Cairo
Egypt has accused Ethiopia of violating the Declaration of Principles by unilaterally filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) reservoir on the Blue Nile river.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently announced the completion of the fourth and final filling of the GERD reservoir. The Declaration of Principles, signed by Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan in 2015, states that the three countries must agree on the rules for filling and operating the dam before commencing the filling process. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry argued that Ethiopia’s unilateral action disregards the interests and rights of downstream countries and their water security under international law.
The dispute over the GERD has been ongoing, with Egypt and Sudan opposing Ethiopia’s actions, which they fear could reduce their access to Nile water. Negotiations have been taking place intermittently, but the recent filling has heightened tensions. Egypt has called for resumed negotiations to address the issue.
The GERD is a major hydropower project for Ethiopia, expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, but it has raised concerns about water access and security for downstream countries. Efforts to reach a consensus and find a mutually acceptable solution to the GERD issue continue to be a challenge for the involved parties.
The unilateral filling of the reservoir has further complicated an already contentious situation, and it remains to be seen how the countries will navigate this complex issue moving forward. Diplomacy and dialogue will likely play a crucial role in finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
