06 July 2021; MEMO: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said yesterday that "his country's goal behind building the Grand Renaissance Dam is only to meet its electricity needs, without posing a threat to the downstream countries."
This came during a speech delivered before members of the House of Representatives, during a session to discuss the draft 2021-2022 budget, according to the official Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
Over the last decade, dozens of rounds of negotiations have been held between Ethiopia and the two downstream countries, Sudan and Egypt, without a final agreement being reached.
Addis Ababa this week gave Egypt notice that it has started the second phase of filling the dam, taking advantage of the rainy season. A move Cairo rejects.
"Ethiopia's goal here is only to meet its electricity needs and reduce the concerns of Sudan and Egypt, as well as bring lasting peace and prosperity to our region," said Abiy Ahmed.
He pointed out that "his green initiative, which includes planting billions of seedlings in Ethiopia, can help Egypt and Sudan obtain more water than they currently receive."
He explained: "Our green initiative will help increase the amount of rain and water as well as reduce water losses, which can ensure water security for us and others in the region."
Ethiopia, he added, "has no intention to harm others, but rather aspires to achieve common development through cooperation with others."
Earlier on Thursday, the Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Yasser Abbas, announced his country's "categorical" refusal to discuss water quotas through the Renaissance Dam negotiations.
