A public rally is underway in the Sidama region to celebrate the successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The celebration, held in the city of Hawassa at Millennium Square, is a powerful symbol of the national unity and prosperity that the self-funded project represents for Ethiopians.
The event, which began at 6:00 a.m., is being attended by the region’s chief administrator, Desta Ledamo, and other senior officials. Participants from across the region have gathered to express their joy through songs and various cultural programs.
Messages from the rally highlight the dam’s significance, with banners and signs proclaiming, “The completion of the Renaissance Dam is a sign of our prosperity” and “Our dam is the foundation of our multi-nationality and unity.”
The rally’s theme, “We Have Succeeded in Unity,” echoes the sentiment across the nation following the dam’s official inauguration on September 9, 2025. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by leaders from Africa and the Caribbean, marking the culmination of a 14-year construction journey that faced numerous pressures and challenges.
The celebration in Sidama is one of many nationwide events marking the dam’s completion, which is widely seen as a victory for Ethiopia’s resolve and an embodiment of its revival.
