Ethiopian Water Minister Highlights Nile Basin Ministers’ Visit to GERD Despite Egyptian Objections
Ethiopian Water Minister Habtamu Itefa reported that Nile Basin ministers visited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) against Egypt’s wishes. Despite Egypt’s concerns about escalating conflict, the visit aimed to clarify misconceptions surrounding the dam’s operations and foster cooperation among basin states. This situation continues to highlight the complexities of Nile Basin politics.
Habtamu Itefa, the Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy, announced that water ministers from Nile Basin countries proceeded to visit the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) despite objections from Egypt. He emphasized that this visit aided in diminishing the influence of those opposing Ethiopia’s initiatives. Habtamu invited the ministers to see the GERD firsthand while they convened in Addis Ababa for the Nile Basin Initiative’s extraordinary ministerial meeting on February 22, 2025.
In summary, the visit of the Nile Basin ministers to the GERD, despite Egypt’s objections, illustrates a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about the dam’s impact on regional cooperation. Habtamu Itefa asserted that witnessing the dam directly helped dispel misinformation. This situation remains tense, as Egypt continues to express concerns regarding the actions taken by Ethiopia.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
