Ethiopia after US for answers on possible halt to aid: The Ethiopian government is seeking clarification for recent reports that the US could withhold some USD 130 mn-worth of assistance programs to the African nation in order to mediate its dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Fitsum Arega, the country’s ambassador to the US said on Twitter. An explanation was due to be issued yesterday evening, Arega claimed. Foreign Policy quoted USD officials and congressional aides last weekend as saying that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has signed off on plans to suspend US funding to Ethiopia for security, counter-terrorism, and anti-human trafficking. This came as the GERD talks reached yet another impasse last Friday, when the negotiating irrigation ministers failed to see eye-to-eye during a meeting to resolve sticking points on the filling and operating the dam.

Tags: