Addis Ababa, March 23, 2021 (FBC) –Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated his government’s commitment to resolve difference with Sudan and Egypt on the filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
In his address to the parliament today, the Prime Minister said that Ethiopia is keen to reach an agreement with both countries without causing harm to them.
“Ethiopia has absolutely no desire whatsoever to cause harm to neither Egypt nor Sudan. But Ethiopia does not want to live in darkness. Our light will only support them – not harm them. We will continue on our GERD track with no harm to both countries,” he said.
According to him, Ethiopia’s interest is to benefit from the Nile water resources and grow together with both Sudan and Egypt. He said the dam doesn’t affect water flowing to both countries.
“We are facing opposition from filling the GERD with rain water. The water flowing out of the Abay River never stopped flowing. Our plan is to develop ourselves and benefit neighbours. Despite the various challenges GERD is faced with, it will be completed as we promised. If we wait until negotiations are finalised to fill the dam, the rainy season will pass and our country will lose 1 billion dollars a year,” he said.
“We are certain to fill the dam without causing harm to our neighbours. We would like our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to see that our intentions are not to harm them.”
The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy recently announced that the second filling of the dam, which currently stands at 79%, will proceed this rainy season as planned.
Regarding the upcoming 6th general election, the Prime Minister said his government will provide all the necessary support to political parties interested to participate in the poll.
Though it is challenging, the government will do all it can to make the most important elections free and democratic, the Prime Minister indicated.
In his address, the Prime Minister also touched on the current border issues with Sudan.
“As for the situation with Sudan, the people continue to respect and love Ethiopians. We need to learn from our past with Eritrea, we will not go to war to result in an endless mess. The problem is not something that occurred these days, it has lasted for decades,” he said.
“The negotiation held last year under the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister has stalled due to pressing issues. Both countries can build diplomatic relations with many countries, however they cannot be enemies. We will continue our efforts to resolve things through dialogue and diplomacy.”