Trilateral talks over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Talks among Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and shared use of Nile waters have stalled amid Ethiopian accusations, reiterated this week, that US mediators are biased towards Egypt. The allegations have raised the temperature in already contentious negotiations and prompted a new flurry of mutual recriminations, overshadowing what could have been significant progress on technical issues.
COVID-19 could disrupt progress and distract attention, including from US mediators.
GERD’s impact on sediment flow has received little attention but buildup could reduce energy production and affect downstream agriculture.
Ethiopia’s desired development of irrigation projects around Lake Tana could also reduce downstream flow.
Corruption revelations during GERD’s construction will heighten Egyptian concerns over the dam’s safety and ability to withstand floods.
