External diplomatic pressure and financial obstruction forced Ethiopia to abandon key water development projects, according to Water and Energy Minister Dr. Habtamu Itefa
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Ethiopia has historically been compelled to abandon at least 22 vital development projects as a direct result of external pressure and diplomatic obstruction led by Egypt, according to Minister of Water and Energy Dr. Habtamu Itefa.
In a recent interview with domestic media on regional and national water policies, Dr. Habtamu emphasized that the deliberate stalling of these infrastructure initiatives—beyond financial constraints—cost the nation critical opportunities to mitigate severe droughts and protect vulnerable populations from famine. Had these projects proceeded on schedule, the country’s resilience against climate shocks would have improved substantially.
Addressing questions regarding the newly established National Damage and Compensation Committee, the Minister stated that the multi-institutional body incorporates legal experts and operates in alignment with international frameworks. He added that authorities will formally release comprehensive operational details and findings following institutional consultations.
Dr. Habtamu asserted that Egypt’s historical lobbying to block domestic resource mobilization and external financing for projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) caused severe human and economic consequences. He contended that this obstruction delayed critical construction phases and heightened regional instability. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the committee’s legal and technical assessments will establish formal accountability and set a decisive precedent for transboundary water rights.
Turning to regional diplomacy, the Minister dismissed the recent renewal of bilateral accords between Egypt and Sudan—specifically referencing the 1959 colonial-era framework aimed at securing exclusive control over the Abbay (Nile) River—characterizing the agreement as legally ineffective and a sign of downstream desperation. He argued that Khartoum’s alignment with Cairo on unilateral water management runs counter to Sudan’s long-term national interests, noting that historical cooperation with downstream actors has yielded minimal benefit compared to the potential gains of regional integration.
Emphasizing Addis Ababa’s preference for multilateral collaboration, Dr. Habtamu outlined avenues for mutual economic cooperation, including joint irrigation development, cross-border infrastructure connectivity, and road networks linking regional hydroelectric installations to foster regional tourism and shared stability.
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