Saudi Arabia wants in on Nile dam dispute
Saudi Arabia has stated its step into the deadlock between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over Addis Ababa’s controversial dam on the Nile River, but just what Riyadh has new to offer is unclear.
CAIRO, Egypt — Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to mediate in the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during visits by Minister of State for African Affairs Ahmed al-Kattan to Addis Ababa and Khartoum in February.
Kattan announced Feb. 17 that the kingdom plans to hold a summit for the presidents of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to resolve the ongoing dispute over the filling and operation of the GERD.
Tension has soared since Ethiopia announced that the second phase of filling the dam's reservoir will take place in July.
Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in mediation before. The Saudi cabinet stated in June 2020 that “water security for Egypt and Sudan is an integral part of Arab security” and stressed the need for a fair agreement that takes the interests of all affected parties into account.
