DPM and FM Demeke Urges Equitable and Reasonable Use of the Nile

During the “2nd Afri-Run High-Level Forum on Equitable and Reasonable Utilisation of Transboundary Watercourses in Africa” held today at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen urged riparian states for an equitable and reasonable use of the Nile River. The Forum was conducted under the theme “African Resources for African Prosperity in the New Age”. The second leg of the forum will be conducted tomorrow (23 June).

In his keynote address DPM and FM Demeke noted, lack of political will and hegemonic tendencies over shared resources immensely contribute to little or no cooperation. He added, these challenges will continue to stand against our shared aspirations of ensuring sustainable development.

He said, it is high time that we redouble efforts to deal with the challenges building on the great strides we have made in the past to ensure equitable and reasonable use of transboundary resources. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is an exemplary initiative that champions equitable and reasonable use, he added.