Intellectuals pledge support to Ethiopia’s dam negotiation

Addis Ababa, March 13, 2020 (FBC) – A high-level dialogue on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Abay River has been held in Addis Ababa today.

Organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MoSHE), the day-long event was attended by Ethiopian intellectuals and other stakeholders.

In a statement issued after the discussion, they pledged to provide support to Ethiopia’s efforts to protect its national interests in the dam and the Abay River.

They further vowed to support through consultation research and studies to ensure that Ethiopia’s work on the GERD and other dams bears greater social and economic benefits.

They also commended the position taken by Ethiopia in the negotiations on the dam and commit to supporting collectively and individually the conclusion of the negotiations by upholding the national interests of Ethiopia.

They called upon international partners and Africans to stand by Ethiopia’s side in its efforts to use its own resources and protect its natural rights and to condemn any party that undermines its rights.

They also urged all Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin to contribute for the success of the dam.