Ethiopia Inaugurates GERD, Sparking Water Concerns in Egypt and Sudan
Ethiopia is set to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) this week, a move that has sparked concerns among downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. The dam, the largest in Africa, has been generating power since 2022 and will double Ethiopia's electricity capacity. However, Egypt and Sudan worry about water availability and have been in negotiations with Ethiopia over the dam's management and water allocation, with no comprehensive agreement reached yet.
The GERD, spanning 1,800 meters and towering 175 meters high, can hold back up to 74 billion cubic meters of water. Ethiopia sees the dam as a solution to its energy crisis, with half of its population lacking reliable access to electricity. The country has already signed electricity contracts with Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti, and is in talks with other neighbors. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has assured that the GERD will help control floods in eastern Sudan and generate clean power.
However, Egypt and Sudan, which rely on the Nile for around 90% of their water, fear that the dam could disrupt the river's flow and reduce water availability. They have opposed Ethiopia's 'unilateral measures' and have been in negotiations under African Union mediation since 2020. Despite multiple rounds of discussions, no agreement on water allocation or dam management has been reached. Ethiopia's commencement of dam filling in 2020 and Egypt's temporary withdrawal from the talks have added tension to the negotiations.
The GERD's inauguration this week will mark a significant milestone in Ethiopia's quest for energy independence. However, the concerns of Egypt and Sudan regarding water availability and dam management remain unresolved. Further negotiations under African Union mediation are expected to continue, with all parties hoping to reach a comprehensive agreement that balances Ethiopia's energy needs with Egypt and Sudan's water security.
