This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 21, 2020, Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to resume negotiations on the Grand Renaissance Dam, a move that signals a partial end to tensions over the Nile waters.
Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok of Sudan and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia held a video conference to discuss the dam, which has been a point of contention between the two countries, as well as Egypt, since its construction began in 2011.
The Grand Renaissance Dam, also known as the GERD, is a $4.5 billion project on the Blue Nile that has been disputed by Egypt and Ethiopia. Sudan, which also relies on the Nile, has been acting as a mediator between the two countries.
However, last week, Sudan surprised Ethiopia by rejecting a proposal to fill the dam starting in July without a tripartite agreement. The two leaders have now agreed to restart talks on the dam, with the goal of reaching a final agreement that would benefit all three countries.
Prime Minister Hamdok assured Sudan's readiness to continue communicating with Egypt and Ethiopia to reach an agreement that would guarantee full cooperation between the three parties.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia emphasized his country's readiness to cooperate with Egypt and Sudan to reach a final agreement that would support cooperation between the peoples of the region.
