This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Arab League Urges Ethiopia to Delay Filling Nile Dam ¶
On June 23, 2020, the Arab League passed a resolution urging Ethiopia to delay filling the Renaissance Dam on the Nile River.
The resolution, submitted by Egypt and approved by Arab foreign ministers, except for Djibouti and Somalia, was passed in a virtual conference requested by Cairo.
At issue is the $4.6-billion dam, which Ethiopia plans to fill in July, sparking concerns from Egypt and Sudan, the downstream countries.
Egypt views the dam as a threat to its lifeline water supplies, while Ethiopia sees it essential for its electricity needs.
The UN has urged the three countries to work together to resolve differences on the project, which has been a long-running source of regional tension.
