Addis Ababa:Ethiopia must strengthen its ongoing initiatives to develop its water resources through significant dam projects, stated Mohamed Al-Arousi, an advisor to the Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Al-Arousi emphasized the country's commitment to continue its dam-building program, asserting that external political pressures and disputed narratives regarding the shared river will not deter Ethiopia's development ambitions. He accused Egypt of using media outlets to misrepresent Ethiopia’s water development agenda, aiming to generate international support against Ethiopia's legitimate aspirations.
Al-Arousi argued that Ethiopia's investment in water infrastructure is a reflection of its determination to utilize its natural resources for national development. He dismissed attempts to undermine the legitimacy of Ethiopia's projects through political pressure and fact distortion. Addressing issues raised by downstream countries, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he noted that accusations have not facilitated negotiations or a lasting agreement.
He questioned who was refusing to negotiate and accused Egypt of obstructing trilateral discussions. He also critiqued efforts to bring the Nile issue to international forums through unilateral actions, despite the Declaration of Principles that offers a framework for addressing GERD-related issues.
Al-Arousi called for scientific evidence to support concerns about Ethiopia's projects, inviting those questioning the GERD to prove scientifically any potential harm. He encouraged discussions to focus on utilizing the Nile's water for regional development and prosperity.
Al-Arousi reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to expanding its water infrastructure, citing plans for additional dam projects on the Blue Nile River. He described Ethiopia’s dam development as an opportunity for neighboring countries to learn and utilize their resources for economic growth and shared prosperity. He urged regional countries and the international community to evaluate Ethiopia’s policies based on facts and cooperation rather than questioning their legitimacy.
Emphasizing cooperation, science-based dialogue, and respect for all riparian states' interests, Al-Arousi highlighted the potential to transform the Nile from a source of political discord into a tool for regional development and stability.
