Ethiopia’s coast guard commences operations at GERD’s Nigat Lake

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Coast Guard has officially begun operations at Lake Nigat, the reservoir formed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Federal Police Chief Commissioner General Demelash Gebre-Michael confirmed.

Commissioner General Demelash said the deployment underscores the federal police’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s water bodies through proactive and modern law enforcement. He highlighted that the Coast Guard’s mandate includes preventing crimes in advance and responding swiftly to any security threats.

The unit at Lake Nigat is equipped with advanced motorboats featuring surveillance cameras, integrated radar systems, and modern communication technology, enabling rapid intervention and effective monitoring of any illegal activities on the water.

He added that Coast Guard personnel have undergone comprehensive training that meets international standards, ensuring the unit can maintain safety and security across Ethiopia’s lakes and reservoirs.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently named the GERD reservoir “Nigat,” meaning “Dawn.” He explained that the name reflects the nation’s emergence into a new chapter of progress and hope: “It marks the end of an era of stagnation and the arrival of a new chapter illuminated by hope and progress [amid the inauguration of GERD]. It is now time to embark on the vital work that lies ahead.”