We concerned citizen of Ethiopia came to know; the Egyptian government to successfully lobby in blocking any possible financial backing from major multinational and international financial institute for the hydro power project Ethiopia intends to develop on the Nile river without even considering the merits of the project. This became a very concerning issue not only to Ethiopian’s but also for African’s, since the continent is in a dire need of investment in its power infrastructure. Moreover it become more painful to Ethiopians, because this action indirectly question the sovereignty of the Nation.

Africa is considered as the dark continent, millions have no access to basic electricity. This has put a lot of pressure on the continent flora and fauna, as deforestation become the only source of energy. Hence Environmental degradation is becoming a huge treat not only to the continent but also to the entire world. Due to this and other reason the continent need to invest heavily in developing its renewable energy. Under the umbrella of this and the nation 5 years development and transformation plan Ethiopian government plans to develop the unexploited hydro power potential of River Blue Nile (Abay river). Unfortunately this effort failed to get momentum in getting the support of international and multinational financial institute, due to the constant lobbying effort of the Egyptian government out of irrational and unscientific reason. Different Ethiopian media outlets are reporting these news and Ethiopian prime Minister in his past 2 weeks remark had addressed the concerns.

We Africans and Ethiopians leaving all over the world had received the news and we are concerned about how these institution are handling the issue. An agreement has already been reached by the majority of the Nile basin countries on how to use the Nile water resource. Therefore we strongly believe any disagreement and concern has to be addressed under this framework. Siding with non-scientific and irrational reason because of the lobbying effort of one nation over the benefit of the entire continent is unjustified and unfair.

Therefore we request these institutions to reconsider their action and to respect the sovereignty of the nation and consider the project based on its merit and their institution working framework.

Denying access to Millions to basic electricity with irrational or non-scientific concern cannot be justified.

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