University of Gondar President “Its My Dam, Its Our Dam”

Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn’s message on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

“From the beginning of time, the writings in the Holy Scriptures have always stated that the river Gihon encompassed the entire country of Ethiopia and emptied into the Garden of Eden.

Until now, even though the name has seen some changes, one of the longest rivers in the world has always been associated with the country of Ethiopia.

Originating in Lake Tana, which is found in Northwest Ethiopia, my beloved citizens have always understood the importance of the river, but could not always harness its true potential because of sporadic instability and financial hardships.

With that being said though, today is clearly a new day. We are building Africa’s largest Hydroelectric Dam with our own funds, straddling our own territory using our own water source.

This Dam is not just a concrete behemoth; it is much more than that. It is a symbol of pride to our country’s people and is a beacon of national unity. It is our lifeline to the global economy and chance to great opportunity. It is our forefather’s struggle and determination to keep for us a country with potential. It is a future of industrialization and a country that could give its people what they deserve. And it is food on the plates of my brothers and sisters with the added luxury of eating with electricity and the lights on for the first time.

This monumental undertaking is the result of more than 100 million Ethiopian citizens who are ready to take that next step out of poverty and continue in a great leap into development. To put it bluntly; WE ARE ALL IN.

Recent news cycles bring up false claims that we are not willing to negotiate with other countries pertaining to the Dam. This could not be further from the truth. All we ask is to benefit together and share the wonderful gifts of the Nile. But one thing that the International Community should know is that we have never been dictated by colonial era treatise in the past and such crippling and unjust treatise will certainly not subdue us in the present.

We believe in our own capacity to finish the Dam and we ask all citizens of the world, who believe in freedom and justice, to take up our cause and say these words:

– This Dam is for the weak and oppressed.

– This Dam is for light that will defeat darkness.

– This Dam is for all those who seek hope.

– This is my Dam!

– This is our Dam!