The Minister of Irrigation: We call for the expansion of the mediation umbrella in the Renaissance Dam to include the United Nations
Minister of Irrigation: The second filling of the Renaissance Dam unilaterally threatens life over the entire Blue Nile
The Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Professor Yasser Abbas, discussed in his office this morning, with the envoy of the European Union Special Commissioner and Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Olavi Haavisto, the file of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the latest developments in negotiations between the countries of Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt.
During the meeting, the Minister of Irrigation affirmed Sudan's position in support of the Renaissance Dam as it is an Ethiopian right to development, provided that this does not negatively affect Sudan, by ensuring that a binding legal agreement is signed, and the minister explained to the European official, the risks of Ethiopia announcing the start of the second filling of the dam unilaterally next July. Even without an agreement or exchange of information, indicating that the Ethiopian decision directly affects the Wusairis dam and all life on the Blue Nile behind the Rosaries Dam, including the hydroelectric generation from the Rossires reservoir and the Merowe dam, and the drinking water stations on the Blue Nile and the main Nile until the city Atbara, in addition to the negative impact on irrigation projects on the Blue Nile and the main Nile, and above all a threat to the life and safety of about half of Sudan's population on the banks of the Blue Nile, (if something is wrong with the Rosiers Dam), and Abbas presented to the European envoy, Sudan’s proposal that the umbrella of mediation should be expanded in The Renaissance Dam negotiations to include the United Nations. His Excellency affirmed that the Renaissance Dam could be a focal point for regional cooperation and the exchange of benefits instead of competition and conflict.
For his part, Haavisto confirmed that he will visit Addis Ababa to meet the Ethiopian leadership for the same purpose.
Media of the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources
February 7, 2021
