Ethiopia summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest threats of possible war over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam made by Sudan’s acting foreign minister, Ali Youssif. The situation reflects ongoing tensions related to the dam and water rights, prompting diplomatic efforts by Ethiopia to reaffirm strong bilateral relations and resolve issues through dialogue.
On November 14, 2024, Ethiopia summoned the Sudanese ambassador to express its concerns regarding statements made by Sudan’s acting foreign minister. During a recent television interview, Acting Foreign Minister Ali Youssif suggested that Sudan might consider military action against Ethiopia if disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) are not amicably resolved. Ethiopia’s foreign ministry conveyed its displeasure to Ambassador Al-Zein Ibrahim, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations. The foreign ministry spokesperson, Nebiat Getachew, sought to downplay the situation, referring to the ties between Ethiopia and Sudan as “developed and strategic” while dismissing the minister’s comments as mere social media speculation. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to resolving the GERD issue through diplomatic discussions, asserting that the dam poses no threat to the water rights of downstream countries. Getachew also highlighted the historical context, stating that for 13 years, Sudan has not experienced adverse impacts from the dam’s filling. Furthermore, he emphasized the potential benefits of the GERD for regional economic integration and reiterated Ethiopia’s stance of non-interference in Sudan’s internal affairs, especially amidst recent conflicts. Meanwhile, he confirmed the ratification of the Nile Basin Agreement by South Sudan, which paves the way for collaborative development initiatives. In addition, Getachew expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting the stability of Somalia and combating al Shabaab militants.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of contention between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, primarily due to water rights and management of the Nile River resources. The comments by Sudan’s acting foreign minister suggest escalating tensions as negotiations continue. Ethiopia has maintained that it is open to dialogue to resolve these disputes while asserting that the dam does not threaten the water security of its downstream neighbors. The political landscape in the region is further complicated by Sudan’s current internal conflicts and Ethiopia’s role in regional stability efforts.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s summoning of the Sudanese envoy illustrates the diplomatic challenges surrounding the GERD and highlights the delicate nature of relations in the Nile basin. Despite escalating tensions fueled by declarative statements, Ethiopia remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and emphasizes the significance of the GERD for regional cooperation. The resolution of these disputes is crucial not only for the involved nations but also for broader regional stability and development initiatives.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
