Ethiopia said on Sunday (September 10) that it has filled the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile. The dam has been topic of dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.

The announcement from Ethiopia has come just a fortnight after the countries restarted negotiations after a long break. The negotiations are on an agreement over the Nile water that takes into account water needs of all three countries.

Sudan and Egypt fear that the huge USD 4.2 billion dam will drastically reduce their share of water. Both countries have repeatedly asked Ethiopia to stop filling the dam until the three countries reach agreement.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce the successful completion of the fourth and final filling of the Renaissance Dam," Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;

"There was a lot of challenge. We were many times dragged to go backwards. We had an internal challenge and external pressure. We've reached (this stage) by coping together with God," Abiy said. &nbsp;

"I believe that we will finish what we have planned next," he said. &nbsp;

The communication service of the government said on X that the dam, which is the largest dam in Africa, was "a gift to generations”.

"Today's heroic generation will build tomorrow's strong Ethiopia on a solid foundation," it continued. &nbsp;

The huge hydroelectric dam is 1.8 kilometres long and 145 metres high. At full capacity, the dam could generate more than 5000 megawatts.

This would result in doubling of Ethiopia's electricity production. Currently, only half of Ethiopia's population has access to electricity.

There was no immediate reaction from Egypt and Sudan on Ethiopia's announcement.

Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011. The dam has been at the centre of regional dispute.

Negotiations between the three countries were in a stalemate for nearly two and a half years. The talks resumed in Cairo on August 27. The talks aim to reach an agreement "takes into account the interests and concerns of the three countries", Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said at the time.&nbsp;

He called for "an end to unilateral measures".&nbsp;

Egypt is already facing water scarcity. The country views Ethiopia's dam as an existential threat since Egypt relies on Nile for 97 per cent of its water needs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ethiopia said on Sunday (September 10) that it has filled the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile. The dam has been topic of dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia said on Sunday (September 10) that it has filled the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile. The dam has been topic of dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan. The announcement from Ethiopia has come just a fortnight after the countries restarted negotiations after a long break. The negotiations are on an agreement over the Nile water that takes into account water needs of all three countries. Sudan and Egypt fear that the huge USD 4.2 billion dam will drastically reduce their share of water. Both countries have repeatedly asked Ethiopia to stop filling the dam until the three countries reach agreement. "It is with great pleasure that I announce the successful completion of the fourth and final filling of the Renaissance Dam," Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on X, formerly Twitter. "There was a lot of challenge. We were many times dragged to go backwards. We had an internal challenge and external pressure. We've reached (this stage) by coping together with God," Abiy said. "I believe that we will finish what we have planned next," he said. The communication service of the government said on X that the dam, which is the largest dam in Africa, was "a gift to generations”. "Today's heroic generation will build tomorrow's strong Ethiopia on a solid foundation," it continued. The huge hydroelectric dam is 1.8 kilometres long and 145 metres high. At full capacity, the dam could generate more than 5000 megawatts. This would result in doubling of Ethiopia's electricity production. Currently, only half of Ethiopia's population has access to electricity. There was no immediate reaction from Egypt and Sudan on Ethiopia's announcement. Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011. The dam has been at the centre of regional dispute. Negotiations between the three countries were in a stalemate for nearly two and a half years. The talks resumed in Cairo on August 27. The talks aim to reach an agreement "takes into account the interests and concerns of the three countries", Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said at the time. He called for "an end to unilateral measures". Egypt is already facing water scarcity. The country views Ethiopia's dam as an existential threat since Egypt relies on Nile for 97 per cent of its water needs. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ethiopia announces completion of filling of disputed Nile dam

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed retaliated by ordering a military operation which culminated with the overthrow of the local government

Tensions between Ethiopian govt and Tigray forces intensify

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-pm-tells-african-envoys-he-will-protect-civilians-in-tigray-345885">Ethiopian</a> government forces on Saturday began heavy shelling in Tigray in a bid to capture regional capital Mekelle as rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front(TLF)forces dug in for a fight.

Watch:

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Reports said large explosions were heard in the north of the city in the Hamidai area. The Ethiopian PM's office has asserted that its forces will not "bombard" civilian areas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-target-eritrea-as-ethiopia-leader-resists-calls-for-dialogue-345982">Also Read:&nbsp;Rockets target Eritrea as Ethiopia leader resists calls for dialogue</a>

"The safety of Ethiopians in Mekelle and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-ethiopia-fighting-destabilising-region-urges-ceasefire-345230">Tigray</a> region continues as a priority for the federal government," the government spokesman said. The Abiy government had given the TPLF forces an ultimatum until last Sunday to lay down arms or face an assault on Mekelle.

The Ethiopian army has been fighting the TLP in Tigray which borders Eritrea and Sudan since November 4.

PM Abiy has accused the rebel forces of attacking troops at a base in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopias-21st-mechanised-division-completely-destroyed-claim-tigray-forces-345067">Tigray</a> even as the TLP said it was a pre-emptive strike by the federal troops.

The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis with at least 43,000 refugees fleeing to Sudan. The International Crisis Group has said the conflict has left thousands dead "including many civilians as well as security forces".

Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun even as leaders worldwide including the Pope expressed concern over the intensifying fighting in in the region.

However, PM Abiy Ahmed has refused to negotiate with the TPLF and dismissed calls for dialogue as "interference" in Ethiopia's internal affairs.

Ethiopian government forces on Saturday began heavy shelling in Tigray in a bid to capture regional capital Mekelle as rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front(TLF)forces dug in for a fight.

Ethiopian government forces on Saturday began heavy shelling in Tigray in a bid to capture regional capital Mekelle as rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front(TLF)forces dug in for a fight. Watch: Reports said large explosions were heard in the north of the city in the Hamidai area. The Ethiopian PM's office has asserted that its forces will not "bombard" civilian areas. Also Read: Rockets target Eritrea as Ethiopia leader resists calls for dialogue "The safety of Ethiopians in Mekelle and Tigray region continues as a priority for the federal government," the government spokesman said. The Abiy government had given the TPLF forces an ultimatum until last Sunday to lay down arms or face an assault on Mekelle. The Ethiopian army has been fighting the TLP in Tigray which borders Eritrea and Sudan since November 4. PM Abiy has accused the rebel forces of attacking troops at a base in Tigray even as the TLP said it was a pre-emptive strike by the federal troops. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis with at least 43,000 refugees fleeing to Sudan. The International Crisis Group has said the conflict has left thousands dead "including many civilians as well as security forces". Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun even as leaders worldwide including the Pope expressed concern over the intensifying fighting in in the region. However, PM Abiy Ahmed has refused to negotiate with the TPLF and dismissed calls for dialogue as "interference" in Ethiopia's internal affairs.

Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) 72 hours to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle

Ethiopia orders final offensive in Tigray region after ultimatum expires

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Ethiopia announces completion of filling of disputed Nile dam

Tensions between Ethiopian govt and Tigray forces intensify

Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling

Ethiopia orders final offensive in Tigray region after ultimatum expires