THE second round of trilateral negotiations concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) concluded on Sunday, marking a critical juncture in ongoing talks that carry immense significance for Egypt and Sudan.
These discussions, which commenced on September 23 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, brought together representatives from Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt with the aim of addressing the contentious issues surrounding the GERD project.
Ambassador Seleshi Bekele, the head of the Ethiopian negotiating team, expressed his thoughts on the outcome of the negotiations, stating that the parties engaged in a productive exchange of constructive ideas aimed at bridging the persistent differences on various outstanding issues.
‘The two-day tripartite negotiations on the Renaissance Dam have been completed this evening. We have exchanged constructive ideas on various outstanding issues with a view to bridge the differen
ces among the parties. Ethiopia reiterates its commitment to continue negotiating in good faith,’ Seleshi stated in a released statement.
A statement issued by Egypt’s Ministry of Irrigation, said that the latest round of discussions related to the dam concluded without any substantial progress.
The statement noted Ethiopia’s unwavering stance against compromise solutions or internationally agreed-upon technical arrangements that could address its specific interests concerning the GERD without infringing upon the rights and interests of the downstream nations.
‘The spokesperson for the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation disclosed that substantive progress was not made during the most recent round of negotiations,’ Egypt stated in the release following the meeting.
The statement also emphasised that Ethiopia continued to oppose any compromise solutions, highlighting that the Egyptian negotiating team remained dedicated to constructive negotiations guided by well-defined objectives.
The GERD, situated on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia, has been a longstanding source of tension among the three nations. Concerns primarily revolve around the potential impact of the dam on downstream water flow into Egypt and Sudan.
Both Egypt and Sudan, heavily reliant on the Nile’s waters for agriculture, drinking water, and overall livelihoods, have consistently stressed the importance of finding a fair and equitable solution through dialogue.
The negotiations have revolved around reaching common ground on crucial issues, including the filling and operation of the dam, as well as mechanisms for resolving potential disputes that may arise in the future. As the talks conclude with unresolved issues, the path forward remains uncertain, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the GERD’s impact on the region.
