Ethiopia called in Sudan’s ambassador over comments by Sudan’s Acting Foreign Minister, suggesting possible military conflict regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia expressed displeasure while emphasizing a continued commitment to dialogue and strategic relations with Sudan. Foreign Ministry reassurances indicated that the dam poses no threat to Sudan, as Ethiopia aims to foster economic integration and regional cooperation.
On November 14, 2024, Ethiopia summoned Sudan’s ambassador in response to comments made by Sudan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Ali Youssif, regarding potential military action over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). During a television interview, Youssif indicated that Sudan might align with Egypt if negotiations concerning the GERD do not yield results, suggesting that war remains an option if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry expressed its dissatisfaction with Youssif’s statements during the meeting with Ambassador Al-Zein Ibrahim, emphasizing Ethiopia’s desire to maintain amicable relations with its neighbor. Despite this tension, diplomatic sources indicated that Youssif is expected to visit Addis Ababa soon, potentially to clarify his remarks, although Ambassador Ibrahim has yet to present his credentials to the Ethiopian President formally. At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nebiat Getachew sought to downplay the situation, highlighting the strategic nature of Ethiopian-Sudanese relations and dismissing the uproar as exaggerated social media commentary. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving the GERD conflict through dialogue, noting that the dam does not pose a threat to downstream nations and citing that Sudan has experienced no harm during the dam’s filling process over the past 13 years. Furthermore, Getachew emphasized the GERD’s potential to enhance regional economic integration and rejected foreign intervention in Sudan’s internal matters. He also announced the recent enactment of the Nile Basin Agreement following South Sudan’s ratification, which paves the way for future development projects funded by donors. In conjunction with these diplomatic efforts, Getachew reiterated Ethiopia’s ongoing support for stability in Somalia amid the struggle against the al Shabaab militant group.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a point of contention among Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt since its inception. Ethiopia views the dam as a means to promote economic development and energy independence, while Sudan and Egypt express concerns over water rights and the potential impact on their own water supply from the Nile. Diplomatic discussions have been ongoing for years, but disagreements remain, leading to tensions among the nations involved. Any suggestions of military action, as indicated by Sudan’s foreign minister, could escalate the already fragile relations in the region.
In summary, Ethiopia’s recent summoning of Sudan’s ambassador highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the GERD, particularly following the comments made by Sudan’s Acting Foreign Minister about the potential for war. Despite these tensions, Ethiopian officials have reiterated their commitment to peaceful dialogue and cooperation with Sudan, emphasizing the benefits of the GERD for regional development and stability. Looking forward, the diplomatic engagements between the nations may serve to mitigate tensions and foster stronger collaboration in the Nile Basin.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
