Both Sudan and Egypt have turned to the United Nations Security Council in hopes of a resolution on the dispute. In response, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen announced that “exerting unnecessary pressure on Ethiopia by intentionally politicizing and internationalizing the matter will not make Ethiopia accept the colonial-era treaty over the River Nile”. The three parties have held several rounds of negotiations over the past decade, but have ultimately failed to reach an agreement. The construction of the dam, which began in 2011, is considered to be one of Egypt’s most serious water issues. Ethiopia, on the other hand, has stressed the importance of the project to bolster its economy, where more than half of the population currently lives without access to electricity.

Source: Egypt Independent May 04, 2021 10:30 UTC