Downstream Countries Using GERD Pretext for Failure to Address Domestic Problems: Scholars

March 18/2021 (ENA) Egypt and Sudan are using the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a pretext for not addressing domestic problems, scholars said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Diplomacy and International Relations Lecturer at Ethiopian Civil Service University, Endale Nigusse said Sudan and Egypt are spreading false information about the dam in order to divert the attention of the public from domestic issues.

“They want to use GERD as a pretext to divert their domestic problems. They are running here and there because they are suffering from colonial mentality they inherited,” he added.

The main reason why Egypt and Sudan fail to accept Ethiopia’s principle of equitable and fair utilization of Abay River is because the two countries have not changed their colonial views.

The two countries could not see the significance of this mega project, he said, adding that “ GERD will benefit not only Sudan and Egypt but all of Africa. It is exemplary in inspiring others to develop their natural resource.”

Expressing Ethiopia’s firm commitment for equitable and reasonable utilization without causing significant harm to the downstream countries, Endale stated that the countries need to accept its approaches and avoid interference in the domestic affairs of the country.

According to him, “Ethiopia's approach is win-win by avoiding interfere in the domestic affairs of any country be it near or far. We promote collective security.”

Lecturer and researcher at the Institute of African and Oriental Studies at Addis Ababa University, Professor Tesfaye Tafesse said Egypt and Sudan are trying to attract international attention by focusing on Nile water rather than development.

Their desire to deprive Ethiopia of its right to use Abay water resources will not, however, succeed.

“Firstly, Egypt and Sudan are trying to make the GERD issue political. Secondly, they try to make it a global problem. Doing so, they want to broaden the number of so-called mediators on the dam,” he elaborated.

Member of GERD negotiating team, Ambassador Ibrahim Idris said both Egypt and Sudan are using the dam to stabilize their internal politics.

Realizing this, all Ethiopians should fulfill their responsibility in completing the dam which is a key tool in answering the demand for development, he noted.

"Egyptians want to put pressure on Ethiopia because they think this is a good time. Only when our unity is strengthened that we can thwart their plots,"  Ambassador Ibrahim underscored.

Currently, the overall construction of the dam has reached 79 percent and the second phase of filling the dam will start this coming rainy season.