Ethiopia has completed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project built through the collective contributions, knowledge, and dedication of its people. The dam stands as a tangible symbol of self-reliance, transforming Ethiopia from a spectator to a full participant in the equitable use of its natural resources.
For centuries, the nation that contributes over 85% of the Nile's waters has remained an observer, but this era is over. With the completion of the GERD, Ethiopians have shown that no earthly force can stop a united people from realizing their dreams.
From Historical Narrators to History Makers
The GERD proves that Ethiopia's interwoven diversity is a source of immense strength, capable of producing symbolic efforts that reshape global history and politics. This moment echoes the historic Victory of Adwa at the end of the 19th century. That victory, which came after overcoming complex challenges, became a beacon of freedom that divided the global anti-colonial struggle into "before and after Adwa."
Today, Ethiopians have achieved a second Adwa. The GERD marks a great victory that will divide the discourse on equitable water use, African politics, and international diplomacy into "before and after the Renaissance Dam." This triumph belongs to all Ethiopians, both at home and abroad.
Shattering the Narrative of "They Can't"
The GERD has single-handedly dismantled the narrative of "Ethiopians can't." This project, a testament to the nation’s resilience, could not be halted by internal conflicts created by foreign agents, international diplomatic pressure, outdated colonial-era treaties, or the traps laid by historical adversaries.
The dam is a clear sign of Ethiopia's development capacity and a powerful message of self-reliance and mutual connection for all of Africa. As a source of clean, renewable energy, the GERD should have received global support, but instead faced unwarranted challenges. Its success is a direct result of the shared effort of the Ethiopian people.
Mutual Benefits for the Region
Beyond being a source of national pride, the GERD provides tangible benefits. It will be a vital source of power, a hub for fishing, and a new tourist destination. For downstream nations, the dam offers an example of fair benefit-sharing. It will serve as a reliable flood control system, conserve water that would have been lost to evaporation, and provide a steady water flow throughout the year, preventing silt buildup in their own dams.
Despite these clear advantages, historical enemies have sought to obstruct Ethiopia's rightful use of the river by misleading their own people about the dam's benefits. While they may have caused delays, they were unable to stop the project.
We Ethiopians are a people of humanity and high moral character. We would never harm others by monopolizing a river that nature gave for shared use. Our history proves this; in a time before international human rights laws, we treated our captured enemies with dignity, cared for them, and honorably returned them to their home countries.
This is the message we want the people of downstream nations to understand. No power on earth will be able to obstruct our journey to prosperity, challenge our sovereignty, or prevent us from using our natural and historical resources. The GERD is our enduring symbol of this truth.
