reveal the truth to the world.