From a different perspective, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Sunday that Ethiopia has successfully concluded the filling of its Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile, a source of regional tensions with downstream Egypt and Sudan.
Abiy conveyed, “I am pleased to announce the successful completion of the fourth and final filling of the Renaissance Dam.” He shared this message on X (formerly Twitter), coinciding with the resumption of negotiations between the three countries on August 27.
He reflected on the challenges faced during the process, noting, “We encountered numerous challenges and were often pushed to step back. We faced both internal and external pressures. We have reached this milestone through collective effort, guided by faith.”
Abiy expressed optimism about the future, stating, “I believe that we will successfully accomplish our upcoming plans.”
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with a massive cost of $4.2 billion, is considered crucial by Addis Ababa. However, it has been a focal point of regional dispute since Ethiopia initiated construction in 2011, primarily due to Egypt’s concerns about potential impacts on its Nile water share.
The ongoing negotiations, which resumed after a hiatus of nearly two and a half years, are aimed at reaching an agreement that takes into consideration the interests and concerns of all three countries. Egyptian Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam emphasized the need for “an end to unilateral measures” and called for cooperation in the use of Nile waters among the nations involved.