By Soha M.H. Aldalis. Video report and interviews with Tawfiq Abu Shomer (Writer and political analyst) and Ibrahim Habib (Expert of national security affairs).
The project of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of huge diplomatic tension since its construction began in Ethiopia in 2011.
Ethiopia sees the hydroelectric project as crucial for its economic growth and a vital source of energy. When operational, the dam will supply energy to approximately 65 million Ethiopians, who currently do not have a normal electricity supply. Meanwhile, Arab Gulf countries and China have strong interests in the completion of the project.
But Egypt and Sudan, which are downstream, fear the dam will greatly reduce their access to water.
Despite years of talks and diplomatic negotiations the crucial questions of how and when to fill up the dam, and how much water it should release, remain unresolved.
While for Ethiopia, the dam is vital, Egypt sees it is as a threat to its existence.
