The recent Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh, initially seen as a potential platform for improving relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, has instead highlighted the increasing strains in their bilateral ties. During the summit, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with regional leaders from Somalia and Djibouti but notably did not engage in a meeting with Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki. This absence of direct dialogue between the two leaders is a clear indication of the deteriorating relationship.
On his part, President Isaias engaged in discussions with leaders from Sudan and South Sudan, showcasing his focus on other regional relationships. This move can be interpreted as a strategic pivot by Eritrea, possibly in response to the tensions with Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy’s public statements and political rhetoric concerning Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access have become a focal point in the dynamics of the region. His emphasis seems to be directed more pointedly towards Eritrea, suggesting a nuanced diplomatic strategy that prioritizes engagement with Somalia and Djibouti over Eritrea in terms of securing maritime access.
The absence of a meeting between President Afwerki and Prime Minister Ahmed at the Saudi-Africa Summit is a significant development. It not only underscores the current tensions but also raises questions about the future direction of their bilateral relationship. The situation suggests a complex interplay of regional politics, where Ethiopia and Eritrea, despite their shared history and the 2018 peace agreement, are now navigating a period of uncertainty and diplomatic realignment.
This shift in Ethiopia’s focus towards Somalia and Djibouti, and Eritrea’s engagement with Sudan and South Sudan, also reflects broader geopolitical realignments in the Horn of Africa. These movements will likely have far-reaching implications for regional stability, cooperation, and economic development. The international community and regional stakeholders will be closely monitoring these developments, as they have the potential to reshape the political landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Now that country has to turn its attention to other rivers and start harnessing them as soon as the job on GERD is finished. The sources of Rivers such as Atbarah, Tekeze, Wabi Shabale, Dawa, Ganaale and other large rivers along with their tributaries should be utilized 100% inside that country before continuing their ‘Thankless’ and ‘Wasteful’ journeys beyond the borders. Not a single cup of water should leave the nation’s international borders before it is used 100% inside.
Have you seen the latest projection of population growth of that nation? In just 7 years from now it may surpass the 140 million mark with some even predicting 150 million and 27 years from now it will reach 250 million. Its people will be in dire need of water. The other grim prediction is rains will be lethally erratic. So, what should they do? Buy bottled water from Evian and others by billions of gallons for their potable and farming needs? That is impossible, impractical. No, they have to use what Allah has given them already. They have to dam those rivers along with all their feeder tributaries and the water problem citizens are facing will be solved once and for all!! I was tracing the paths of these rivers all the way back to their sources the other day and I could not believe what I was seeing.
Take the example of the River Atbarah. It originates well inside Amhara Region and I know very well that Wabi Shabale River originates in the front yard of my Itu clan. Both these areas suffer from chronic scarcity of potable and farm water. Meanwhile, billions of gallons of water just pass by to a ‘Thankless’ destination outside the country. You starve yourself to feed others who you see them flipping the bird at you as an appreciation to your legendary generosity? That is not the right and fair thing to do to yourself. I don’t or the rest of the world wants to hear you crying and moaning about the lack of water. I call upon our qualified hydrologists both inside and outside the country to carry out extensive study on all rivers that are now ‘Wastefully’ and ‘Thanklessly’ leaving that country. I don’t mind ‘Me First’ when it comes to these rivers. Let’s go!!!!