The recent agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt to resolve their long-standing dispute over the Grand Renaissance Dam hydropower project in the Horn of Africa is gaining international attention. Situated in the easternmost extension of African land, the Horn of Africa comprises countries namely Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia; these regions share a deep-rooted historical and cultural connection. The bone of contention, the Grand Renaissance Dam, is an ongoing Ethiopian project on the river Nile.
The Conflict Surrounding the Nile
At the heart of the dispute lies the Nile, the longest river in Africa. Its waters are crucial for several dependent countries, causing a decade-long conflict among them. The conflict primarily revolves around the 145-meter-tall Grand Renaissance Dam. Located on the Blue Nile tributary, the dam would allow Ethiopia unprecedented control over the river’s flow. The Blue Nile, notably, carries about two-thirds of the river’s water volume and most of the silt. Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan are leading the dispute.
The Grand Renaissance Dam and its Importance for Ethiopia
Ethiopia envisions the dam as a significant contributor to its industrial growth, potentially generating an estimated 6,000 megawatts of electricity. The surplus electricity could be a source of revenue by exporting it to neighboring regions. Countries like Kenya, Sudan, Eritrea, and South Sudan, which grapple with electricity shortage, could also benefit from this project if Ethiopia decides to offer them electricity.
Egypt’s Concern Over the Project
Egypt, a downstream country, fears that Ethiopia’s control over the water might decrease its water levels. Such an occurrence could jeopardise Egypt’s food and water security, livelihoods of ordinary citizens, and the availability of drinking water, about 97% of which comes from the Nile.
Sudan’s Position
Sudan also expresses concerns about Ethiopia’s control over the river. However, it could significantly benefit from the dam’s power generation and the regulated flow of the river that would protect Sudan from severe flooding during August and September. To this end, it has proposed joint management of the dam.
The Ongoing Negotiations
The latest negotiations between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt witnessed South Africa observing the proceedings in its capacity as the current head of the African Union’s rotating council, alongside other international observers. Despite numerous discussions, the dispute’s core issue remains unresolved.
The Significance of the River Nile
Originating in Burundi, south of the equator, the River Nile flows northwards through northeastern Africa. It passes through Egypt before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Sometimes considered to originate from Lake Victoria, the Nile receives water from sizable feeder rivers, including the Kagera River. With a length of about 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles), the Nile is among the world’s longest rivers. Its vast basin includes parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo (Kinshasa), Kenya. The Nile forms an arcuate delta as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. It primarily comprises three streams – the Blue Nile, the Atbara, and the White Nile.
Resolving the Issue: A Way Forward
For peaceful resolution of the conflict, mediation and facilitation by neighboring countries and international bodies are necessary. If these efforts don’t yield results, a compensation method can be considered, requiring countries to compensate for each others’ losses. It is crucial for all involved countries to resolve the issue amicably to leverage the dam’s benefits and restore peace and security.
