Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud voiced support for Ethiopia’s right to use Nile waters for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during a development project inauguration in Mogadishu on September 9, 2025. He emphasized that every country has a sovereign right to benefit from its natural resources and highlighted water’s essential role in life, survival and economic growth. By backing Ethiopia’s stance, Somalia positions itself as a pro‑development advocate for the use of transboundary resources.
President Mohamud called for disputes over the Nile to be resolved through mutual respect and balanced dialogue rather than confrontation or obstruction. The GERD, situated on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia’s Benishangul‑Gumuz region, has been contentious since construction began in 2011. Ethiopia regards the $4.8 billion project as vital for generating electricity and spurring industrial growth for its 120 million people. In contrast, Egypt views the dam as a threat to its water security, relying on the Nile for more than 90 % of its freshwater needs. Sudan has expressed mixed views, citing concerns about water flow and dam safety while also noting the potential benefits of cheap electricity.
Mohamud’s public endorsement of Ethiopia’s right to complete the GERD is a significant diplomatic signal in the Horn of Africa. The comments are likely to be welcomed 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 remains a focal point of contention among Nile Basin countries, with ongoing negotiations over water allocation and dam management. As the situation evolves, the international community will watch its impact on regional stability and cooperation. Somalia’s latest statement shifts the dynamics of the Nile River dispute, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and cooperation among the affected nations to achieve a mutually beneficial solution.
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