This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, Ethiopia's Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister Seleshi Bekele pointed an accusing finger at Egypt over recent unrest in the country.
The unrest followed the death of popular musician Hachalu Hundessa, which sparked protests in the Oromia region and the capital, Addis Ababa.
According to the Ethiopian government, Egypt's motive was to stop Ethiopia from continuing with the Grand Renaissance Dam project, set to be Africa's largest.
Construction of the mega dam has sparked tensions with neighboring countries that are downstream on the Blue Nile, including Egypt and Sudan, which reckon that the project threatens the livelihoods of its citizens.
Despite the tensions, officials now say that the project remains on course as the government vowed to fill the dam despite the outcome of ongoing talks.
Mr. Bekele said the dam is ready for the first round of filling and turbines already installed, adding that it is 74.5 percent complete.
The dam talks have resumed between the three states, with Kenya providing technical and legal support in efforts to reach a final agreement.
