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Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Ethiopia Dismisses Trump's Claims on GERD Funding, Reaffirms Project Is Locally Financed
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Coordination Project Office addressed recent public claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the financing of the dam, asserting Ethiopia's full ownership of the project and reaffirming the nation's diplomatic posture on the international stage. Speaking at a press conference held in Addis Ababa, Fikerte Teamer, Deputy Executive Director of the GERD Coordination Office, clarified Ethiopia's stance on the repeated assertions by Trump that the GERD was 'mostly financed by American money.' Teamer firmly dismissed the claims, emphasizing that the Ethiopian government's measured silence should not be mistaken for fear or guilt. 'Our response is grounded in diplomacy, not in fear or timidity,' she said. Teamer further emphasized the importance of substantiated evidence over rhetoric. 'We are prepared to present documentation proving that the GERD is an entirely Ethiopian-funded project. Anyone is welcome to review the evidence,' she added. Over the past month, Donald Trump has reiterated on at least three occasions that the GERD was built using U.S. financial resources. At a recent White House dinner, he claimed that Ethiopia used 'mostly American money' to construct the dam. He echoed similar sentiments on his Truth Social platform, stating the U.S. had 'stupidly financed' a project that 'substantially reduces the water flowing into the Nile River.' These remarks follow earlier controversial statements Trump made in 2020, when he suggested Egypt might consider 'blowing up' the dam—a comment that sparked diplomatic outrage in Addis Ababa at the time. Ethiopia's leadership has consistently maintained that the GERD is a sovereign project, financed domestically and constructed in alignment with the country's development goals. The dam, which sits on the Blue Nile, has long been a point of contention among Nile Basin countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan, who fear downstream water shortages. However, Ethiopia argues that it contributes roughly 85% of the Nile's water and has a legitimate right to utilize its resources for national development without harming downstream countries. The GERD Coordination Office reaffirmed this message during the press conference, highlighting Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to balance development with regional cooperation. Officials reiterated the government's commitment to a peaceful and fair use of the Nile River, calling on the international community to acknowledge the facts and respect Ethiopia's sovereignty over its infrastructure and natural resources. While tensions remain between Ethiopia and some of its neighbors over the implications of the dam, officials expressed optimism that regional cooperation and dialogue will prevail. 'We continue to prioritize diplomacy and mutual respect,' said Teamer, underscoring Ethiopia's openness to negotiation and transparency regarding the GERD's operations. The dam, a centerpiece of Ethiopia's energy and development strategy, is nearing full completion, with officials confirming that technical progress continues as planned. Once operational at full capacity, the GERD is expected to be Africa's largest hydroelectric power plant, providing power to millions within Ethiopia and potentially across the continent.
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Slaughter, Sapp among PFF's top 50 college football players
Florida center Jake Slaughter and edge defender Tyreak Sapp are among Pro Football Focus' top 50 college football players heading into the 2025 season. While other young players on Florida's roster could blossom into top-50 talents, PFF is basing this list on "proven production and projection." DJ Lagway simply hasn't played enough compared to other top quarterbacks in the game, and both Slaughter and Sapp are proven veterans at their positions. Youngsters like Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (No. 1) and Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams (No. 12) cut, but they were starters all of last year. Alabama and Texas boast the most players on the list with five apiece. No. 11 C Jake Slaughter Slaughter started all 13 games at center for Florida last season, anchoring the offensive line and working with four different quarterbacks throughout the year. An AP All-American First Teamer, Slaughter is among the best offensive linemen in the country and will command a high draft pick in the spring. Utah tackle Spencer Fano is the only lineman higher than Slaughter on this list. "Slaughter was the only Power Four center to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker in 2024," Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick of PFF wrote. "Even more impressive is that he faced a murderer's row of defensive tackles, including Walter Nolen, Alfred Collins, Shemar Turner, Deone Walker, Omarr Norman-Lott and Joshua Farmer — all of whom were selected in the first four rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Slaughter's 85.8 PFF overall grade since 2023 trails only Jackson Powers-Johnson among Power Four centers. He moves very well at 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds, allowing him to dominate in a zone-blocking scheme." No. 35 EDGE Tyreak Sapp Sapp took a leadership role on the defensive line last year and put up career numbers in tackles (47), tackles for a loss (13) and sacks (7). His return was another big win for Billy Napier and the Florida Gators this offseason. With more weapons surrounding him, Sapp could be in for an even bigger senior year. "Sapp enjoyed a major breakout in his fourth season with the Gators. His 90.4 PFF overall grade placed 10th among all edge defenders in college football and second among returning players. The former defensive tackle is at his best in the run game, where his 88.7 PFF run-defense grade ranked fourth among FBS edge defenders and his 13 tackles for loss or no gain tied for the fourth most in the Power Four. Sapp is a more than capable pass rusher, earning an 82.2 PFF grade in that regard. He plays with a natural pad level at 6-foot-2, with the strength to stack and shed blockers well." Other PFF standouts from Florida DJ Lagway's 67.0 offense grade might surprise some people, but he had his fair share of growing pains and dealt with injuries. Jadan Baugh is the more proven rookie on offense, with an 81.8 grade over 269 total snaps. Several of the young offensive linemen on the roster came up just short of the 80.0 mark, but many played fewer than 100 snaps. On defense, linebackers Myles Graham and Jaden Robinson stand out. Graham had an 80.7 run defense grade over 183 total snaps, and Robinson earned an 80.9 tackling grade over 438 snaps. Both figure to play large roles in Florida's defense this season. Sharif Denson was excellent as a pass rusher (87.4) out of the STAR and safety positions, albeit over 30 snaps in that role. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Legend Andrew Whitworth Gives Advice to Patriots' Will Campbell
