Sudan 'unhappy' with Ethiopia's 'lack of cooperation' in operating controversial dam
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA)- Sudan says that it wants to see Ethiopia’s "sweet words" about the benefits of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for the continent and the downstream countries in particular, translated into action.
On Sunday Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the generation of hydroelectricity from the GERD, which has been bitterly opposed by Sudan and Egypt.
The two downstream countries have been expressing concern that the controversial dam, built on the Blue Nile in Guba, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State in Ethiopia, would be harmful to them in the absence of "full cooperation" among Addis Ababa, Khartoum and Cairo on its operation.
“Today, Africa’s largest power plant, the GERD’s first turbine began generating power. This is (a) good news for our continent & the downstream countries with whom we aspire to work together,” the Ethiopian prime Minister tweeted on Sunday shortly after he inaugurated the dam.
“Fully funded by Ethiopians, the GERD is an emblem of persistence and unity. Congratulations to all Ethiopians across the world,” he said.
Upon completion, GERD, which has 13 turbines, will generate 5,150 MW of power.
“Sudan would like to state its firm position regarding the GERD and that is the need for reaching a binding legal agreement on the filling and operation of the dam," the Sudanese Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources said in a statement published on its official website on Tuesday.
Sudan said its stand is based on international legal references and on the Declaration of Principles signed in March 2015 by the three countries.
Sudan said it was aware of the tweet by the Ethiopian Prime Minister last Sunday and in particular his saying that the dam would benefit the downstream countries.
“Sudan views the need and importance of Ethiopia taking steps that match this saying on the ground,” the Sudanese Ministry said.
The Ministry said Sudan sees measures in the construction of the dam, particularly the first and second fillings, as well as the launch of operation of the electricity generating turbines, as matters contrary to the spirit of cooperation.
It said these constitute a vital breach by Ethiopia of the binding legal commitments and also contradict what was agreed upon by the three countries in the 2015 trilateral Declaration of Principles.
Sudan said it welcomed the fact that Senegal was now the chair of the African Union (AU) and called for boosting the role of the Union in a way that would enable the various parties to the issue to reach an agreement within a set timeframe and a change in the negotiations modalities used until now.
Ethiopia has said the dam is essential for its development, while Egypt and Sudan have expressed "deep concern" saying they worry about access to vital water supplies from the Nile.
The dam is expected to secure access to electricity for the majority of Ethiopians, to foster economic development and to provide revenues from the sale of surplus electricity abroad.
Sudan fears the new dam will hinder the yield of its own dam – Roseires – situated within a short distance downstream.
Egypt too is worried about the potential impact of the new dam on its own Aswan High Dam, and that it will give Ethiopia control over the flow of the Nile and reduce the fresh water available for Egyptians.
-0- PANA MO/MA 22Feb2022
