Ethiopian Water Minister Habtamu Itefa confirmed that Nile Basin ministers visited the GERD despite Egypt’s opposition, asserting that the visit helped counter misinformation. Egyptian Minister Hani Sewilam warned that this move could exacerbate disputes among Nile Basin states. The visit allowed ministers to witness Ethiopia’s progress firsthand.
Habtamu Itefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, announced that water ministers from Nile Basin countries visited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) despite Egypt’s objections. He indicated that this visit undermined opponents of Ethiopia’s interests. During the extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) on February 22, 2025, Habtamu extended an invitation to the member states for a tour of the GERD.
The visit of the Nile Basin ministers to the GERD represents Ethiopia’s efforts to showcase its achievements and counter Egyptian opposition. Despite Egypt’s official attempts to prevent participation, the ministers proceeded with their visit. This incident illustrates the ongoing tensions and differing narratives surrounding the GERD and broader Nile Basin cooperation.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
