10/09/2025
𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐑 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐌 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
𝐆𝐔𝐁𝐀, 𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐀, 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 –President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday joined other leaders in Guba, a rural part of the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, as scores of African and Caribbean leaders gathered to herald the historic opening of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric project on the continent and a milestone in regional development.
In his address during the ceremony, President Kiir described the dam as "a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination," applauding Ethiopia for its tenacity and national vision. "It shows what a nation can do and achieve when the people come together," he said in a speech to dignitaries and citizens who witnessed the historic event.
"The dam is not just a project; it's a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and integration," President Kiir said. "Ethiopia is not just a neighbour. I want to tell them that we are brothers and sisters. We have a shared history, friendship, and a common future. That's why today we celebrate with you."
President Kiir's speech struck a chord of pan-Africanism, noting that the progress of one country strengthens the resilience of the whole region. "We believe the progress of one nation is the progress of all. Together, we can turn our challenges into opportunities for peace, stability, and growth."
In a significant announcement, the President indicated that his administration is looking forward to signing an agreement on sharing power with Ethiopia. This, he said, will illuminate towns, villages, schools, and hospitals, while opening up opportunities for the people.
The Head of State concluded on a note of hope and cooperation: "May the dam bring power, strength, and prosperity to your people and to our region."
Constructed on the Blue Nile River at a cost of 5 billion US dollars, the GERD will produce more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity, making Ethiopia a regional energy hub and accelerating development in East Africa.
The ceremony attracted African and Caribbean leaders, marking a growing sense of intercontinental cooperation and a united vision for infrastructure-led transformation.