Politics Over Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

The conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) heightened with the completion of its third filling in August 2022. This fast-paced filling of the dam is threatening Egypt’s national security as more than 90% of its population is dependent on the Nile for domestic needs and agricultural activities. Ethiopia began planning the construction of GERD in secrecy in 2009 when it was called Project X. It was in 2011 that Ethiopia openly began construction with financial support from its diaspora and the local population who gave their one-month salary to kick-start the giant project, which came to be seen as a symbol of national rejuvenation in Ethiopia.