Ethiopia Affirms Sovereign Rights Over Nile Resources, Rejects Joint GERD Management

Ethiopia's Water and Energy Minister, Habtamu Itefa, has reiterated the country's sovereign right to utilize its Nile water resources without seeking approval from other nations. In a recent interview with The Pulse of Africa, Habtamu firmly rejected proposals for joint management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing Ethiopia's autonomy in developing its hydropower projects.

Highlighting the GERD as a key example, the minister noted that Ethiopia constructed the dam independently and intends to continue harnessing its water resources based on national interests. "The dam's purpose is solely for hydropower generation," he said, underscoring the benefits extending beyond Ethiopia through electricity exports to neighboring countries including Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan.

Habtamu also pointed to Ethiopia's active role in regional cooperation initiatives such as the Nile Basin Initiative and the Cooperative Framework Agreement, describing Ethiopia as having been "too generous" in managing the Nile tributaries. He mentioned that Ethiopia has refrained from developing over 230,000 hectares of irrigable land downstream of the GERD to show consideration for downstream countries.

The minister dismissed calls for joint management of the GERD, calling such arrangements "impossible" and "unthinkable," stressing the dam as a source of national pride constructed by Ethiopians. He urged Nile Basin countries to prioritize negotiation and cooperation rather than impose restrictions on Ethiopia's development projects.

Plans for Additional Hydropower Projects

Ethiopia is moving forward with plans to revive three proposed hydropower projects on the Blue Nile — Karadobi, Mandaya, and Beko Abo — with a combined potential capacity of approximately 5,700MW. These projects are part of Ethiopia's broader strategy to increase electricity generation, support economic growth, and enhance energy security.

However, these plans have reignited tensions with Egypt, which has long opposed unilateral upstream projects on the Nile, citing concerns over water flow impacts. Egypt has sought binding agreements on dam operations, drought management, and information sharing, and has raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council.

Regional Dynamics and Diplomatic Efforts

Sudan remains a pivotal player in the Nile dispute, positioned between Ethiopia and Egypt and directly impacted by developments on the Blue Nile. While Sudan may benefit from more predictable water flows and Ethiopian electricity, it also seeks transparency and cooperation to safeguard its interests.

Recent diplomatic signals, including from the United States, indicate readiness to resume mediation between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan to address outstanding issues surrounding the GERD. Nevertheless, Ethiopia’s firm stance on sovereignty and rejection of joint dam management complicate prospects for a binding regional agreement.