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· The new statement said the leaders of the three countries have agreed to continue technical discussions on the filling and “proceed to a comprehensive agreement”.
· The discussions between the three leaders were mediated by current African Union chair
Ethiopia’s prime minister has announced that Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan reached a “major common understanding which paves the way for a breakthrough agreement” on the nearly completed $4.6bn GERD dam project. The issues among the three stake holders had created mounting regional tensions and apprehensions of military confrontation. The new statement said the leaders of the three countries have agreed to continue technical discussions on the filling and “proceed to a comprehensive agreement”. The discussions between the three leaders were mediated by the current African Union chair and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Recent satellite images showed the water level in the reservoir behind the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at its maximum in at least four years. The Ethiopian authorities also acknowledged last week that water was gathering in the dam’s reservoir from heavy rains, and that it has become evident that the dam’s first-year filling is achieved.
Egypt and Sudan view the dam as a serious threat to vital water supplies, while Ethiopia considers it as critical to lifting millions of its population out of poverty. The Dam is also expected to support Ethiopia’s electricity needs enabling it to become a power exporter.
According to a spokesman, the leaders showed unanimity to overcome the issues and agreed to “give priority to developing a binding legal commitment regarding the basis for filling and operating the dam”. The key questions that remain are how much water Ethiopia will release downstream if a multi-year drought occurs and how the countries will resolve any future disputes.
