Ethiopia Calls in Sudanese Diplomat Over Threats of Conflict Related to Nile Dam
Ethiopia recently called in Sudan’s ambassador for a stern chat over rather fiery remarks made by Sudan’s acting foreign minister. During a lively television interview, Ali Youssif hinted at the possibility of siding with Egypt and potentially going to war with Ethiopia if the talks around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) hit a stalemate.
Ethiopia’s foreign ministry didn’t take too kindly to Youssif’s comments. They expressed their “displeasure” to Ambassador Al-Zein Ibrahim, while underlining their dedication to maintaining robust ties with Sudan.
From the grapevine, or rather diplomatic sources chatting with Sudan Tribune, it seems Youssif might be jetting off to Addis Ababa soon. Perhaps he plans to smooth over his previous remarks. Although there’s a bit of a hitch as Ibrahim has yet to officially hand his credentials to the Ethiopian president.
At the bureaucratic wheel, foreign ministry spokesperson Nebiat Getachew was quick to blow off some steam at a press briefing. He painted the relationship with Sudan as “developed and strategic,” and brushed off Youssif’s comments as mere social media bluster.
Getachew doubled down on Ethiopia’s resolve to iron out the GERD issues via diplomacy, ensuring that the dam doesn’t spell trouble for neighboring countries downstream. He pointed to over a decade’s worth of practical experience, showing that Sudan managed just fine during the dam’s filling.
More than just water at stake, Getachew highlighted the dam’s benefits for regional economic integration. Ethiopia flatly refuses any foreign meddling in Sudan’s skirmishes, asserting its position vehemently.
In another note-worthy development, Getachew announced that South Sudan’s recent ratification of the Nile Basin Agreement has set things in motion, paving the way for donor-led development initiatives.
On a separate yet important beat, Getachew made it clear that Ethiopia stands firmly with Somalia. He’s committed to bolstering the nation’s bid for stability and its ongoing battle against al Shabaab militants. Ethiopia’s support isn’t just lip service; it’s a declaration of solidarity and cooperation.
Ultimately, this diplomatic tango underscores the complexities of regional politics where water, in its essential fluidity, becomes both a source of life and potential conflict. Ethiopia’s approach remains anchored in dialogue, mutual respect, and, quite ambitiously, regional unity even amidst stirring rhetoric.
This veritable saga unfolds against the backdrop of grand historical narratives—some newer, like collaborations for economic upliftment through shared resources, and some older, like the timeless push and pull of geopolitics by riverbanks.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