NFL Legend Andrew Whitworth Gives Advice to Patriots' Will Campbell originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Upon closer observation of Andrew Whitworth's and Will Campbell's backgrounds, it does not come as a shock that the two have developed a strong bond. Advertisement Whitworth and Campbell grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, which is just under 200 miles from the state capital of Baton Rouge, where they both played college football at LSU. They even played the majority of their collegiate snaps at the same position: left tackle. Over the years, the two have engaged in continuous conversation, as Whitworth saw Campbell continue on an upward trajectory that strongly mirrored his own, and Campbell looked up to Whitworth as both a mentor and friend. "I've been in those shoes. So, I think it's important, when you've been there, to give a little love back," Whitworth told Sean T. McGuire. "That's really the dynamic of our relationship. We're from the same place. We've got a lot of respect for each other." Whitworth has remained close to Campbell as he transitions into the next stage of his career, and he offered some advice to Campbell before the New England Patriots youngster begins his journey in the professional ranks. Advertisement "I think one of the biggest things for all young athletes is to continue to be yourself," Whitworth said. "What makes you special? Don't lose sight of that." New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) speaks to the media after rookie camp at Gillette Canha-Imagn Images Whitworth added that he believes Campbell's new surroundings will allow him to succeed on and off the field early in his career. "When you look at Gillette [Stadium], and you look at that setup in Foxborough, that is Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, on a much bigger scale," Whitworth said. "The colors, the environment, the setting in the middle of the community... I mean, that is really what the Patriots are in that environment. So, that sense of pride and that element that he's going to be in is going to remind him a lot of playing in North Louisiana." Advertisement Campbell, who the Patriots selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $43.66 million contract with the team on Tuesday. $28.39 million of that contract was guaranteed as a signing bonus. Campbell was a Consensus All-American, All-SEC First Teamer, and winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy (which is awarded annually to the top offensive lineman in the SEC) in his final collegiate season with the Tigers. Related: Patriots Rookie RB Treveyon Henderson Compared to Lions Star Jahmyr Gibbs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ohio State basketball adds another scoring option transfer for next season
Ohio State basketball adds another scoring option transfer for next season The Ohio State basketball roster continues to take shape. The latest news comes from the transfer portal with the addition of 6-foot-8-inch Wright State forward Brandon Noel. Originally out of Lucasville, Ohio, Noel will have one year of eligibility left and adds an additional scoring option from a player who averaged 19 points per contest for the Raiders last season. That is, as long as those scoring abilities translate to the rough and tumble Big Ten. He went to high school not too far away from Ohio State, just down Route 23 in Chillicothe, where he was an All-Ohio First Teamer his senior year. Noel also showed great shot selection as evidenced by his 55.2% field goal percentage. He can knock the three down a little, having posted a 35.8% clip during the 2024-2025 season, and will get on the boards as well, having pulled down 7.7 rebounds per game. In other words, head coach Jake Deibler and company should be getting a versatile guy that can help them in multiple ways. The addition of Noel brings the total of transfer portal additions to three so far. The Buckeyes also received commitments from the portal from Gabe Cupps of Indiana and Christopher Tilly of Santa Clara. Ohio State may not be done adding to the roster, and as more news becomes available, we'll bring it to you. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Nobody's willing to give them a second chance,' Rockford woman reflects on annual homeless count
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The annual homeless count took place Monday and one Rockford woman reflected on her experience with those struggling. The homeless count is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development`s (HUD) Annual Point in Time (PIT) Count of the Homeless. Ebony Teamer has worked for the Jubilee Center for three years as a case advocate. Two years ago, Teamer participated in the annual count, and said the experience was eye-opening. 'We walked down the rocks of the side of a bridge, and it was a ledge that someone had got a mattress on,' Teamer said. 'It was a hiding spot, somewhere people wouldn't normally think of. We have to go to these parts. This is where someone's sleeping. This was the only way that they can get warm or go to sleep and feel safe.' City of Rockford Health and Human Services staff, the Northern Illinois Homeless Coalition, Park District Police, Rockford Police Department and Rockford Fire Department also participated in the count. The city's Health and Human Services Homeless Program Manager Angie Walker said no one should be unhoused. 'We want to make sure that regardless of what populations they are, they can get the help that they need,' Walker said, 'even if they do have addiction issues or mental health issues or physical disabilities. They can still be housed.' Teamer said a common misconception is that most of the homeless are poor, addicts or mentally unstable. She said in reality, most people that she sees are struggling to meet the needs of the landlords. 'The landlords sometimes ask for three times the rent,' Teamer said. 'They also could be held for things they may have done wrong years ago. Nobody's willing to give them a second chance.' Both Walker and Teamer are determined to continue providing resources and collecting data to ensure the numbers go down. 'Not only are we going out to count these people in, but we're also going to find these places and we're going out giving supplies if we have them,' Teamer said. 'I need to be the one that's going out here looking for an actual place that they can go and rest their heads.' The homeless count will continue through Tuesday afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
