US stops aid to Ethiopia over Renaissance dam – Middle East Monitor

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo approved a plan to halt US foreign aid to Ethiopia over the country’s dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the Renaissance dam. Foreign policy reported Thursday.

This punishment could affect up to $ 130 million in foreign aid from the United States to Ethiopia, reports the US official by Foreign policy how to say.

The official noted that this could affect security assistance, counter-terrorism and military education and training, anti-human trafficking programs and increased funding for development assistance.

However, the cuts will not affect US funding for emergency humanitarian aid, food assistance, or health care programs aimed at addressing COVID-19 and HIV / AIDS.

According to Foreign policy, US President Donald Trump appreciates Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, and explains claims by Ethiopian officials that the US administration is siding with Egypt in the dam talks.

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An American official said Foreign policy: “Progress is still being made, we still see a viable path forward here. The role of the United States is to do everything possible to help facilitate an agreement between the three countries that balances their interests. “

Foreign policy reported that a US State Department official briefed Congress on the decision on Thursday, noting that: “The US-Ethiopia relationship would remain strong despite a cut in aid because the US . may have difficult conversations ‘with friends’ “.

On Tuesday, Pompeo visited Sudan to meet with Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok. Although he did not meet with Hamdok, the US State Department confirmed that Pompeo agreed with Hamdok to reach an agreement that preserves the rights of Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia.

Endless Fight Between Egypt / Ethiopia and Sudan Over Renaissance Dam – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]