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There have been reports that the United States will deduct $ 100 million in aid to Ethiopia due to its handling of the controversial Renaissance Dam archive.
A government source said the move came as a result of Ethiopia’s decision to start filling the dam before reaching a deal with Egypt and Sudan.
Egypt has long opposed any installation on the Nile that would reduce its share of the Nile’s water.
Ethiopia says it needs the dam to provide electricity.
- Ethiopia “rejected” an Egyptian proposal seven decades ago to build the first joint dam on the largest sources of the Nile.
Once operating at full capacity, Ethiopia’s Great Renaissance Dam will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric power station, providing power to up to 65 million Ethiopians.
A US congressional source told Reuters news agency: “Up to approximately $ 100 million will be deducted, of which $ 26 million will expire at the end. [السنة المالية]”.
The official said that the financing is linked to nutrition, regional or border security, political competition and consensus building. Funding for projects related to HIV (AIDS), migration, refugee assistance and the Food for Peace program will not be affected.
- What will happen if the negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia fail?
- How will the Great Dam of the Ethiopian Renaissance be filled?
A US State Department official told Reuters that Ethiopia’s decision to start filling the dam while negotiating with Egypt and Sudan had undermined confidence in the talks and contradicted Ethiopia’s commitments.
“The United States has repeatedly expressed concern that starting to fill the Nahda River basin before implementing all necessary measures for the safety of the dams has created serious risks,” the official said.
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Ethiopia’s ambassador to the United States told the Financial Times that he hoped the United States would change its mind about cutting aid.
“We ask you to reconsider and we are waiting. We hope that the 117-year diplomatic relations will not be damaged by an issue that is not related to the two countries,” Fitzum Ariga said.
Correspondents say the move is likely to be seen as a punitive move by US President Donald Trump against Ethiopia, after the country rejected US-led mediation with Egypt and Sudan.
The talks have stalled over several issues, including demands by Egypt and Sudan that any deal be legally binding and how to manage the dam during periods of drought.
