Ethiopia announced today, Sunday, that it has completed the fourth and final phase of filling the reservoir of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, a project opposed by Egypt and Sudan. Construction of the dam, which costs four billion dollars, began in 2011, and Ethiopia states that the project is essential for supporting its economic development. However, Egypt and Sudan consider the project a serious threat to their vital water supplies. The three countries have been engaged in lengthy negotiations regarding the project.
The office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated, "Congratulations to everyone on the fourth filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Our national perseverance has borne fruit in the face of all challenges." With an expected production capacity exceeding six thousand megawatts, Ethiopia views the dam as the cornerstone of its efforts to become Africa's largest energy exporter.
In a potential sign of a breakthrough in July, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Abiy Ahmed agreed on plans to finalize an agreement among the three countries regarding the filling of the dam and its operational rules. However, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated today that Ethiopia's "approach" places a burden on the resumed negotiations, which are hoped to see a tangible and real breakthrough in their next round.
