By RFPosted on 01-11-2019Modified on 01-11-2019 at 02:26
The latest rounds of talks over the Renaissance Dam failed and rhetoric ignited between Addis Ababa and Cairo, which was pushing for an outside actor to attempt mediation. The Ethiopians finally agreed to a meeting in Washington.
Ethiopia insists. It will not be a negotiation but a " simple discussion ". Addis Ababa seems in any case to have relaxed its position after several months of intransigence . Until recently, the Ethiopians categorically refused any intermediary in the talks ...
While the speeches ignited, with a possible war evoked on both sides, Egypt multiplied foot calls towards Washington. Ten days ago, the US Treasury sent a letter to both countries inviting them to the United States on November 6.
Then last week's meeting in Russia between Egyptian leaders Abdel Fatah al-Sissi and Ethiopian Abiy Ahmed helped to unblock the situation a little more. Moscow, in turn, proposed to play intermediaries as well. But finally, Addis Ababa and Cairo will turn first to Washington.
On Wednesday, Egypt had already confirmed that it had accepted the US proposal. A meeting " to end the deadlock in the negotiations, " said the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
But the situation is far from settled. Addis Ababa says he sent messages to various countries to explain his position. While on Tuesday, the Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament has asked Nigeria to mediate as well. A little as if each side counted its allies before a new showdown.
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