Ethiopian Diaspora fund over 64,000 Canadian Dollars for GERD

Addis Ababa, June 1, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopian Diasporas living in Vancouver, Canada, have contributed 64,500 Canadian dollars to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in a webinar fundraising meeting held over the weekend.

The money was collected at a virtual fund-raising event organized by Alliance for GERD in Canada, British Columbia chapter. Whilst 37,000 Canadian dollars was collected during the occasion, the Diaspora have also pledged to purchase 37,000 Canadian dollars’ worth GERD bonds.

During the occasion, Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Director Selamawit Dawit said that Ethiopians in Canada have made exemplary contribution to finance the dam since the inception. Noting that consolidated efforts are underway to complete the construction of the dam, she called on the Diaspora to further extend their support.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Canada, Nassise Chali on her part appreciated the Diaspora’s contribution for the GERD and also highlighted the need to make integrated efforts of Ethiopians living in home and abroad to overcome challenges the country has encountered.

“The dam has multi-purpose benefit for Ethiopia and supporting it is a duty and national responsibility,” the ambassador said adding that Ethiopia has faced challenges and requires diaspora to play a patriot role to stun the challenges. Meanwhile, Ethiopians residing in Italy demonstrated against external intervention and pressure on Ethiopia and expressed solidarity to the Ethiopian government and support its defiance against external interference.

The demonstrators also condemned Egypt and Sudan conspiracy on Ethiopia in relation to GERD negotiation and border disputes.

According to EPA, the demonstrators urged western media institution to stop lies and called on the western partners support for the displaced people and others required emergency assistance.

The demonstrators pledged support to the people and government of Ethiopia for the second filling of the GERD reservoir. Besides, Ethiopians residing in Italy purchased 10,000 Euro GERD bond.