Ethiopia launches massive hydropower dam against bitter Egyptian opposition • FRANCE 24 English

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a source of pride and unity for Ethiopians. The $5 billion mega structure built in a tributary of the River Nile will meet the energy needs of the country’s 120 million people. Currently, just under half have access to electricity. Previously, our daily lives relied on kerosene lamps and charcoal, which pose significant challenges. We would transport firewood to the market, selling it to buy kerosene and bread for our children. But with the completion of the dam, our entire community is now happy. The reservoir of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam has flooded an area larger than greater London. It should eventually produce 5,150 megawatts of electricity. But despite the fanfare, it’s not been an easy road. The project, which began in 2011, faced strong push back from downstream neighbors in the region, particularly Egypt. 90% of Egypt’s fresh water comes from the Nile and there are fears it could restrict its water supply during periods of drought. They also argue it violates water treaties dated back to the British colonial period. Ethiopia says the dam is a sovereign right. I want to make it abundantly clear that we have no intention to harm these countries. What we are essentially doing is to meet our electricity demands from one of the cleanest source of energy. We cannot afford to continue keeping more than 65 million of our people in the dark. Several attempts to reach an agreement over the years have failed. Egypt’s foreign ministry spokesperson said his country would closely monitor the situation and would take appropriate measures to protect the interests of the

Ethiopia officially inaugurates Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam on Tuesday, a project that will provide energy to millions of Ethiopians while deepening a rift with downstream Egypt that has unsettled the region.
#Ethiopia #dam #Egypt

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22 comments

  1. Ethiopia built GERD in Ethiopia not in Egypt.Remember huge electric dam need
    huge water flow to revolve the turbin then
    after the water flow to Egypt and Sudan as
    the dam is built at boarder unless other wise westerns interest to reconolis Africa

  7. Egyptians must demonstrate the utmost humility and honor the dignity of Ethiopia to encourage its generosity. Disrespect and humiliation towards Ethiopia only foster arrogance and misunderstanding. They cannot imagine even a single drop of water they might receive through such arrogance. It is time to recognize that a new era has arrived, an era based on respect, humility, and mutual cooperation. Only by embracing these values can true progress and meaningful partnerships be achieved. Congratulations to all Ethiopians!

  10. Yay Ethiopia. Cameroonian rejoicing with my Ethiopian brothers. The Nile doesn't belong to anybody. Egypt should use diplomacy to come to an agreement instead of bullying other African countries.

  15. Ya this bitterness even spills to soccer arenas where we can't have their moment of silence on away games for national anthem blocking wb and imf is icing on the cake these spoiled

  16. Congratulations to our African brothers and sisters in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 to this great Dam !
    From East Africa, Uganda 🇺🇬

  18. 🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

  19. A message to Egypt & Sudan on this historic day: We understand your concerns. The GERD is vital for Ethiopia's growth—bringing light & opportunity. It is not a weapon but a project we hope can lead to cooperation

  21. Egyipt's claims to be dependent on the Nile rever for its 97% of water source is "by Choice". & miss leading!!!

    Egypt posess one of largest water aquifers(underground water reserve) in the world (NSAS)
    The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) the world's largest known fossil water aquifer system. covering a land area spanning just over 2 million km2, including north-western Sudan, and most of Egypt.
    Containing an estimated 150,000 km3 of groundwater, the significance of the NSAS as a  water resource for development programs in these countries is large. 
    Egyptian regimes choose not develop their Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System and want to blame it on GERD!

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