Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Al-Masry Al-Youm
Published on 2024-03-05 10:50:38
The US State Department has expressed its willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to help reach an agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In exclusive statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm from Washington, DC, spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that the US is committed to assisting all parties involved – including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia – in discussing how to manage, use, and access water in a way that can enhance security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Miller emphasized that the US stands ready to participate diplomatically to support all initiatives aimed at reaching an agreement on the GERD that serves the interests of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. This commitment highlights the importance that the US places on resolving the ongoing dispute surrounding the dam.
Former US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, also spoke to Al-Masry Al-Youm about the US’s strong desire to mediate the GERD conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia. Nagy highlighted the significance of both countries in their respective regions and stressed the importance of finding a solution to the problem that benefits all parties involved.
As someone who previously served as the US ambassador to Addis Ababa, Nagy understands the complexities of the situation and the challenges that lie ahead. He noted that while the Biden administration is interested in Africa, it is currently grappling with numerous global crises that demand attention, limiting its ability to focus solely on the GERD negotiations.
The impasse in negotiations was underscored by Egypt’s announcement in December that the fourth and final round of talks had concluded without progress. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation reiterated Cairo’s commitment to defending its water rights and national security in the face of any potential harm.
Furthermore, tensions escalated in February 2020 when Ethiopia started generating electricity from the dam and initiated the fourth filling, leading to condemnation from both Egypt and Sudan. Concerns over Ethiopia’s unilateral actions on the Nile River have only heightened the urgency of finding a mutually acceptable solution to the GERD dispute.
In conclusion, the US’s willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to facilitate an agreement on the GERD underscores its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. With the stakes high for all parties involved, a resolution to the GERD conflict remains a top priority for the international community.
Read Original article on Egypt Independent
