Rescheduling GERD's Fourth Filling, Ethiopia Prioritizes Downstream Concerns

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced a shift in the timeline for the fourth filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Initially scheduled for early August, the process will now extend into late August or early September. This modification is a response to the concerns of downstream nations, Egypt and Sudan.

Speaking at a meeting in the Ethiopian House of Representatives, Prime Minister Ahmed emphasized that his government was aiming to balance the water requirements of Egypt and Sudan while safeguarding Ethiopia's own interests. This approach, he stated, would entail a strategic change in the filling process compared to the three preceding rounds.

The PM further clarified, "The fourth filling will be executed in a manner designed to mitigate the apprehensions of our neighbors. It will be completed by early September or late August, extending the process beyond the early August deadline observed in the previous stages."

Prime Minister Ahmed also communicated Ethiopia's willingness to engage in discussions with Egypt and Sudan, their "brothers," regarding the collaborative execution of future projects.

Egypt and Sudan have consistently urged Ethiopia to enter a legally binding agreement concerning the GERD, to secure the water rights and interests of the two downstream countries. Ethiopia, however, has proceeded with the unilateral filling and operation of the massive dam, despite objections and concerns raised by the two nations.

Egypt insists that the GERD issue is a matter of survival for millions of its citizens and Sudanese people. This critical concern underscores the urgency to resolve the GERD dispute to ensure regional stability.