Reclaiming the shared vision of the Nile Basin starting with the great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

Abstract

In 2011, Ethiopia led by Meles Zenawi² began constructing the “Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam” (GERD)³ on the Blue Nile after stalemate was reached on an article 14b of the Comprehensive Framework Agreement⁴ (CFA) based on an agreed Shared Vision.⁵ The GERD is 80% complete and filling began last year. Sudan and Egypt as downstream countries have expressed strong concerns. To date negotiations, under the African Union⁶, among the three countries on filling and operating the dam have stalled. The war drums are beginning to be beaten. Why is this the case? And what are the alternatives?