By Henok T. Historically, Egypt and Sudan constructed major dams over the Nile, notably the Aswan High Dam and the Sennar Dam, without notifying and seeking consent from other basin states including Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia, constructed GERD notifying the lower stream states. Ethiopia’s move is a diplomatic, and brotherly gesture—in stark contrast to Egypt’s colonial mindset of utilizing the Nile waters with Egypt. Ethiopia committed to the Declaration of Principles (DoP) in 2015, which acknowledging the need for cooperation, fair use, and non-harm, setting a standard for consultation, nullifying the colonial era agreement which does not recognize the source of Abay River, Ethiopia, which contributes over 86 percent of water to downstream states. Simply because Ethiopia is the source of the Abay River, Egypt had been a safe haven for violent groups engaged in destabilizing Ethiopia. Egypt had been providing trainings and logistics to separatist groups to undermine Ethiopia. Egypt has never wanted Ethiopia to prosper. Egypt was fanning tensions between Ethiopia and its neighbors. It is against this background that the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a historic milestone for Ethiopians and beyond. The successful completion of the dam is more than just a national achievement, expanding our strategic horizons and provides a foundation for implementing yet another mega projects in a united, forward-looking and geopolitical strategy, setting priority to African solidarity. Ethiopia has never acted unilaterally. From the very start of the GERD project in 2011, Ethiopia has pursued open dialogue through the tripartite mechanism with Sudan and Egypt, repeatedly reaffirming its commitment to the Declaration of Principles (DoP) signed in Khartoum in 2015 — a document that Egypt itself endorsed. That declaration clearly recognizes Ethiopia’s right to utilize its natural resources for development. The GERD is not a political tool, nor a project designed to control the Nile. It is a purely hydro-electric facility—a clean-energy investment built without external loans or conditionalities. The dam generates power, not scarcity; light, not confrontation. Contrary to the assertions made in Cairo, the controlled filling and operation of the dam have not caused harm to downstream nations. Independent hydrological analyses, confirm that fluctuations in river flow are within normal seasonal variations. No farmer in Egypt or Sudan has been deprived of a single drop of water because of the GERD. Ethiopia continues to release water in accordance with the dam’s engineering design and natural hydrological cycles. As the country that contributes over 86 percent of the Nile waters, Ethiopia bears the highest responsibility to protect the basin’s sustainability. It is therefore illogical to accuse the upstream source nation of deliberately undermining the very resource on which its own people depend. The Nile is a shared African river, not a colonial possession. Development along it should follow the principle of 21st century, based on mutual benefit as enshrined in international water law. Egypt and Ethiopia are Africa’s two most populous nations and among its five largest economies. Their future prosperity lies not in accusation and mistrust but in partnership. Ethiopia’s hydropower capacity can supply clean electricity to its neighbors and beyond — stabilizing grids, reducing carbon emissions, and cutting the heavy costs of fossil-fuel imports. Storing water in Ethiopia’s cool highlands reduces evaporation losses that plague Lake Nasser, saving billions of cubic meters annually. Egypt as a downstream country, benefits from water conservation at the GERD instead of wastage of billions of cubic meters of water to evaporation and in downstream flood. GERD is a mega continental energy project that would gear Africa’s economic integration in realizing its long term vision of power grid and prosperity of the continent. During the the inauguration of GERD, Prime Minister Abiy stressed that the dam is comparable to the victory of Adwa, heralding a new era of prosperity for Ethiopia. "We have heard history. We have seen history. We have learned history. But today, we were able to become the generation chosen by God to make history and stand upon it to speak," Abiy emphasized. The GERD, which has created a massive reservoir with a capacity of 74 billion cubic meters of water, has been named "Nigat Lake (Dawn Lake). “This lake has brought with it a wealth greater than Ethiopia's GDP. This generation has accomplished a great deed with the Renaissance Dam. The era of begging has ended, ” he underscored. Abiy described the GERD as “the biggest mega project in the history of the Black people” and extended invitation to visit what the nation has accomplished. “The Nile is a gift from God to all the peoples who live along its banks. We can only secure it if we care for it together,” Prime Minister Abiy reiterated. It is time to return to that spirit — the spirit of shared destiny and mutual respect. Only through cooperation can the Nile continue to nourish not just two nations, but an entire continent.

