However, in order for the US-prepared proposal to become a reality, Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia must first make significant concessions, and even then significant issues of contention still remain. Even with a potential agreement on an annual release of 37 billion cubic meters, other major points of contention between Egypt and Ethiopia still need to be ironed out. Under the terms of the 1959 agreement, Egypt was entitled to 55 billion cubic meters and Sudan 18.5 billion cubic meters. Actual water use in Egypt is expected to be above the 55 billion cubic meters figure, while Khartoum taps only about 12 to 14 billion cubic meters a year. For his part, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has to drum up public support for a deal that grants Egypt a stable annual 37 billion cubic meters.

Source: Ethiopian News February 17, 2020 20:25 UTC