DPM, FM Demeke urges riparian states for equitable and reasonable use of Nile River

Addis Ababa, June 22, 2023 (FBC) – The “2ndAfri-Run High-Level Forum on Equitable and Reasonable Utilisation of Transboundary Watercourses in Africa” held today in Addis Ababa under the theme “African Resources for African Prosperity in the New Age”,

Addressing the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen urged riparian states for an equitable and reasonable use of the Nile River. 

In his speech DPM and FM Demeke noted, lack of political will and hegemonic tendencies over shared resources immensely contribute to little or no cooperation.

He added, these challenges will continue to stand against shared aspirations of riparian countries to ensure sustainable development.

He said, it is high time to redouble efforts to deal with the challenges building on the great strides the countries have made in the past to ensure equitable and reasonable use of trans-boundary resources.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is an exemplary initiative that champions equitable and reasonable use, he added. The second leg of the forum will be conducted tomorrow.