Hamdok Stresses got to Reach Binding Agreement on GERD

Sudan’s Prime Minister Dr. Abdalla Hamdok has stressed the importance of reaching a binding agreement on the operation of mega-dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile .

He said the agreement shall allow better planning for agricultural development and production.

In an interview with the US CNN news channel, Hamdok said without reaching a binding legal agreement, Khartoum are going to be under the “mercy” of Addis Ababa in terms of water provision.

He pointed to the seriousness and sensitivity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue, noting that it affects the security and security of many Sudanese and Egyptians.

Hamdok highlighted the unsettled issues between the three countries, affirming that they will be resolved within weeks, in accordance with the law of nations .

The PM explained his country’s proposal to shift the international observers’ role to become mediators to assist reach an agreement on this matter.

On the border crisis, Hamdok said that it had been resolved since 1902 by the pact demarcating the borders on the map, saying that successive Ethiopian governments have recognized these borders.

For his part, Sudanese Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas, for his part, said Sudan adheres to negotiations because the only means to resolve issues, as long as the methodology of negotiation is modified and includes other parties to assist the three countries reach an agreement.

Sudan will brief the United Nations Security Council on the developments that happened recently, also because the outstanding issues, including those resolved, additionally to Addis Ababa’s unilateral second filling of the dam reservoir, SUNA quoted Abbas as saying.

He affirmed that his country doesn’t need longer to barter , but rather a political will to succeed in an agreement that guarantees the rights and interests of the three countries.

“The unilateral filling of the reservoir threatens electricity generation from Sudan’s Merowe Dam and Roseires Dam, also because the safety of the Roseires Dam and 20 million Sudanese living downstream of the GERD,” he stressed.