Given the current sociopolitical climate, when an issue that all can rally and unite around is of great societal value, the obvious significance of the GERD to society, and the international attention it has received in recent weeks, we would do well to reflect on our own position.
The filling and operation of the dam has raised a number of issues, concerns and questions. But, often, the emotional nature of the debate has made rational discussion impossible.
Since its inception under Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the Ethiopian government has, for instance, claimed that it has ‘the right’ to construct, fill and operate the dam. But is this legitimate?
On the other hand, citing concerns for Egypt’s very survival, as the Nile has been the country’s historic source of water, the Egyptian government has been opposed to the project. Is that a legitimate position?
And what of the role of other countries, particularly the United States? Is the sentiment that ‘they are interfering, when they have no business to’, not, perhaps, based on emotions rather than reason?
The idea that Egypt is ‘a gift of the Nile’ goes back to antiquity. It is deeply ingrained in Egyptian self-consciousness and identity. While this is understandable, it is hardly a legitimate reason for opposing the GERD.
The Egyptian government’s citing of a colonial-era treaty that negates Ethiopia’s right to the water of the Nile, if anything, further delegitimizes the Egyptian position. Colonial-era treaties have no place in this day and age, and certainly cannot be used to justify a glaring injustice.
Some might now argue that the Egyptian government has been trying to solve the dispute by diplomatic means. However, on closer examination, it becomes obvious that this simply has not been the case. In fact, an unbiased look at the behavior of successive Egyptian governments over the past nine years reveals that the real aim seems to have been to derail and sabotage the GERD project.
Arguably, the Egyptian government has never negotiated in good faith, and involving countries that would not be affected by the dam was not done with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
The strategy of attempting to sabotage the GERD project – whether by facilitating or condoning foreign interference, disinformation, or working to destabilize Ethiopia – might seem a good idea to some, but such behavior cannot be tolerated, no matter the country or the region of the world.
It is also noteworthy that many Egyptians believe military action is an option that would benefit their society. For it is not so much an indication of the readiness of Egyptian society to stop Ethiopia from operating the dam and reaping the benefits, as it must be considered a reflection of a misguided attitude towards Ethiopia’s military.
Alas, this is not surprising. After all, the role of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is hardly ever presented in an accurate, unbiased manner. Whether by internationally trusted Western media or human rights organizations, self-styled ‘activists’ in Ethiopia, or regional news outlets – the ENDF, its veterans, and its role in the society and in the region, has been portrayed misguidedly, ever since it was formed.
If more Egyptians were aware of the discipline, high troop morale, and professionalism of Ethiopia’s soldiers, there would, in all likelihood, be no threats of war.
Concerning the question of foreign interference more generally, the answer seems fairly straightforward: As has often been argued, including by Ethiopian government officials, regional issues must be solved regionally. And that applies on the African continent as much as it applies elsewhere in the world.
The dispute concerning the GERD is obviously a regional issue that the countries involved-that is, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt – must sort out among themselves. Countries that are not directly affected need not be considered. Their taking sides for political reasons is too great a risk that brings with it dangerous potential.
The idea that a country like the United States, that, obviously, has no business whatsoever interfering, should be involved, must, on closer analysis, be considered laughable. It is hardly surprising that the United States, especially the current administration, should be anything but neutral and side with Egypt, in this dispute that, in fact, does not concern it.
But, can the Ethiopian government actually claim ‘the right’ to construct, fill and operate the GERD?
This, since the project began, was how it was presented to Ethiopians: by buying bonds from the government, they would facilitate the construction of this great dam, which, once completed, would generate electricity for millions, and lift them out of poverty. There would even be some left to export; money that the government could invest in public services. All this, the pre-reform government societies who will benefit from the electricity the dam will generate.It is the duty of every government to sustainably use a country’s resources to the benefit of society.
Consider, for instance, that, if it wanted to be taken seriously, no European government would object to, say, Austria constructing a hydro-electric dam on the Danube, particularly if the Austrian government had given credible assurances that other countries would not be significantly impacted. Certainly, attempting to sabotage a project that would bring sustainably sourced energy to millions would not be considered ‘somehow acceptable’ by the West in any other context. But, for historic reasons, in the context of the Nile and Egypt, many Westerners – including the media – misguidedly believe that, somehow, Ethiopia might be in the wrong, and that Egypt is actually facing the risk of being cut off from the Nile water.
As the filling of the GERD begins, it falls to each and every one of us to take a pragmatic stand.
Peace is preferable to all. But let us remind the international community that, should it come to that, we would find the soldiers of the ENDF ready to do their patriotic duty, and ably defend and protect the rights and sovereignty of the Ethiopian society. Of that there is no doubt.
The GERD project must be brought to fruition, cost it what it will! And if there was such a thing as a ‘just war’, that would be one.
At this time of danger and uncertainty, let us pledge our loyal support to our protectors and guarantors of security.
We must all do our part to defend the right of the Ethiopian society to use its resources to its benefit, while not harming another society.
Once the dam is filled and generating electricity, there will be environmentally sustainable benefits for all concerned, for generations to come.
This will, truly, be the people’s dam!
The Ethiopian Herald July 24, 2020
BY KALYPSO SCHULMEISTER
