Egypt-Ethiopia Water Conflict

As stated in the Water Treaties from 1929 and 1959, Egypt is assured to receive two-thirds of the Nile River. However, Ethiopia government have ignored these treaties and started to put forward their water Plan in 2011. This is otherwise known as the 'Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam'. Ethiopia has been longing to construct this 6,000MW capacity Dam inside the Blue Nile which provides 60% of the Nile's Water.

Egypt along Sudan has shown strong opposition towards this project. The Egyptian government has the power to veto any upstream project which also implies the 'Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam' which clearly, Ethiopia has ignored. The reason behind this Egyptian refusal to this project is due to the effect of the river's flow downstream. In addition, the Nile is known to be uncertain in terms of it's level of water as it may flood nearby areas during June until September. This could cause an agricultural and economical issue concerning both countries. If the downstream flow becomes much calmer instead of the rushing force it once was, then the river's water might not reach into the water-needed areas such as farms. This could negatively effect Sudan's and Egypt's economy, as if their is less water, less crops grow, less products are being collected, therefore less food for the city and exportations.

On the other hand, Ethiopian government are looking forward to it as they believe it will bring a big social section whom are economically poor, arise. The dam would give electricity to factories where these people could work for the country's economy, the government's benefit and the need of money for personal resources. As well, it would push the country into green energy.

Even though the project has presented many controversy between Ethiopia and mainly Egypt the Ethiopian ministry has assuredly stated:"'Ethiopia remains firm in its genuine desire to cooperate with Egypt and foster greater friendship between the two countries.'"