Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Holds Phone Talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Amid Rising Tensions and GERD Dispute
The controversy surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) took center stage as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday. The call came in the wake of repeated false claims by U.S. President Donald Trump, who asserted that the United States had financed the GERD an allegation firmly rejected by Ethiopian officials.
In their conversation, Secretary Rubio distanced the current U.S. administration from Trump’s remarks and reaffirmed Washington’s respect for Ethiopia’s sovereign right to pursue development projects like GERD. He emphasized the importance of regional dialogue to ensure water security, peace, and cooperation across the Nile Basin.
According to a press release from the U.S. State Department, the two leaders also discussed shared strategic priorities, including regional stability, economic recovery, and deepening U.S.-Ethiopia trade relations. Secretary Rubio praised Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, highlighting their potential to attract American investment and enhance mutual economic benefits.
The Office of the Prime Minister confirmed the call and underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to diplomacy in resolving regional issues while defending its developmental rights. Prime Minister Abiy reiterated that the GERD is fully funded by Ethiopians and stands as a symbol of national unity and African self-reliance.
The call comes amid mounting tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as growing unease over regional security dynamics. Rubio’s outreach is seen as a diplomatic move to stabilize relations and reframe U.S. engagement in the Horn of Africa under a new tone of cooperation and mutual respect.
