What is Hydropower?
Simply, it is electricity generated from moving water. It is also one of the oldest power sources, we have on our big blue planet. Watch this video below to learn more!

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at completion will be the largest hydro-power source in Africa. The Dam will be powered by the Blue Nile River.

.....About Egypt and The Nile.......

The Blue Nile River for Egypt is a vital organ and part of the country's identity. I mean honestly, would Egypt be EGYPT without the Blue Nile River? Ancient Egypt thrived on rich fertile vegetation because of the Nile and this allowed for Egypt to be a major key player in not just North Africa but througout the entire continent.

However, this is not quite the case today. 

The Egyptian government has very strong reservations and concerns about the development of the dam. Their reservations must be rightfully considered, as over 90% of all water supply for Egyptians comes from the Nile. They do not envision this creation by the Ethiopians as a tool that can stimulate development and advancement for all Nile Basin Countries.

Egypt points out to signed agreements with all Nile Basin Countries that guarantee them the amount of 55 billion cubic meters of Nile Water per year including veto power on any matters that concern the damn.  Did I forget to mention Egypt wants to honor agreements signed in 1902, 1906, 1929 and 1959.

refresher course on african colonialism 101

Egypt gained full independence in 1953 from Great Britain, I mean to argue 1922 would really be insulting to the fact that in 1922, Egypt was still controlled by the British and they lacked full autonomy.  

The other Nile Basin Countries and year of independence:  

Rwanda(62)
Burundi(62)
 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)(60)
Tanzania(61)
Kenya(63)
Uganda(62),
Sudan(56)
Ethiopia(Independent since year 0). 

Now let us be honest, the last three Egyptian presidents were not exactly focused on Africa or Water security laws. 

Hosni Mubarak, Oh Where do I begin with you papa? Oh wait you are Arab right? I mean, how dare I call you an African?

Mohamed Morsi, you actually considered attacking Ethiopia with weapons!! So to stop her ambition from building the dam. I am not to sure if there are enough profane words to describe that situation. 

Ah yes, current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ! I will give you credit for understanding the tact in diplomacy. Readers this one here has started a "River Nile" is ours campaign throughout the continent. He traveled to Tanzania, Gabon, Chad and Rwanda to complain. So the next move will be someone from the west. Then the final straw, pleading your case to powerful global north spaces, as the the entire global community pleads with you. Well played Sir, well played...

To understand his campaign efforts, go here

 

The population of Egypt is growing very fast and a huge majority stay in the Nile but you would think an investment in the public health sector would come in handy right now. Even with the colonialist agreement, Egypt currently receives only 660 cubic meters a person.  Clearly with a population of 95 + million, we can conclude there are people clearly lacking access to water. Egypt must admit dropping the ball with the Nile due to widespread inefficiency, pollution and waste.

There is also Lake Nasser that has more than enough of water for the people of Egypt in addition to Nile. 

 EGYPT NO LONGER A RESPECTED REGIONAL PLAYER

Egypt no longer enjoys a strong regional influence as it once did in North Africa or the continent. Egypt is still dealing with the aftermath of the Arab Spring and there are a host of other pressing concerns. The current President of Egypt is working on building regional power throughout Africa. However it faces fierce competition with next door neighbor Morocco. If you would like to know, just how Morocco is using soft power and influence, please read our last entry. 

BUT FROM ETHIOPIA'S POINT OF VIEW?

The country has invested over $4 billion in this project, Did I mention that employees took a slice in their paycheck, just to make this possible?

SUDAN, THE PEACEMAKER?

Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir is a very smart man. Instead of barking and the other b word, he is now the peacemaker of this wonderful example of Africa Corporation in the dialogue of Water Security.

Yes, I forgot to mention, he wants to create a free economic zone which does not really include the other basin countries. 

He is also not willing to share the details of just how this would work. Continuously, all three players say the following after every meeting to the media, "The talks were great and The talks were productive". 

There is a positive note to all of this bickering. What B word did you think I was referring to? The countries that surround the Nile River are part of the Nile Basin Initiative. On October 23rd- 25th 2017, all of these countries shall meet and discuss moving forward on the dam and also for the the sake of International Corporation.  To learn more on the NBI:

Read the article below to understand more on Egypt's absence. 

Until next Mulday!

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