Trump Meets With Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan FMs About Dam Feud
WHITE HOUSE - The foreign ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan met Wednesday in Washington with President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to discuss the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Ethiopia's Blue Nile.
The massive hydropower dam project has been the focus of an escalating feud between Addis Ababa and Cairo over water resources.
The unannounced meeting was not on Trump's public schedule.
“The meeting went well and discussions will continue during the day!” the president tweeted on Wednesday.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Just had a meeting with top representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to help solve their long running dispute on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, one of the largest in the world, currently being built. The meeting went well and discussions will continue during the day!
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11:10 AM - Nov 6, 2019
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After the White House meeting, the ministers continued discussions with Mnuchin and the President of the World Bank Group David Malpass.
In a joint statement issued by the U.S. Treasury after the meeting, the ministers—Sameh Hassan Shoukry of Egypt, Gedu Andargachew of Ethiopia and Asma Mohamed Abdalla of Sudan—noted the significance of the Nile to the development of the people of their countries, and "reaffirmed their joint commitment to reach a comprehensive, cooperative, adaptive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial agreement on the filling and operation" of the GERD.
The foreign ministers noted their agreement to hold four technical governmental meetings at the level of water ministers. The ministers agreed that the World Bank and the United States would support and attend the meetings as observers.
The meeting, spearheaded by Mnuchin, came about after Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi requested that Trump mediate the conflict over the dam.
Egypt has long-sought external mediation on the GERD, while Ethiopia wants to keep the negotiations on a tripartite level.
US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin speaks in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Octopber 11,…
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin speaks in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, Oct. 11, 2019.
Countries at odds
All three countries are vitally important to U.S. interests, and the Trump administration’s efforts to facilitate the negotiations over the dam are not at all surprising, said Bronwyn Bruton, director of programs and studies at the Africa Center of the Atlantic Council.
"Any armed or proxy conflict between these nations over the GERD would have a profoundly destabilizing effect on a region that is already facing ethnic unrest, political transition, and a rising threat from jihadi extremist groups," Bruton said.
The ministers committed Wednesday to work toward completion of an agreement by Jan. 15, 2020.
"This is a positive step forward," said Aaron Salzberg, director of the Water Institute at the University of North Carolina. Salzberg is the State Department's former special coordinator for water in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the State Department, which deals with international transboundary water issues.
"The Administration deserves credit for getting the countries back to the table and getting these conversations back on track," Salzberg said.
In an Oct. 5 statement, the Ethiopian government condemned Egypt's proposal for Nile water allocation, calling Egypt's conditions for filling the massive reservoir of the GERD "unjustified" and disruptive to "the positive spirit of cooperation."
Map of Grand Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia
Grand Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia
Egypt and Ethiopia have disagreed for years about how to divert water from the Nile. Addis Ababa is proposing the reservoir behind the dam be filled over four to seven years. But Egypt wants to require Ethiopia to receive approval at various points of the filling process, a step Cairo said is necessary to avoid droughts.
"It's possible that nothing changes,” said Salzberg. “It is also possible that those governments start to realize that this is a region that matters to the rest of the international community, and their approach to solving this problem could affect how partners work with them in the future.”
Sudan has a 1959 Nile Waters Agreement with Egypt, reached shortly before Egypt began constructing its own Aswan High Dam, but Ethiopia was not part of that agreement.
Salem Solomon contributed to this report.
US President Trump meets with FMs of Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan About Dam Feud
Last edited by pastlast on 26 Nov 2019, 02:42, edited 1 time in total.
Re: US President Trump meets with FMs of Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan
Eritreans wait in vain for change after peace with Ethiopia
AFP AFP•November 21, 2019
Joy: Eritrean women hold aloft the national flag in July 2018 to welcome passengers arriving from Ethiopia, a key step in the two rivals' path to peace (AFP Photo/MICHAEL TEWELDE)
1 / 3
Joy: Eritrean women hold aloft the national flag in July 2018 to welcome passengers arriving from Ethiopia, a key step in the two rivals' path to peace
Joy: Eritrean women hold aloft the national flag in July 2018 to welcome passengers arriving from Ethiopia, a key step in the two rivals' path to peace (AFP Photo/MICHAEL TEWELDE)
Asmara (Eritrea) (AFP) - Eritrean taxi driver Mihreteab recalls brimming with hope in July 2018 when his country reached a peace agreement with neighbour and longtime foe Ethiopia.
But a year and a half later, that hope has given way to disenchantment.
"I don't see any changes so far. People are still in jail and life is the same," he said while waiting for passengers on a main avenue in Asmara.
Like other ordinary Eritreans who spoke to an AFP journalist during a rare visit to the famously closed-off country, Mihreteab asked that his full name not be published.
