The Nile river dispute
The dispute over the GERD, built across the Blue Nile, has been simmering for around a decade.
Foreign ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan held talks on Sunday over Ethiopia’s contested giant dam on the Nile, seen as vital by Ethiopia and a threat by downstream Egypt and Sudan. The dispute over the GERD, built across the Blue Nile, has been simmering for around a decade. These negotiations represent the last chance that the three countries must seize to reach an understanding. Read here more about the importance of Nile river and the dispute over it…
Africa’s longest river, the Nile, has been at the center of a decade-long complex dispute involving several countries that are dependent on the river’s waters. At the forefront of this dispute are Ethiopia and Egypt, with Sudan having found itself dragged into the issue. Spearheaded by Ethiopia, the 145-meter-tall Grand Renaissance Dam hydropower project, when completed, will be Africa’s largest. The main waterways of the Nile run through Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt, and its drainage basin runs through several countries in East Africa, including Ethiopia, the portion where this dam is being constructed.
Why objection over dam construction
The construction of the dam was initiated in 2011 on the Blue Nile tributary of the river that runs across one part of Ethiopia. The Nile is a necessary water source in the region and Egypt has consistently objected to the dam’s construction, saying it will impact water flow.
Given the dam’s location on the Blue Nile tributary, it would potentially allow Ethiopia to gain control of the flow of the river’s waters. Egypt lies further downstream and is concerned that Ethiopia’s control over the water could result in lower water levels within its own borders.
Sudan’s location between Egypt up north and Ethiopia down south has caused it to become an inadvertent party to this dispute. Also, Sudan too is concerned that if Ethiopia were to gain control over the river, it would affect the water levels Sudan receives.
Why does Ethiopia want this dam?
Ethiopia’s goal is to secure electricity for its population and to sustain and develop its growing manufacturing industry. The country hopes that the dam will generate approximately 6,000 megawatts of electricity when it is completed, that can be distributed for the needs of its population and industries.
Researchers say that in addition to its domestic requirements, Ethiopia may be hoping to sell surplus electricity to neighbouring nations like Kenya, Sudan, Eritrea and South Sudan, that also suffer from electricity shortages, to generate some revenue.
The life line of North Africa
- The Nile has long been recognised as the longest river in the world – stretching a massive 6,695km.
- The Nile is often associated with Egypt, but in fact, it flows through 11 countries: Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.
- This mighty river has two main tributaries (smaller rivers or streams) which meet to form ‘the Nile’. One tributary is called the White Nile, which starts in South Sudan, and the other is called the Blue Nile, which starts in Ethiopia.
- The Nile has been an important source of life for people throughout history. Around 5,000 years ago, the Ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile for fresh water, food and transportation. It also provided them with fertile land.
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