Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed support for Ethiopia’s right to utilize the Nile River for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project. Speaking at a development project inauguration in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stated that every country has the sovereign right to benefit from its natural resources, specifically endorsing Ethiopia’s use of Nile waters through the GERD.
The Somali leader’s remarks, delivered on September 9, 2025, emphasized the importance of water for life, survival, and economic growth in various countries. By backing Ethiopia’s stance, Somalia positions itself as a supporter of development-focused utilization of transboundary resources. President Mohamud urged that disputes over the Nile be addressed through mutual respect and balanced dialogue, rather than confrontation and obstruction.
The GERD, located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, has been a contentious issue in regional politics since construction began in 2011. Ethiopia views the $4.8 billion project as essential for generating electricity and spurring industrial growth for its 120 million people. In contrast, Egypt sees the dam as a threat to its water security, relying on the Nile for over 90% of its freshwater needs. Sudan has expressed mixed views, citing concerns about water flow and dam safety, while also considering potential benefits of cheap electricity.
President Mohamud’s public endorsement of Ethiopia’s right to complete the GERD marks a significant diplomatic signal in the Horn of Africa. The comments are likely to be well-received in Addis Ababa, but may deepen tensions with Cairo, which continues to oppose the project. Somalia’s stance reflects its desire to align with Ethiopia, an influential regional power, and its broader vision of supporting resource-driven development in the region.
The GERD project has been a point of contention among Nile Basin countries, with ongoing negotiations and disputes over water allocation and dam management. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching the developments and their potential impact on regional stability and cooperation. With Somalia’s latest statement, the dynamics of the Nile River dispute have shifted, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and cooperation among the affected countries to find a mutually beneficial solution.