Unnecessary pressure won’t make Ethiopia accept colonial-era treaty: Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2021 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen said neither politicization nor sabotage should guide policies over the Nile but promoting cooperation, understanding, and integration should be the guiding spirit.

The negotiations over the GERD provide this opportunity, he said if Egypt and Sudan follow a constructive approach to achieve a win-win outcome within the framework of the ongoing AU-led process.

Exerting unnecessary pressure on Ethiopia by intentionally politicizing and internationalizing the matter will not make Ethiopia accept the colonial-era treaty over the Nile River, he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Ethiopia would never agree with such unfair terms that seek to maintain the hydro hegemony of Egypt and Sudan.

The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks on yesterday while delivering an opening speech to an online discussion that was hosted by the Ethiopian Embassy in London and organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia in collaboration with various Ethiopian Missions in Europe.

According to the moderator, Ambassador Teferi Meles, the webinar was aimed to provide an update on the ongoing negotiation over the GERD and clarify some issues related to the matter.

Attending the discussion, one of the Renaissance Dam Ethiopian Negotiating team members, Professor Yilma Seleshi said Sudan and Egypt are keen on having a water-sharing agreement than handling the specific cases related to the GERD.

He said Ethiopia is not willing to sign an agreement that will compromise the development endeavors of future generations.

Lemlem Fissaha, another member of the negotiating team, said what Ethiopia has done in going so far in trying to entertain water-sharing talks, in the absence of international agreement on the use of Nile water is commendable.

The meeting was attended by more than 200 participants, where Ethiopian Ambassadors and diplomats in Europe, negotiators that represent Ethiopia over the tripartite talks, the media, Ethiopians, and friends of Ethiopia.