This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, leaders of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt reached a crucial agreement regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. The deal, facilitated by the African Union, set a two-week deadline for resolving the outstanding issues surrounding the dam's construction.
According to a statement from the Ethiopian foreign ministry, the country's leaders had 'fruitful discussions' with their counterparts from Sudan and Egypt. The statement highlighted the dam's potential for 'unprecedented economic growth and mutual development' for all stakeholders.
However, it remains unclear whether the statement was issued after an online summit of leaders from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union.
Reuters was unable to obtain an immediate comment from Ethiopian officials regarding the agreement. Ethiopia's $4 billion hydropower project, which will have an installed capacity of 6,450 megawatts, has been a source of concern for its downstream neighbors, Egypt and Sudan.
As part of the agreement, Ethiopia pledged not to fill the dam unilaterally, a move welcomed by Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. 'Egypt's vision in this regard is represented in the importance of returning to negotiation... while working to create an environment conducive to the success of these negotiations through Ethiopia's pledge not to take any unilateral step,' President al-Sisi said.
Meanwhile, Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok stated that the leaders had agreed to resume talks, which were suspended last week. The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a public meeting on Monday to address the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
