This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Published on June 23, 2020, the UN Security Council was scheduled to hold an informal videoconference to address the dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The talks, which failed to produce a deal, centered on the filling and operation of the dam, which will be the largest hydropower plant in Africa.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating, "We urge Egypt, we urge Ethiopia and Sudan to work together to intensify efforts to peacefully resolve outstanding differences."
He also recalled the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the dam, which stressed the need for cooperation based on good faith, international law, and mutual benefit.
However, a diplomatic source revealed that the Security Council session was not expected to produce a resolution, as Council members were only expected to refer to letters sent by the three nations to the UN explaining their concerns.
Despite the failed talks, Sudan has urged further negotiations, warning against escalation, while Ethiopia has declared plans to start filling the dam next month, regardless of whether a deal has been reached.
Egypt, which views the hydro-electric barrage as an existential threat, has urged the Security Council to intervene, citing Ethiopia's "non-positive stances."
The Arab League is also set to discuss the issue in a virtual meeting of foreign ministers on Tuesday, at Egypt's request.
