Renaissance Dam: Negotiations and Regional Cooperation Between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia

Abstract

This study examines the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) from the angle of the interaction between political negotiations and the potential for regional cooperation, based on analytical tools including multi-track water diplomacy, SWOT analysis, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, taking into account the legal frameworks relied upon by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The study concluded that the absence of a binding and effective legal agreement led to stalled negotiations, given the differing legal references of each party. The SWOT analysis also showed that Ethiopia capitalised on its geographical location and internal strengths to impose a different negotiating reality. At the same time, Egypt and Sudan remained committed to the principle of ‘historical rights’. The study recommends establishing a permanent mechanism for coordination among the three countries, activating informal diplomatic channels, and capitalizing on opportunities to share benefits, not just water, with the option of international arbitration when necessary. This vision represents a proposed framework for moving the dispute from a state of tension to a just and sustainable development partnership.

Keywords

• Renaissance Dam
• Negotiations
• Water Diplomacy
• Egypt
• Sudan
• Ethiopia

Supporting Institution

yok

Project Number

yok

Ethical Statement

Declarations The authors affirm that this publication is not associated with any conflicts of interest. Additionally, the authors verify that the research did not receive any financial support that could have influenced its results or conclusions.

Thanks

I want to express my gratitude to all contributors for their work in bringing this paper to fruition. It is my hope that it will significantly impact the field of study.

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