Ethiopia Refutes Trump's Claims on US Funding for Nile Dam

An Ethiopian government representative has responded to former President Donald Trump's recent claims regarding funding for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Ethiopian government maintains that the mega-project was financed solely by national sources and the contributions of the Ethiopian populace, dismissing Trump's statements as misleading and harmful. The GERD, which boasts being Africa's largest hydroelectric power plant, has been the center of contention, particularly with neighboring Egypt and Sudan. Trump has been vocal about US financial influence on the dam, which has heightened regional tensions related to water allocation from the Nile River. Despite the political strain, the Ethiopian government continues to rally public support for the dam's operational success, which aims to provide critical electricity to millions in need.

Ethiopian official Fikrte Tamir firmly rejected Trump's allegations that US funds were used for the GERD, stating that it was built "without any foreign aid". This assertion comes after Trump reiterated his claims on social media, indicating that the dam would adversely affect water availability for downstream countries. As the dam became operational last year, concerns from Egypt and Sudan about reduced water flow have escalated, reflecting deeper regional anxieties regarding water rights. In light of Trump's repeated assertions, Ethiopian officials stress the need for diplomatic handling of the situation, arguing that statements like Trump's can exacerbate tensions in an already sensitive geopolitical landscape. The Ethiopian government has mobilized efforts to generate financial support domestically, showcasing community contributions alongside official government funding to realize the ambitious project.