Ethiopia: A Plunge into Darkness, a State of Persistent Tension
Ethiopia was plunged into darkness this Saturday following a power outage due to a failure of the electricity grid. This unexpected event highlighted the country’s vulnerability to such incidents and highlighted the challenges it faces in the energy sector.
With a population of 120 million, Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa. Its recent rise in power generation, notably with the commissioning of the gigantic Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in March 2022, demonstrates its desire to become a major player in this sector.
However, this progress has also raised tensions, particularly with its neighbors, notably Egypt. Negotiations on sharing the waters of the Nile have failed, causing a climate of hostility between Cairo and Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent statements on the filling of the Renaissance Dam have heightened tensions and deepened divisions between the two countries.
Egypt has expressed its categorical rejection of Ethiopia’s unilateral policies and stressed its failure to comply with existing international agreements. For its part, Ethiopia has accused Egypt of stalling negotiations and rejecting any compromise. This dispute risks compromising regional stability and undermining cooperation between the Nile riparian nations.
In this tense context, Ethiopia faces many challenges, both in terms of energy and diplomacy. Resolving regional tensions and consolidating its energy infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring its economic and social development.
In conclusion, the recent power outage in Ethiopia highlights the country’s fragilities and the challenges it faces. Easing regional tensions and strengthening its energy sector will be key to ensuring a prosperous future for this dynamic nation.