Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently announced the end of filling the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile, sparking growing tensions with Egypt. This unilateral and illegal operation was strongly condemned by the Egyptian government.
The Grand Renaissance Dam, located in Ethiopia, is the largest in Africa. With a length of 1.8 km and a height of 145 meters, it is capable of producing more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, which will allow Ethiopia to double its current production.
However, Egypt sees this dam as an existential threat, as it relies 97% on the Nile for its water needs. The Egyptian government has therefore repeatedly asked Ethiopia to stop filling the dam reservoir while awaiting a tripartite agreement on its operation.
Negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan, which are also downstream of the dam, had been underway for several years. But they were interrupted in April 2021, before resuming in August 2022 in Cairo. The goal was to reach an agreement that takes into account the interests of the three countries.
Despite these ongoing negotiations, Ethiopia decided to continue filling the dam unilaterally, causing renewed tensions with Egypt. The Egyptian government called the move illegal and said it would impact ongoing negotiations.
Sudan’s position, meanwhile, has varied over the years. After forming a united front with Egypt in 2022, the country declared itself in agreement with Ethiopia on all points concerning the dam. However, Sudan is currently embroiled in a deadly conflict, further complicating the situation.
Ethiopia, for its part, claims that the dam will have no impact on the flow of the river. According to the Ethiopian government, it will provide electricity to a population that greatly needs it.
The situation remains tense between these countries bordering the Nile, and it is crucial that agreements are found to ensure equitable management of the river’s water resources. The next stages of the negotiations will be decisive for the future of this region and for guaranteeing stability in the Nile Basin region.