Cairo — Ekhbary News Agency
Cairo is reportedly anticipating a new American initiative aimed at resolving the protracted dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), an informed Egyptian source told Asharq Al-Awsat. The reports indicate active attempts to revive the "Washington Document," a previous draft agreement concerning the dam's filling and operation rules, a move that could inject new momentum into stalled negotiations.
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The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, has been a central point of contention between Ethiopia and downstream nations, Egypt and Sudan, since its construction began in 2011. Both Cairo and Khartoum express deep concerns over the dam's potential impact on their historical water shares, particularly regarding the speed of its reservoir filling and operational protocols during drought periods. Numerous rounds of negotiations, including those facilitated by the African Union and other mediators, have failed to yield a legally binding agreement on these critical issues.
The Significance of Reviving the "Washington Document"
The "Washington Document" dates back to 2020, when the United States mediated talks between the three nations, resulting in a near-final draft agreement. Egypt signed this document, which contained detailed provisions on the dam's filling mechanisms and operational guidelines, especially during lean hydrological years. However, Ethiopia declined to sign it at the time. The current effort to revive this document suggests a belief among parties that it could offer a viable framework for a solution that addresses the interests of all stakeholders and ensures water security for downstream countries.
A renewed American focus on this file could present a fresh opportunity to break the diplomatic stalemate, potentially paving the way for a sustainable resolution to a decade-long tension surrounding one of the region's most vital water resources.
