Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

Ethiopia Completes Controversial Nile Dam Amid Ongoing Dispute with Egypt

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Thursday the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest to boost its electricity output. The announcement comes amid a longstanding dispute with Egypt over water rights to the Nile River, a critical resource for both nations.

Egypt has consistently opposed the dam, citing fears that it could significantly reduce its share of the Nile waters, which are crucial for its agriculture and the sustenance of its over 100 million citizens. The Nile is often described as Egypt’s lifeline, and the GERD has been labeled an existential threat by Egyptian authorities.

Ethiopia’s Ambitious Energy Plans

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing lawmakers, stated that the government is preparing for the dam’s official inauguration in September. “While there are those who believe it should be disrupted before that moment, we reaffirm our commitment: the dam will be inaugurated,” he declared. Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation, stating, “We believe in shared progress, shared energy, and shared water. Prosperity for one should mean prosperity for all.”

The GERD, which began construction in 2011, is poised to more than double Ethiopia’s current electricity output, generating over 6,000 megawatts. This development is expected to transform Ethiopia into a net energy exporter, potentially lifting millions out of poverty.

Historical Context and Regional Tensions

The dam’s completion follows years of tense negotiations between Ethiopia and Egypt, which have yet to yield a binding agreement on water management. The GERD is located on the Blue Nile, near the Sudanese border, and its reservoir can hold up to 74 billion cubic meters of water. The project has been a source of regional tension, with some observers previously fearing that the dispute could escalate into a military conflict.

However, Ethiopia has garnered diplomatic support from upstream nations, including Uganda. These countries are part of the Nile Basin Initiative, a regional partnership of 10 countries that signed an accord on the equitable use of Nile water resources. This agreement, which came into force in October, has not been ratified by Egypt or Sudan.

International Perspectives and Future Implications

The GERD’s completion represents a significant achievement for Ethiopia, but it also underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving a regional consensus on water sharing. The historical agreement between Egypt and the United Kingdom, dating back to 1929, allocated the majority of the Nile’s waters to Egypt and Sudan, overlooking the needs of other nations along the river basin.

Experts suggest that a new, inclusive agreement is necessary to address the concerns of all Nile Basin countries. “The GERD is a symbol of Ethiopia’s development ambitions, but it also highlights the need for cooperative water management in the region,” said Dr. Tesfaye Tafesse, a water policy expert at Addis Ababa University.

“The GERD is a symbol of Ethiopia’s development ambitions, but it also highlights the need for cooperative water management in the region.” — Dr. Tesfaye Tafesse

As Ethiopia prepares for the dam’s inauguration, the international community will be watching closely. The successful management of the GERD’s water resources could serve as a model for regional cooperation, or it could exacerbate existing tensions if not handled diplomatically.

While Ethiopia insists that the dam is essential for its economic growth, Egypt remains wary of its potential impact. The path forward will likely require continued dialogue and compromise to ensure that the Nile River can sustainably support all nations that depend on it.

The completion of the GERD is a pivotal moment in East Africa’s development narrative, with implications that extend beyond the region. As the inauguration approaches, the focus will be on whether Ethiopia and Egypt can find common ground in their shared reliance on the Nile.

You May Also Like

Technology

Tesla (TSLA) recently reported a year-over-year drop in second-quarter deliveries, yet the market responded with optimism, pushing the stock up by 5%. This unexpected...

Health

The All England Lawn Tennis Club in London experienced its hottest-ever opening day on Monday, as the prestigious Wimbledon tournament kicked off under unprecedented...

Science

Look out, daters: a new toxic relationship trend is sweeping through the romantic world, leaving many baffled and heartbroken. Known as “Banksying,” this phenomenon...

Technology

In a bold reimagining of the DC Universe, director James Gunn has introduced a significant narrative element in his latest film, which reveals that...

Entertainment

Netflix’s eagerly anticipated talent competition Building the Band is set to premiere on July 9, promising an emotional journey for viewers. This series, centered...

Technology

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has recently made headlines with her latest investment in the tech sector. According to official filings, she...

Entertainment

A new documentary series titled “Animals on Drugs” is set to premiere on the Discovery Channel on July 28, 2023. The three-part series follows...

World

The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth, a practice that has come under scrutiny following recent comments by Health...

Sports

ZAGREB, Croatia — A concert by Marko Perkovic, a right-wing Croatian singer known for his controversial views, attracted tens of thousands of fans to...

Politics

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman faced significant backlash following his professional tennis debut at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island,...

Business

Erin Dana Lichy, a prominent cast member of “Real Housewives of New York,” has officially settled into her dream home, a grand townhouse located...

Lifestyle

The upcoming TRNSMT 2025 festival is set to take place from July 7 to July 9, 2025, at Glasgow Green, and organizers have released...

Entertainment

While the echoes of Summer Game Fest 2025 and the Xbox Games Showcase still resonate, Xbox has already set its sights on the next...

Technology

Meta has officially opened preorders for its new Oakley smart glasses, the limited edition HSTN, ahead of their anticipated release on July 22, 2023....

Sports

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the video game industry is set to deliver a diverse array of new releases that promise to captivate...

World

CHONBURI, Thailand — The world-famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, celebrated her first birthday on Thursday at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Despite her burgeoning...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.