Link to Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3dgx36gn5o
For the past many years, Ethiopia and Egypt have had increasing tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd). The Dam is located on the Nile River which flows through Egypt and Ethiopia, as well as neighboring countries like Sudan. Last week, Egypt sent a letter to the UN Security Council because they believe Ethiopia is “violating international law by continuing to fill the dam without agreement from downstream countries”, Egypt stated. The disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt started in 2011 when Ethiopia started constructing the Gerd; Egypt was very upset because of their heavy reliance on the Nile as its main water source. Egypt believed the dam would hinder the river from flowing as it normally would; therefore, causing water shortages in Egypt and surrounding countries on the River. However, the dam would be crucial for Ethiopia to develop power sources and generate electricity for millions of households in Ethiopia. The Gerd is projected to be the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa. Egypt and Ethiopia met many times to figure out a deal but nothing has been agreed upon. More conflict has been rising between Ethiopia and Egypt because of Egypt’s new military pact with Somalia. With all the increasing tensions between Ethiopia and surrounding countries, Ethiopia’s Prime minister stated: “anyone from “afar and nearby” daring to invade the country will be repelled.”
This article is very important because the conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt has been rising for many years now. With Egypt sending in a letter to the UN Security Council and the military alliance with Somalia, there seems to be more tensions and possible war on the rise with Ethiopia. I think the conflict about the Gerd should be disputed because if an agreement is not settled soon, I think there may be violent conflict in the future for the Horn of Africa. I understand why Ethiopia wants to build the dam and the hydroelectric plant is very helpful to the development of the country; however, I do also think a compromise could be made between the countries on the Nile to prevent increased conflicts. Because the dam could be directly affecting Egypt’s water supply, it would be in Ethiopia’s best interest to hear Egypt out and find a solution to the flow of the river.
There are many ways both countries might respond to this conflict. I think one thing Ethiopia will do in response to Egypt’s military alliance with Somalia is seeking out military pacts with surrounding countries. Ethiopia may ramp up their military strength and create relations with neighboring countries to defend themselves from Egypt. Egypt may try to continue to gain support from other countries and also global support of the issue in order to pose the Gerd as a threat to the Nile’s water supply. Egypt will also possibly try to strengthen and form more military alliances as Ethiopia continues to show they are not willing to compromise and they also gain military support from other countries.