Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at the launch of his new book, directly addressed the growing debate over who deserves credit for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), stating that the questions now being raised about its ownership prove its success.

"Who built the Renaissance?" and "What was everyone's share?" are questions that have only emerged now that the dam is nearing completion, the Prime Minister noted. He likened the situation to a ripe fruit, which attracts many owners, and contrasted it with what would have happened if the project had failed.

"If we had abandoned it, the story would have been completely different. People would have said, 'Those people ruined it,' and no one would have come near it," he said, highlighting how people rush to claim a share of a victory.

With the project's success, however, many are now vying to claim ownership, a competition Dr. Abiy said his "Medemer" government has no time for. He declared that his administration will simply say, "It is yours," to the public and move on to the next task.

He clarified that the goal of the Medemer government is to achieve, not to claim sole credit for achievements. He concluded by reiterating that the GERD is a collective struggle and victory for all Ethiopians, not the triumph of a single government or individual.