Ethiopian Diaspora provides over 100m birr assistance to needy, defense force

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2021 (FBC) -The Ethiopian Diaspora has provided over 100 million birr humanitarian assistance to the needy and members of the National Defense Force.

They have also contributed 76 million birr for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during the first six months of the current budget year, according to the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency.

Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Director-General, Selamawit Dawit said a sub-committee led by the agency has been established to mobilize support for the needy in various parts of Ethiopia and the National Defense Force.

In this regard, the diaspora has so far donated over 100 million birr humanitarian assistance in cash and material to the needy and the defense force, she added.

According to her, the swift response of the diaspora within such a short time demonstrates their patriotism.

In addition to the humanitarian assistance, the diaspora have made a significant contribution by enlightening the international community about the law enforcement operation in Tigray regional state.

The diaspora has in particular helped officials and diplomats in the international institutions to grasp the reality in the country, Selamawit noted.

On the other hand, the diaspora have provided 76 million birr for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during the first six months of the current budget year.

Selamawit stated the agency has planned to collect 200 million birr from the diaspora for the construction of GERD this Ethiopian fiscal year.

The director-general also disclosed that the diaspora have made over 16 million Birr contribution to the “Dine for Nation” project.

The plan is to raise 50 million birr for the project during this Ethiopian fiscal year, according to ENA.