Ethiopia’s Water Minister announces that Nile Basin ministers visited the GERD amid Egypt’s objections, stating it counters misinformation. Despite Egypt’s warnings against the visit, ministers saw the GERD, which Habtamu believes highlights Ethiopia’s accomplishments. The Egyptian minister cautioned this could further jeopardize cooperation among basin states.
Habtamu Itefa, PhD, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, announced that water ministers from Nile Basin nations visited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) despite Egypt’s disapproval. He remarked that this visit serves to “undermine those who stand against Ethiopia.” Habtamu had invited the ministers during their extraordinary meeting of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) held in Addis Ababa on 22 February 2025, emphasizing the importance of the visit.
Despite an official letter from Egypt’s Water Resources and Irrigation Minister, Hani Sewilam, advising ministers not to accept Ethiopia’s invitation, Habtamu indicated that they proceeded with the visit. He claimed that Ethiopia did not acknowledge Egypt’s request, characterizing it as “false propaganda.” Egypt previously expressed concerns that the GAR’s inclusion in the Nile Day program could exacerbate existing tensions and disrupt regional cooperation among Nile Basin countries.
Habtamu noted that the ministers’ tour allowed them to see the dam firsthand, highlighting a significant contrast between the misinformation circulating about the GERD and the reality observed on-site. He stated, “The difference between prior misinformation and the reality on the ground was striking to them.” All ministers participated in the tour but the Tanzanian minister who had to attend to pressing electoral issues.
In summary, the visit of Nile Basin water ministers to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam contradicts Egypt’s attempts to discourage participation. Minister Habtamu emphasized the significance of this event in countering misinformation and showcasing Ethiopia’s achievements. Concerns regarding escalating regional tensions and unity among Nile Basin states remain pertinent following Egypt’s objections.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
