BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
In recent years members of the Ethiopian diaspora community are boosting their involvement in the overall affairs of their country. Their commitment and devotion are not limited only to specific issues. They have extended their contribution through remittance, knowledge and technology transfer, investment, and so on.
According to the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, the diasporas, following the political reform in Ethiopia in mid-2018, have increased their participation. They have contributed to their country in different situations and instances.
Taking their devotion and contribution into consideration, the government has also tried to create a conducive environment for them to participate in the country’s development endeavour. Because of the commitment that the diasporas have, the struggle, and exertion to their country shine from the work of some ambassadors and diplomats.
They have explained their country policy, stance, and so on to the international communities using several platforms. Apart from contributing to the Ethiopian National Defense Force, internally displaced people, are actively contributing, regardless of age, race, educational background, financial status, to the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Especially, their financial contribution to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has increased on several occasions and instances.
Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Communication Director Wondosen Girma told the Ethiopian Herald that the diasporas have provided financial support to the GERD through buying bonds, giving different gifts, and extending their hand to different fundraising programs.
Especially, the diaspora has extended 108 million Birr to support GERD in donations as well as the bond purchase within the last three months (July to August). Besides, they have been gearing up efforts in defending the national interest of Ethiopia in the international spot on various issues, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), by engaging in wide-raging public mobilization and digital diplomatic activities, he said.
Though Ethiopia has been explaining the real intention of the construction of GERD to the international communities, Egypt and Sudan have been engaged in destructive activities by misinforming the international community about the realities on the ground. Hence, the diaspora struggled to rectify the wrong narration being disseminated by the riparian countries and their allies about the GERD by explaining the realities on the ground and its development objectives.
According to Wondwosen, the Ethiopian Diaspora has been engaged in explaining the GERD and its real objectives to the international community by using all the available means of communication. Apart from promoting the Ethiopian side of the story, the diaspora community has been engaged in explaining Ethiopia’s constructive stance over the GERD to prevent the unnecessary pressure being exerted by some members of the international community by organizing peaceful demonstrations, signing petitions, and other means.
In addition to the diplomatic efforts being made by the Ethiopian diplomatic missions in various countries, the Ethiopian diasporas have been contributing through public and digital diplomacy which has a huge impact to bring back the GERD issue to AU. In general, the contribution of Ethiopian diasporas has been enormous and couldn’t be esteemed only on financial value.
Apart from their efforts and commitment, some members of the Ethiopian diaspora communities have presented physical and have visited the construction and final phase of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Following the visit, they have expressed their happiness to see the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) being in its final stage to be completed by the efforts and sweat of Ethiopians. They confirmed that their physical appearances will inspire other diasporas to further participate and contributes to the dam.
Moreover, the diasporas, who have visited the GERD, have promised to further strengthen their commitment and contribution to the dam. They have also praised the priceless efforts of Ethiopians to realize the GERD which becomes the symbol of national unity and aspiration of economic growth.
A diaspora who came from California Michael Getaneh said “The construction and completion of the GERD become possible through the blood, tears, and sweat of ordinary Ethiopians that are working day and night to make it happen. The dam is very significant for our future, especially for our children`s future life”.
This is a huge flagship project once it becomes to its completion, it could be the best example for the rest of Africa. It will also motivate them to follow the footstep of Ethiopia, he added.
A diaspora, Ethiopian former Army, who has been living in exile for 41 years and currently resides in Texas, lieutenant Nigus Sigeny was pleased to see the Nile River being used for national development activities, particularly, generating hydroelectric power.
“Egypt and Sudan have been using the Nile River alone for centuries and now Ethiopia is moving towards the use of the Nile water”. Hence, some Ethiopians have been contributing to the construction of the dam from their daily income which is a great inspiration to Ethiopian diasporas to contribute by their ability and capacity, he added.
Another diaspora comes from Los Angeles Mulugeta Mihret said “I am happy to see this national flag project being in its final phase to be completed. This is a great victory for all Ethiopians. The government and people of Ethiopia with great will and desire are about to see the fruit of this dam and withstand foreign influence. He urged all Ethiopian diaspora and diaspora communities to come and visit the construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and provide any support for its realization.
A diaspora from Maryland, Martha Gebresilassie said the youth in the diaspora have to intensify their participation to support the construction of GERD, to be part of this flagship project, and to contribute their parts in any means.
She urged the Ethiopian diaspora especially the youth to actively participate and contribute any support for the successful completion of the construction of the dam. Because completing and using the GERD brings a patriotic aspiration and national pride to all of us.
GERD is a gift of Ethiopians, and Ethiopians are firmly protecting and keep their eyes on it. Historically speaking, Ethiopians, whoever and wherever they are, have common stances and vision for the Nile River, especially, GERD.
The Ethiopian Herald October 17/2021
