"Ethiopia Unleashes Africa's Largest Dam Amid Egypt Tensions"

Ethiopia Unveils Africa's Largest Hydroelectric Dam Amid Deepening Egypt Rift On Tuesday, Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa's largest hydroelectric dam, amidst growing tensions with neighboring Egypt over concerns about water supply restrictions during droughts. The $4 billion project, built over a decade, aims to transform Ethiopia's energy sector and provide power for millions of people. According to state media, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed toured the site of the GERD in Guba, where he was joined by members of the Ethiopian Republic March Band performing in front of the dam. The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone for Ethiopia, which has been working on the project since 2011. "This dam will electrify the entire region and bring prosperity to our people," Abiy Ahmed said during the ceremony. However, Egypt has long expressed concerns about the impact of the GERD on its own water supply. Egyptian officials fear that the dam could severely restrict the flow of water from the Nile River during droughts, exacerbating an already strained relationship between the two nations. "We have always maintained that the GERD is a threat to our national security and the livelihoods of millions of Egyptians," said Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in a statement. The GERD has been a contentious issue for years, with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt signing a tripartite agreement in 2015 to govern the dam's operation. However, disagreements over the deal have continued, with Egypt pushing for more guarantees on water supply. The current situation has raised concerns about the potential for conflict between the two nations. Experts say that the GERD is not only a significant economic project but also a symbol of Ethiopia's growing influence in the region. "The GERD is a game-changer for Ethiopia, which will allow it to become a major energy player in Africa," said Dr. Berhanu Nega, an Ethiopian economist and expert on the dam. As tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt continue to escalate, the international community is watching closely. The African Union has called for calm and urged both nations to resolve their differences through diplomatic means. The United States and other international partners have also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the GERD on regional stability. The current status of the GERD is that it is expected to generate 6,450 megawatts of electricity, making it one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world. However, its operation remains uncertain due to the ongoing disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt. The next steps will depend on the outcome of negotiations between the two nations, which are expected to continue in the coming weeks. In conclusion, the inauguration of the GERD marks a significant milestone for Ethiopia but also highlights the deepening rift with neighboring Egypt over concerns about water supply restrictions during droughts. As tensions continue to rise, the international community will be closely watching the developments and urging both nations to resolve their differences through diplomatic means. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.