UN calls on Nile nations to reach binding agreement on filling of Ethiopia’s mega dam

By Agence de Presse Africaine Last updated Sep 17, 2021

APA-Addis Ababa United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called on Nile nations to reach a binding agreement through the African Union brokered mediation on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The call coincides with the talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen and his DRC…

APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday called on Nile nations to reach a binding agreement through the African Union brokered mediation on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The call coincides with the talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen and his DRC counterpart Christophe Lutundula, on the UN proposed resolution to solve the GERD issues with AU-led tripartite negotiation.

It is the first international position since the first discussion of the dispute by the Security Council held on 29 June 2020.

On 8 July 2021, the Council discussed again the dispute after a request by the League of Arab States to discuss the GERD issue.

Immediately after its adoption, the Ethiopian foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday rejecting UN’s position saying the dispute is out of its mandate.

“It is regrettable that the Council pronounces itself over an issue of water rights and development that is outside of its mandate,” stated the Ethiopian foreign ministry.

Current Chairperson of the African Union and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi last June his determination to find a solution to the GERD crisis, in line with the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

MG/abj/APA