The United States has suspended a portion of its financial aid to Ethiopia over the lack of progress in talks with Egypt and Sudan about a massive dam Addis Ababa is constructing on the Blue Nile River. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have been locked in a bitter dispute over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which remains unresolved although the reservoir behind the dam began filling in July. Ethiopia considers the hydropower dam essential for its electrification and development but downstream Egypt and Sudan view it as a serious threat to vital water supplies. Fitsum Arega, Ethiopia's ambassador to Washington, said on Tuesday he had been informed of the US aid cuts. Our Ethiopia will have a bright glow through our efforts," he added.

Source: Ethiopian News September 02, 2020 22:18 UTC