Despite ongoing threats and intimidation tactics from opponents, construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project remains on schedule to be completed by January 2025, according to the project’s leadership.

Kifle Horo, the general manager of the GERD, reported that contractors involved in the 13-year construction effort have faced continued threats, with some parties trying to lure them away from the project. However, Horo stated that the construction is progressing as planned.

“The opposition has tried various tactics, including intimidation and accusations, to try to stop this project,” said Horo. “But the work continues, and we remain confident we will finish on schedule.”

Some of the recent challenges cited include the burning of the Derba cement factory, which supplies cement for the dam, as well as attempts to block roads and disrupt the delivery of raw materials to the construction site.

“There were no major obstacles when construction was halted years ago, but now that the project is nearing completion, we are seeing increased pressure from those who oppose it,” Horo explained.

Despite these threats, the GERD project has reached 96% completion, with the remaining work expected to be finished by the target date early next year. Dr. Aregawi Berhe, head of the National Coordination Office for the GERD, noted that Ethiopians both at home and abroad have contributed over 19.4 billion birr (approximately $340 million) to support the dam’s construction.

However, Belayneh Aknaw, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, acknowledged that the diaspora’s financial support has been less than 1% of what was hoped for, citing a lack of alternative donation methods and coordination challenges.

To address this, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has updated its “It’s My Dam” crowdfunding app to make it easier for the diaspora community to contribute. Bank President Abie Sano reported that the bank has provided over 136.7 billion birr (roughly $2.4 billion) in financing for the GERD project so far, with a total of 241 billion birr expected to be spent by the time it is completed.

Despite the threats and funding challenges, the Ethiopian government remains committed to finishing the ambitious GERD project, which is slated to become the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa upon completion.

In a historic first, the European Union (EU) has awarded its prestigious Schuman EU Award to more than six Ethiopians for their outstanding contributions in various fields.

The awards ceremony, held at the EU compound on Thursday, May 30th, was attended by Daniel Bekele, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The Schuman EU Award recognizes individuals who have made significant strides in promoting democracy, the rule of law, human rights, tolerance and equality. This year’s Ethiopian recipients include the founder of the Horn of Africa Human Rights League, the founder of the Fendika Cultural Center, the chairman of Stand for the Environment, and a representative from the Ethiopian Association of Women Lawyers.

“This is a tremendous honor for these Ethiopian leaders, and a testament to the important work they have done to advance critical causes within their communities and beyond,” said Bekele. “It is a proud moment for Ethiopia to be so well-represented among the recipients of this prestigious EU award.”

The Schuman EU Award was first presented in 2017 in Myanmar, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the European Union’s founding. The award aims to empower individuals and strengthen diplomatic ties by fostering greater communication and understanding.

The award is named after Robert Schuman, a French politician, scholar and activist who lived from 1886 to 1963. Schuman was one of the founding fathers of the European Union, as well as instrumental in establishing other vital European and transatlantic institutions in the aftermath of World War II.

“These Ethiopian honorees have demonstrated the same spirit of leadership and vision that Robert Schuman embodied,” Bekele commented. “Their contributions have helped to advance democratic principles and human rights, and this recognition by the EU is well-deserved.”

The award ceremony in Addis Ababa marks the first time the Schuman EU Award has been presented to multiple Ethiopians, highlighting the growing influence and impact of the country’s civil society leaders on the global stage.

The Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) has expressed grave concern over the recent statement issued by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) detailing severe human rights violations in conflict-affected areas of the country.

The EHRC report has highlighted disturbing incidents of direct attacks on civilians, arbitrary arrests, property destruction, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other egregious abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law.

AHRE has vehemently condemned these atrocities, emphasizing that civilians should never be targets of violence. The organization has stressed that all parties involved in the conflict must prioritize the protection of civilians.

“We are deeply disturbed by the harrowing details contained in the EHRC report,” said the AHRE spokesperson. “Civilians caught in the crossfire of this conflict must be safeguarded, and those responsible for these abuses must be held accountable.”

AHRE has urged the government to promptly act to protect civilians from further harm and to uphold its obligations under international law by conducting fair and impartial investigations into the alleged violations. The organization has called for those found responsible to be held accountable through due judicial processes.

Furthermore, AHRE has expressed solidarity with the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), which has reported serious violations, such as threats, unlawful arrests, violence, restrictions on human rights activities, information limitations, office intrusions, property theft, and defamatory actions against its staff. According to EHRCO, these actions are part of a broader attempt to suppress civil society organizations operating in the human rights sector.

AHRE has called on the government to uphold and safeguard civic spaces, ensuring that human rights defenders can carry out their important work without fear of retaliation or intimidation.

“We urge all relevant stakeholders to take significant measures to restore peace and justice,” the AHRE spokesperson said. “The protection of human rights and the pursuit of accountability must be the top priorities in addressing this critical situation.”