Mass Rallies in Addis Ababa Celebrate Completion of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Addis Ababa, September 14, 2025 (FMC) — Tens of thousands of Ethiopians converged on Mesqel Square today in a massive public rally celebrating the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), marking a historic milestone in the nation’s development journey.
Crowds began gathering in the early morning hours, waving flags, chanting, and marching under the slogan “Together, We Have Overcome.” The rally built on the momentum of Tuesday’s official inauguration, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in the presence of African leaders and international dignitaries.
The GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant, has been hailed as one of Ethiopia’s most transformative national projects, representing unity, resilience, and the ability to achieve ambitious goals through collective effort. One participant reflected the mood of the gathering, saying the dam showed “there is no goal beyond our reach when Ethiopians stand together.”
Beyond its symbolism, the project strengthens Ethiopia’s role as an emerging energy hub in the region. The country is currently exporting electricity to Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, with plans to extend supply to Tanzania in the near future.
Today’s rally underscored the sense of national pride that continues to sweep across Ethiopia, as the completion of the Renaissance Dam is celebrated both as a domestic achievement and as a landmark for African cooperation and integration.