Ethiopia Defies Int’l Pressure over GERD, Says to Build over 100 Dams

Ethiopia has defied the international pressure on it due to the dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Addis Ababa plans to build more than 100 small and medium dams in various areas across the country in the upcoming fiscal year.

“This is the only way to resist any forces opposed to Ethiopia,” Ahmed stressed.

He made his remarks during the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the first phase of the Adama-Awash 60-kilometer-long highway project, which aims to enhance social and economic integration with Djibouti and the nearby areas of Adama.

The PM affirmed that the new dams will boost agricultural production, which is expected to triple to ensure food security.

He did not disclose further details on the locations of these dams or the rivers they will be built on. Nine major rivers pass through the country.

Ahmed stressed the need for all Ethiopians to join hands to achieve these ambitions and other development programs.

Regarding Addis Ababa’s relation with the rest of the world, Ahmed said ties are based on diplomacy since Ethiopia is one of the co-founders of the Organization of African Unity.

Commenting on recent negative comments against Ethiopia, he stated they are not based on “actual facts” and aim to undermine the country’s long-standing diplomatic relations with all world countries.

Ethiopia’s economy will soon boom, he vowed, underscoring the importance of unity during this phase.

Addis Ababa began constructing the 1.8-kilometer-long GERD in 2011 to generate power. The construction process has reached 80 percent, a jump from 74 percent in June 2020, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Energy and Irrigation.

Egypt and Sudan stress the need to reach a binding and comprehensive agreement that guarantees the rights and interests of the three countries and includes a mechanism for settling disputes on the filling and operation of the dam.

They fear the potential negative impact of GERD on the flow of their annual share of the Nile’s 55.5 billion cubic meters of water.

Ethiopia announced it still had plans to move forward with the second phase of filling the mega-dam when the rainy season begins in July.