Why Nile Renaissance Dam talks are on hold for now
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have been in a state of calm since the last session that was held under the auspices of the African Union and completely failed to reach a binding agreement between all parties.
CAIRO — The negotiation session held Aug. 28 between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) under the auspices of the African Union (AU) ended amid failure to reach a unified draft that includes each of the country’s proposals. It fell short of agreeing on a satisfactory and binding solution for all parties.
Ever since, there has been no news about the GERD negotiations, except for a recent press statement issued by the commander of the Ethiopian air force, Gen. Yilma Mardasa, on Oct. 2, saying the Ethiopian air force has the ability to secure and defend the dam.
Mardasa’s statement came after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Sept. 29 during a phone call with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that Egypt continues to cling to its water rights by reaching a legal agreement that guarantees clear rules on the process of filling and operating the dam and serves the common interests of all parties.
Sisi reiterated this during his Oct. 4 meeting in Cairo with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
