A Tribute to Ethiopia’s Victory: The Inauguration of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

History is made! Against all odds, the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), dreamed of by our forefathers, pursued with unwavering determination since 2010, and defended at every step, has now been completed. This victory belongs to the people of Ethiopia, at home and abroad, who stood firm through every challenge, sacrifice, and attempt to derail our sovereignty.

We, the Defend Ethiopia Task Force in Europe (DETF-EU), proudly congratulate our fellow diaspora and our beloved Ethiopia on this monumental achievement. GERD is not only an engineering feat but also a testament to what Ethiopians can accomplish when united. Built and financed by our people, including over $500 million that was mobilized directly from Ethiopians and the diaspora through bonds, donations, and grassroots campaigns, it defied orchestrated blockades, outdated colonial-era treaties, and international pressure that sought to deny Ethiopia its rightful development.

As Defend Ethiopia, we stood shoulder to shoulder with our people in this struggle. During the first and second fillings, we launched campaigns that declared Ethiopia’s sovereign right to use its natural resources and highlighted GERD’s promise of electrification and development for millions. In the third filling, we reinforced Ethiopia’s legal and moral position on equitable Nile use. During the fourth and fifth fillings, we intensified our advocacy through four major campaigns and official statements, countering Egypt’s pressure and Arab League resolutions. By framing GERD as a symbol of African resilience and aligning it with the UN Sustainable Development Goals—affordable energy, poverty reduction, and industrial growth, we ensured that Ethiopia’s voice was heard across the globe.

This is our collective victory. It echoes the spirit of Adwa and shines as a Pan-African triumph. GERD is proof that Ethiopia can self-finance grand projects, advance sustainable energy, foster regional integration, and export peace and cooperation instead of conflict. For generations to come, it will power our homes, schools, hospitals, and industries, transforming lives and securing our nation’s future.

The price was immense, measured in sweat, tears, sacrifices, and billions in foregone opportunities, yet the return is infinite. GERD stands as the Pride of Africa, alongside Ethiopia’s Green Legacy and agricultural transformation, as a beacon of sovereignty, resilience, and unity.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all Ethiopians who contributed:

• To the Ethiopian people who gave their hard-earned money to make this dream a reality,
• To the engineers and workers who built it,
• To the leaders who defended it,
• To the Ethiopian military who safeguarded it,
• To the diaspora, who not only financed the dam but also raised Ethiopia’s voice in international arenas,
• And to our African brothers and sisters, and friendly nations, who stood with us in solidarity.

This is our dam, our victory, our pride. Above all, it proves that when Ethiopians come together, nothing is impossible. May GERD continue to inspire us to resolve our differences through dialogue and to channel our unity toward building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Ethiopia.

Congratulations to all Ethiopians. Congratulations to us, the Defend Ethiopia family. Congratulations to Africa.

DETF-EU Steering Group