Context: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), inaugurated in September 2025, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric project and a defining symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition, resilience, and regional influence.
About GERD:
- Location: Blue Nile River (Origin: Lake Tana), near the Sudanese border in the Benishangul-Gumuz region.
- It promises to end chronic power shortages, enable Ethiopia to become a regional power exporter to Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and South Sudan, and stands as a powerful symbol of sovereignty and self-reliance
- The GERD has triggered significant geopolitical and environmental concerns.
- Egypt, dependent on the Nile for 97% of its water, views GERD as an existential threat and demands a legally binding agreement on dam filling and drought mitigation, warning of strategic repercussions.
- Sudan expresses mixed views, concerned about flood risks but seeing potential benefits like flood control and cheap electricity, supporting binding operational agreements.
- Ethiopia asserts its sovereign right to GERD, rejects colonial-era treaties, pledges no significant harm to downstream nations, and emphasises equitable use of transboundary waters.
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