The Ethiopian government announced the diversion of the Blue Nile’s course to run through the new Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for the first time, after construction of the first four water inlets was completed, the Ethiopian EBC TV reported.
This announcement comes just hours prior to an important round of negotiations, set to take place between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on Sunday.
Ethiopia diverted the course of the river in 2013 to begin building the dam’s body, and has now reverted it to its normal course to run through the dam.
Executive Assistant to the Ethiopian Prime Minister Getachew Reda told journalists Friday that his country will not stop any constructions in the dam, but is committed to reaching an agreement with both Egypt and Sudan.
Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and water supply Hossam El-Moghazy said this is a normal step that comes as a part of the Ethiopian construction operations, as the course was diverted two years ago to began the constructions, and is now being re-diverted to its original course.
He stressed that this step will not affect the ongoing negotiations in Sudan.
