Kotebe Metropolitan University (KMU), one of the leading first-generation higher institutions in Ethiopia, presented to Mohammed Al-Arusi a crystal award at Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa. The award was given to recognize Al-Arusi’s contribution in promoting the rightfulness of Ethiopia to construct the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
At the national forum held under the theme: “The Role of Scholars in Harnessing National Interest and Security”, the president Dr. Berhanemeskel Tena appreciated Mohammed Al-Arusi’s patriotism. According to the president, Mohammed campaigned over diverse international media outlets against the colonial agreements that prohibit the country from using its resources to escape from deep-rooted poverty. The award-winning activist Mohammed Al-Arusi advocates a win-win approach among Ethiopia and the downstream countries in utilizing the Nile River. During the award ceremony, Mohammed stressed that Ethiopian nationals should preserve unity rather than focusing on ethnic differences.
In one of the sessions that same day, Dr. Samuel Tefera, Special Advisor to the Minister of Peace highlighted that Egypt employs the discourse of “scarcity” to purposefully maintain hegemony on the Nile. In fact, Ethiopia strives to help its people meet their basic needs unlike the luxury Egypt has been enjoying from the Nile for years. KMU Board Chair, Abadula Gemeda handed over the award to Mohammed Al-Arusi.