Ethiopia inaugurates Africa's largest hydropower dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), on the Blue Nile, despite concerns from downstream countries Sudan and Egypt. Years of negotiations have failed to produce an agreement on water flow management. Sudan and Egypt warn of "grave consequences", citing breaches of international law and threats to water security. Ethiopia maintains the dam will benefit all, providing electricity and flood control, while also claiming the 1959 Nile treaty is obsolete. Experts suggest that while impacts haven't been observed yet, future droughts could cause problems without a cooperative agreement.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.