AU welcomes recent developments regarding GERD

Addis Ababa, May 23, 2020 (FBC) -The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed the recent developments related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

In a statement issued yesterday, the he commended Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt for agreeing to resume technical level engagements through their mater ministers to resolve outstanding differences and reach an amicable solution.

The Chairperson further encouraged the tripartite to pursue their engagements in good faith, guided by principles of cooperation, common understanding and transparency, as stipulated in the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the GERD.

The Chairperson also stated the readiness of the AU Commission to assist all parties in finding a peaceful resolution and achieving a mutually beneficial agreement.

GERD is under construction in the Benishangul-Gumuz regional state and has now reached 73%. Ethiopia plans to begin filling the dam from July.

The people and government of Ethiopia are funding the project, which will not only serve Ethiopia, but also Sudan and Egypt as well.

The European Union (EU) said it fully recognizes the strategic importance of the Nile waters and the GERD for Ethiopia.