On the streets of the Eritrean capital, he was far from alone in feeling disillusioned.
"I like my country and I think you are also enjoying your stay. However, life is still the same for me," said Tekie, a small trader who sells home appliances at a market in the city centre.
Eritrea and Ethiopia fought a deadly border war beginning in 1998 that claimed nearly 80,000 lives before a stalemate took hold in 2000 and lasted nearly two decades.
Last year's surprise peace deal remains the signature achievement of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and is the main reason he received this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
During the whip-fast rapprochement that followed, embassies reopened, flights resumed and meetings were held across the region.
But progress has since stalled and the land border between the two nations is once again closed.
Inside Eritrea, speculation that peace would spur reforms and ease years of repression has so far proved misguided.
The regime of Isaias Afwerki, the only president Eritrea has ever known, has given no sign of any kind of political opening, and the situation may in fact be getting worse.
In June, officials ordered the closure of Catholic-run health centres after church leaders published a letter expressing concern over the lack of reforms.
There are also reports of a new wave of attempts to nationalise private schools.
Nevertheless, ordinary Eritreans appear to appreciate Abiy's peacemaking efforts, and the Ethiopian leader seems genuinely popular on the streets of Asmara.
"He's a good man and really deserved the Nobel," said Nigisti, a handicrafts vendor.
-'One day life will change'-
Even if the hoped-for benefits of peace haven't materialised, some Eritreans remain optimistic.
Nazret, who sells cereal in Asmara, is among them.
"The peace deal gives me hope that one day life will change. Peace is important for us," she said.
Buying vegetables nearby, Netsunet said she also chose to focus on the positive.
Born in Ethiopia in 1982 to parents of Eritrean origin, she was forced out during the war and has spent half her life in a country she does not consider her own.
She prefers not to dwell on the moment she was "separated by force" from Ethiopia, and said she is grateful that now she has an opportunity to return.
"At least today, we can fly to see each other," she said. "I plan to visit my old neighbours in Ethiopia in December."
Eritrean officials argue that it's wrong to suggest nothing has changed in Eritrea.
Instead, they say the pace of reform has been deliberately slow to preserve their country's sovereignty.
Last week, Asmara hosted a summit for the Addis Ababa-based United Nations Economic Commission for Africa that drew delegates from across the region.
According to Mohammed Gumhed, a researcher at the Eritrean foreign ministry, this kind of event "could not have happened before the peace deal".
-A 'new chapter'?-
During his opening remarks at the conference, Eritrean Foreign Affairs Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed declared that a wave of hope and unity was washing over the Horn of Africa after decades of conflict.
He emphasised Eritrea's progress in expanding access to health services, water, education and transportation.
Addressing criticism of Isaias' iron-fisted rule during a briefing with conference delegates, Ghetachew Merhatsion, who works in the president's office, said Isaias was merely respecting the will of the people.
"We see multi-party systems in many African countries and that is good for democracy. However for now Eritreans have decided to have only one party and we are making progress," he said.
Alem Kibreab, director-general at Eritrea's Ministry of Energy and Mines, held out hope that the peace deal could change how the world sees Eritrea and how international investors engage with the country.
"Who would invest when there is no peace? Now a new chapter is beginning," he said.
Asked about progress on reopening the two countries' land border, Ambassador Tesfamicael Gerahtu, an official at the Eritrean foreign ministry, predicted that the main crossings would soon be reopened, though he said this would have to wait until "implementation of the agreement is finalised".
"The dialogues are at an advanced stage and we hope it will soon be declared," he said.
https://news.yahoo.com/eritreans-wait-v ... 38586.html
Elias3 days ago
The fate of the nations & the whole world is on the hand of God. The future of Eritrea is also bright; & the peace deal with Ethiopia has marked anew era. God will eliminate leaders that stand on the way of the Eritreans; 'Eritrea is not an Arabic state'. It is tied in blood with Ethiopia. Hence, the unification in Ethiopia will positively impact Eritrea. The peace, democratization & developmental undertakings of Ethiopia will touch Eritrea until the two unite in one or another way. Let the leaders of Eritrea repent to escape the judgement of God for the sake of the poor, including the touched Christians for whom the lord has died. 'All power in heaven & on earth belongs to God almighty who gave it to him only begotten Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth' 'All knees will bow before the lord; & all mouth will witness that Jesus is Lord for the glory of God almighty'. God is in action & prophesies are being fulfilled both for Ethiopia & Eritrea. The two are seen as one big nation in his sight'. You shall not write from your emotions; you need to know the purpose of God for his creations. Thank you!
