In the aftermath of the failure of the international community to decisively deal with the continental and regional problems, African countries have become determined to craft their own solutions to the problems emerging on the continent. This marked the origin of the notion of ‘African solutions to African problems,’ which was later to become one of the founding principles of the African Union (AU).
The basic principle, which pronounces regional economic community is the building blocks of the African peace and security architecture, speaks volumes of how much this phrase has become embedded in African policy circles.
Corporate Communication Director at Kotebe Metropolitan University, Dr. Yoseph Beko told The Ethiopian Herald that, the tripartite talk that was held among Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt concerning the operation and filling of the dam is still unfruitful. Accordingly, Egypt called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Arab League and others to intervene in the dispute over the GERD.
“The issue is eroding the relation of Ethiopia and Egypt and contributing to unhealthy relation with regard to the GERD which is being built on the Blue Nile. If the world we are living in believes in reason, the Egyptians sentiment running for getting international support aimed at pressurizing Ethiopia will never be successful.”
In the face of international indifference or at times unhealthy meddling in certain African conflicts, “African solutions to African problems” reflects the justifiable need for greater African responsibility, autonomy and the imperative gesture to develop indigenous conflict prevention and management capacities.
Addressing the parliament, PM Abiy Ahmed said that “having access to electricity is our basic human right. More than 65 percent of Ethiopians don’t have access to electricity. In the 21st century we are still using lantern as source of light. Ethiopian mothers carry firewood on their back bent at the knees to educate their children.
We want to grow. What we are saying is that let us relive our mothers from pain, give them electric light. Asking for electricity is basic human right not a threat to harm others. In contrast, our Egyptian brothers, over 98% of them of course, get electric light.”
According to Dr. Yoseph, Egyptians declared that Nile is the only resource which is given to them with a zero percent contribution to the river. They have narrated so many issues so as to divert public attention. Taking the issue to the other part of the world is unacceptable and it is the reflection of obsolete water hegemony attitude. The Egyptian didn’t want to accept the notion of ‘African solutions to African problems’ because of old aged colonial mentality, he noted.
Despite the tripartite talk held among the three countries, Egyptian futile attempts are still delaying the dialogue. Egypt called on the outsiders to intervene in the dispute over the GERD.
“We have to get back to the African sense of solving disagreement, no need of taking the issue outside Africa. So long as it is our own issue and problem, we have to devise a locally crafted solution to it. Frankly speaking, no one can come and act on behalf of us to end the problem. The idea of taking the issue to Arab world or to UNSC is unreasonable and illegitimate, too. African solutions to African problems are a viable solution towards building a united, prosperous and peaceful Africa”.
“The Egyptians want to control even future developments of the river at the expense of their Ethiopian brothers and sisters. This is an illusion hereafter and legally and morally unacceptable too. Surprisingly, the river is found in Africa, the negotiators are also from Africa and seeking solution outside the continent is nonstandard and belittled, indeed.
Holding frank discussions regarding the project and ensuring equitable and sustainable usage of the Nile waters is quite indispensable, he opined. Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Gedu Andargachew said that his country will go ahead and start filling the dam next month, even without an agreement.
“For us it is not mandatory to reach an agreement prior to starting filling the dam, hence we will commence the filling process in the coming rainy season. We won’t ask for permission to carry out development projects on our own water resources. The Egyptians want us to offer a lot, but they are not even ready to offer us a penny,” he said.
The Ethiopian herald June 27,2020
BY HAILE DEMEKE