By Gezmu Edecha Addis Ababa, October 4, 2025 (ENA)—This morning multitudes of the Oromo people and their fellow Ethiopians converged at Hora Finfinnee with their hearts full of thanksgiving and their hands carrying fresh green grass that shimmered like hope against the azure waters of Hora Finfinnee. This year's Irreecha celebration carried something special – it unfolded in the Addis Ababa transformed beyond recognition. The traditional thanksgiving festival themed "Irreecha for National Renaissance" drew thousands who came not just to honor the tradition, but also to witness how their beloved capital has blossomed. One of the celebrants, Abebe Gofe, said "What makes this year's Irreecha festival special is the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the various development projects across the country. The government has accomplished great work in collaboration with the public." "Irreecha festival, which the Oromo and other people are celebrating together, is one that everyone celebrates in unity; and the ceremony in Addis Ababa city with wide roads and shining streets makes it special. The city's development is very pleasing, and this must expand to other cities as well.’’ The festival, deeply rooted in Waaqeffannaa has always been about gratitude. But this year, gratitude took on new dimensions. As families dipped their green grass and flowers into the sacred waters, they carried prayers not just for personal blessings, but for a nation rising. The other celebrant, Abdi Mohammed, with his eyes reflecting both the ancient wisdom of his ancestors and the promise of tomorrow, said this year's Irreecha brings joy because Ethiopia has embarked on a comprehensive development journey. "Addis Ababa has become very beautiful and clean. The place where Hora Finfinnee is celebrated has been beautified by the corridor development project, adding splendor to the festival." The transformation wasn't lost on anyone. Where once narrow, difficult paths challenged pedestrians, wide boulevards and stunning walkways now welcome millions. The integration of lush greenery, public plazas, and vibrant streets created a canvas where ancient traditions could flourish with renewed dignity. For Boke Eyi, a celebrant the capital's new face had become more than just infrastructure. "The changes in Addis Ababa's appearance create great inspiration to carry out other development works," he noted. "Previously, the roads, especially for pedestrians, were not comfortable. Now it has become very attractive and comfortable for travel. The development works done in the city in these two years have changed the face of the city. It has become attractive not only for Ethiopians but also for foreign visitors." Abba Gada Gobena Hola said Irreecha, which all nations and nationalities eagerly awaited, was celebrated vibrantly at Hora Finfinnee. "All nations and nationalities eagerly await Irreecha, and it was celebrated magnificently at Hora Finfinnee," Gobena declared. "All Ethiopians celebrated it magnificently; and the festival maintained its cultural values and was celebrated with splendor." The festival's inclusive nature shone brightly as Ethiopians and even foreign visitors joined the celebration. Children laughed as they splashed in the sacred waters, elders shared stories under acacia trees, and young people danced to rhythms that have echoed across generations. The sight of diverse faces united in celebration painted a picture of the Ethiopia many dreams of – one where differences become strengths and unity emerges from diversity As the day progressed and the sun began its descent, the green grass floating on Hora Finfinnee's waters looked like prayers made visible. Each blade carried hopes for abundant harvests, peaceful coexistence, and continued progress. The waters that have witnessed countless Irreecha celebrations now reflected not just the ancient sky, but the gleaming facades of a modernizing capital. Tomorrow, the celebration continues in Bishoftu, where Hora Arsedi will bring together even more communities in thanksgiving. But today's celebration at Hora Finfinnee has already achieved something remarkable – it has shown how ancient wisdom and modern progress can dance together; how traditions can flourish in transformed spaces, and how a people's gratitude can encompass both the blessings of the past and the promises of the future. As the celebrants dispersed carrying blessed grass and hearts full of hope, they left behind waters that had witnessed not just another Irreecha, but a celebration that perfectly captured a nation in transition – honoring where it came from while embracing where it is headed. In this season of thanksgiving, Ethiopia itself has something to be grateful for.