Less
AFP AFP•November 21, 2019
Joy: Eritrean women hold aloft the national flag in July 2018 to welcome passengers arriving from Ethiopia, a key step in the two rivals' path to peace (AFP Photo/MICHAEL TEWELDE)
1 / 3
Joy: Eritrean women hold aloft the national flag in July 2018 to welcome passengers arriving from Ethiopia, a key step in the two rivals' path to peace
Joy: Eritrean women hold aloft the national flag in July 2018 to welcome passengers arriving from Ethiopia, a key step in the two rivals' path to peace (AFP Photo/MICHAEL TEWELDE)
Asmara (Eritrea) (AFP) - Eritrean taxi driver Mihreteab recalls brimming with hope in July 2018 when his country reached a peace agreement with neighbour and longtime foe Ethiopia.
But a year and a half later, that hope has given way to disenchantment.
"I don't see any changes so far. People are still in jail and life is the same," he said while waiting for passengers on a main avenue in Asmara.
Like other ordinary Eritreans who spoke to an AFP journalist during a rare visit to the famously closed-off country, Mihreteab asked that his full name not be published.
On the streets of the Eritrean capital, he was far from alone in feeling disillusioned.
"I like my country and I think you are also enjoying your stay. However, life is still the same for me," said Tekie, a small trader who sells home appliances at a market in the city centre.
Eritrea and Ethiopia fought a deadly border war beginning in 1998 that claimed nearly 80,000 lives before a stalemate took hold in 2000 and lasted nearly two decades.
Last year's surprise peace deal remains the signature achievement of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and is the main reason he received this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
During the whip-fast rapprochement that followed, embassies reopened, flights resumed and meetings were held across the region.
But progress has since stalled and the land border between the two nations is once again closed.
Inside Eritrea, speculation that peace would spur reforms and ease years of repression has so far proved misguided.
The regime of Isaias Afwerki, the only president Eritrea has ever known, has given no sign of any kind of political opening, and the situation may in fact be getting worse.
In June, officials ordered the closure of Catholic-run health centres after church leaders published a letter expressing concern over the lack of reforms.
There are also reports of a new wave of attempts to nationalise private schools.
Nevertheless, ordinary Eritreans appear to appreciate Abiy's peacemaking efforts, and the Ethiopian leader seems genuinely popular on the streets of Asmara.
"He's a good man and really deserved the Nobel," said Nigisti, a handicrafts vendor.
-'One day life will change'-
Even if the hoped-for benefits of peace haven't materialised, some Eritreans remain optimistic.
Nazret, who sells cereal in Asmara, is among them.
"The peace deal gives me hope that one day life will change. Peace is important for us," she said.
Buying vegetables nearby, Netsunet said she also chose to focus on the positive.
Born in Ethiopia in 1982 to parents of Eritrean origin, she was forced out during the war and has spent half her life in a country she does not consider her own.
She prefers not to dwell on the moment she was "separated by force" from Ethiopia, and said she is grateful that now she has an opportunity to return.
"At least today, we can fly to see each other," she said. "I plan to visit my old neighbours in Ethiopia in December."
Eritrean officials argue that it's wrong to suggest nothing has changed in Eritrea.
Instead, they say the pace of reform has been deliberately slow to preserve their country's sovereignty.
Last week, Asmara hosted a summit for the Addis Ababa-based United Nations Economic Commission for Africa that drew delegates from across the region.
According to Mohammed Gumhed, a researcher at the Eritrean foreign ministry, this kind of event "could not have happened before the peace deal".
-A 'new chapter'?-
During his opening remarks at the conference, Eritrean Foreign Affairs Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed declared that a wave of hope and unity was washing over the Horn of Africa after decades of conflict.
He emphasised Eritrea's progress in expanding access to health services, water, education and transportation.
Addressing criticism of Isaias' iron-fisted rule during a briefing with conference delegates, Ghetachew Merhatsion, who works in the president's office, said Isaias was merely respecting the will of the people.
"We see multi-party systems in many African countries and that is good for democracy. However for now Eritreans have decided to have only one party and we are making progress," he said.
Alem Kibreab, director-general at Eritrea's Ministry of Energy and Mines, held out hope that the peace deal could change how the world sees Eritrea and how international investors engage with the country.
"Who would invest when there is no peace? Now a new chapter is beginning," he said.
Asked about progress on reopening the two countries' land border, Ambassador Tesfamicael Gerahtu, an official at the Eritrean foreign ministry, predicted that the main crossings would soon be reopened, though he said this would have to wait until "implementation of the agreement is finalised".
