Tension over Ethiopian dam on the Nile River

Posted On 6 November 2019

Number of times this article was read : 128

Ethiopia’s construction of a massive power dam on the Blue Nile is raising tensions with Egypt, which depends on the river for 90 percent of its water supply. As the neighbours and Sudan meet in Washington Wednesday for mediated talks on the potential conflict flashpoint, here is some background.

– Ten countries –

At 6,695 kilometres (4,160 miles), the Nile is one of the world’s longest rivers and a crucial supplier of water and hydropower in a largely arid region. Its basin of more than three million square kilometres (1.16 million square miles) covers 10 countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The two main tributaries — the White Nile and the Blue Nile — converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea. Around 84 billion cubic metres of water is estimated to flow along the Nile every year.

– Africa’s biggest dam –

Ethiopia in 2011 launched construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, roughly 30 kilometres from the border with Sudan. The $4.2-billion (3.7-billion-euro) dam is expected to begin generating power by the end of 2020 and be fully operational by 2022. It will produce about 6,450 megawatts of electricity, making it Africa’s biggest hydroelectric dam and doubling Ethiopia’s electricity output.

– Egyptian thirst –

Egypt, an arid nation of nearly 100 million people, depends on the Nile for around 90 percent of its water needs, including for agriculture. It says its rights to the Nile’s waters are protected by a 1929 treaty which guarantees it a significant quota, and gives it veto power over construction projects along the river. A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt’s allocation to around 66 percent of the river’s flow, with 22 percent for Sudan. But in 2010 Nile Basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo’s agreement.

– Flashpoint –

Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, insists the dam will not affect the onward flow of water. But Egypt fears its supplies will be especially reduced during the time it takes to fill of the 74-billion-cubic-metre capacity reservoir. The two sides need urgently to compromise on a timeline for filling the dam, the International Crisis Group said in a report in March 2019 that warned the issue was a potential flashpoint. Ethiopia initially wanted it filled in three years so the dam could be operational as soon as possible, the report said. Egypt had asked for 15 years, which would have less downstream impact. “Waiting until the dam is operational — when its impact on downstream countries is clearer — would raise the risk of violent conflict,” the Crisis Group said.

By AFP

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Brief: Fifteen Migrants Found Dead in a Boat off the Coast of Nouadhibou, Mauritania

Mauritanian authorities discovered a boat near Nouadhibou carrying 39 migrants, including nine deceased and ten in critical condition. Survivors, primarily from Senegal and Mali, reported that fifteen migrants died from exhaustion, though not all bodies were found. The deceased were buried by local authorities. Mauritania has become a key transit point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Canary Islands.

Mali Keeps Pressuring Algeria, Accusing it of Interference

Mali has accused Algeria of interference and supporting terrorist groups after top Algerian diplomat criticized its counter-terrorism strategy. Bamako alleges Algeria maintains ties to insurgent groups, a reference to the Toureg tribes, 

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This