This comes at a time when Ethio-Egyptian competition over the Nile has intensified once more. The Nile is vital to both countries: water for the livelihoods of the concentrated populations in Egypt’s Nile valley; hydro-power for Ethiopia’s growing urban populations and ambitious industrialisation plans. However, while vast, the Nile’s resources are finite, and both countries believe the other’s interests impinge upon their own.
Support for Nile waters claims may be bartered for concessions on other regional rivalries, such as the Gulf crisis or South Sudan.
Climate change, deforestation and population growth could aggravate water pressures and associated tensions.
Egypt's deepening ties with Eritrea and Somaliland will magnify rumours of Egyptian military deployments along Ethiopia's periphery.