"The dialogues are at an advanced stage and we hope it will soon be declared," he said.
https://news.yahoo.com/eritreans-wait-v ... 38586.html
Elias3 days ago
The fate of the nations & the whole world is on the hand of God. The future of Eritrea is also bright; & the peace deal with Ethiopia has marked anew era. God will eliminate leaders that stand on the way of the Eritreans; 'Eritrea is not an Arabic state'. It is tied in blood with Ethiopia. Hence, the unification in Ethiopia will positively impact Eritrea. The peace, democratization & developmental undertakings of Ethiopia will touch Eritrea until the two unite in one or another way. Let the leaders of Eritrea repent to escape the judgement of God for the sake of the poor, including the touched Christians for whom the lord has died. 'All power in heaven & on earth belongs to God almighty who gave it to him only begotten Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth' 'All knees will bow before the lord; & all mouth will witness that Jesus is Lord for the glory of God almighty'. God is in action & prophesies are being fulfilled both for Ethiopia & Eritrea. The two are seen as one big nation in his sight'. You shall not write from your emotions; you need to know the purpose of God for his creations. Thank you!
Less
Re: US President Trump meets with FMs of Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan
https://www.voanews.com/africa/after-we ... settlement
After Weeks on the Run, Eritrean Footballers in Uganda Plead for Resettlement
By Salem Solomon
November 20, 2019 08:39 AM
Eritrean under-20 soccer players Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Mewael Tesfai Yosief, Hermon Fessehaye Yohannes, and Hanibal Girmay Tekle talk together in a house where they are staying in Uganda.
In this photo taken on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, from left, Eritrean under-20 soccer players Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Mewael Tesfai Yosief, Hermon Fessehaye Yohannes, and Hanibal Girmay Tekle talk together in a house where they are staying in Uganda.
WASHINGTON - The fate of four Eritrean football players seeking asylum in Jinja, Uganda, remains uncertain, weeks after they fled their hotel during a tournament.
The players had been set to compete with the Eritrean National Team in the Cecafa Under-20 Challenge Cup in October. For the past six weeks, they have been moving from house to house to avoid being caught by Eritrean agents in Uganda, their lawyer told VOA.
Kimberley Motley, an American attorney dealing with international law and representing the four men, said they fear being returned to Eritrea, where they could face imprisonment and torture.
“They simply want to be able to live free in a country that is not going to imprison them, and which is a great fear that they have if they’re sent back to Eritrea. And they’re very fearful that they will be sent back by the Ugandan authorities,” Motley said.
Eritrean under-20 soccer players Hermon Fessehaye Yohannes, Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Hanibal Girmay Tekle, and Mewael Tesfai Yosief talk together in a house where they are staying in Uganda.
Eritrean under-20 soccer players Hermon Fessehaye Yohannes, Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Hanibal Girmay Tekle, and Mewael Tesfai Yosief talk together in a house where they are staying in Uganda.
Ugandan officials didn’t respond to VOA’s requests for updates on the footballers’ case.
“They’ve been in hiding,” Motley said. “They’ve been moving from place to place, hoping that a country is kind enough to accept them as asylum seekers based on their very solid claim of being persecuted if they were sent back to their country.”
In a video posted by “One Day Seyoum,” a group focused on human rights for Eritreans, the footballers said there is a campaign against them, and they fear being tracked and illegally detained by Eritrean agents in Uganda.
One Day Seyoum
✔
@onedayseyoum
Hear from the 4 Eritrean footballers currently living in fear in Uganda. It has been more than 3 weeks since they defected & the UNHCR has still not relocated them to safety. Join our Twitter storm against @Refugees to pressure them to immediately #ProtectFleeingFootballers
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“We are in grave danger,” Mewael Yosief, one of the footballers, said. “We are in need of help. Because if they catch us, when we go back home, it’s going to be an unimaginably severe danger for us, because we might face imprisonment — unimaginable punishments. And it might even cause us death,” the 19-year-old said.
Eritrean under-20 soccer players Hermon Fessehaye Yohannes, Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Hanibal Girmay Tekle, and Mewael Tesfai Yosief talk together in a house where they are staying in Uganda.
Eritrean under-20 soccer players Hermon Fessehaye Yohannes, Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Hanibal Girmay Tekle, and Mewael Tesfai Yosief talk together in a house where they are staying in Uganda.
In 2015, 10 players on the Eritrean national football team sought and secured asylum during a World Cup qualifying match in Botswana. In 2009, the team made worldwide headlines when the entire roster defected and refused to fly home after a match in Kenya.
To support the remaining players who did not defect during the Uganda tournament, some members of Eritrea’s diaspora started a GoFundMe drive that has raised more than $44,000 to allow “these young men to be able to enjoy their careers at home and allow them to enjoy their return.”