By Amanuel T. Muhzun
GERD seeking fair international mediation
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has had a large international focus with reports about its advantages and disadvantages. In fact, the Project is quite big and is located in the highly sensitive watershed of the Nile Basin. This writer find it helpful to mention the many international efforts made in seeking mediation concerning the water dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.
According to the Egyptian Al-Ahram online News and the Global Construction Review (GCR), the Arab League met in Cairo on October 12, 2019 and expressed its extreme concern in support of Egypt’s position over Ethiopia’s mega dam on the Blue Nile River. Soon after, the Arab League sent a letter to the Government of Ethiopia to announce its position in favour of Egypt. Furthermore, the Arab League had warned Ethiopia on 23 June 2020 not to start dam filling before agreement is reached with the downstream.
By Amanuel T. Muhzun
Land and Water are the most valuable natural resources with the grace of renewability making life sustainable to global populations, plants, animals and the habitat in general. However, world hydrological statistics show a fast way of progression in using freshwater resources, causing serious conflicts between countries that demand mutual understanding and cooperation more than ever.
Thanks to scholars and the internet technology in providing credible books, articles and other important resources that help people customize international laws, rules and regulations to resolve, or mitigate conflicts over cross border waters in a peaceful manner. The Nile Basin issue would not have to be an exception, although it is polarized and more controversial compared to other international water conflicts.