Attempts at negotiating an agreement regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have stalled. Tensions are escalating between Ethiopia and Egypt. The problem is related to water access to the Nile River. As climate change becomes more dramatic, water resources become more valuable. Access to clean water is not only about profit, but survival itself. Nourishing a population and essential to agriculture water security in Africa is a serious issue. President Adullah Sisi of Egypt and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are faced with both internal and regional challenges. Ethiopia must recognize Oromo aspirations and avoid conflict, while maintaining peace with Eritrea. Egypt has to deal with economic instability and be aware of the disorder in Libya. Sudan's condition by be an area of consensus between the two countries. These internal and external problems may prevent a war. The risk is too high, if diplomacy can still be effective. The Nile dispute will not be solved quickly. Egypt requested a UN intervention to help with the standoff. A better option would probably to address grievances at the African Union. There was only one time that these two countries went to war. The Ethio-Egyptian War lasted from 1874 to 1876 and resulted in a victory for the Abyssinian Empire. The current situation is not as intense, but could escalate.
No comments:
Post a Comment