Pope Francis urges Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan to resume Nile dam talks
The pope urged the three Nile states to "continue on the path of dialogue."
Pope Francis called on Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to resolve their differences over Addis Abba’s controversial Blue Nile dam project after the last round of talks failed to produce an agreement.
“I invite all parties involved to continue on the path of dialogue so that the eternal river will continue to be a source of life, which unites and does not divide, which nurtures friendship, prosperity and fraternity and not enmity, misunderstanding and conflict,” the pontiff said to the worshippers gathered at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Saturday.
Pope Francis delivered his message on Assumption Day, a Catholic feast day marking the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven.
The Nile is mentioned several times in the Bible. In the Book of Exodus, the Egyptian pharaoh's daughter finds the baby Moses floating down the river in a basket. In the New Testament, Mary, Joseph and Jesus flee Bethelehm to escape King Herod’s soldiers and are believed to have crossed the Nile while in Egypt.
