President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, guest of honor at the inauguration of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), praised the project as a milestone for African self-reliance and unity, even as the dam continues to spark tensions with downstream nations Sudan and Egypt.
The dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, has been hailed by Ethiopia as a cornerstone of its development agenda.
However, Egypt and Sudan have long opposed its operation, fearing reduced water flow and risks to their economic stability.
Despite these objections, Kiir, alongside leaders from Kenya and Somalia, joined Ethiopia in celebrating the achievement, signaling strong regional support.
In his address, Kiir described the GERD as “a symbol of African resilience, self-reliance, and shared prosperity.”
He emphasized that the dam should not be seen merely as an Ethiopian victory but as “a continental asset that demonstrates Africa’s ability to harness its resources for the benefit of its people.
Analysts note that South Sudan’s participation could strain its diplomatic standing with Egypt and Sudan, two of its critical partners.
By attending the inauguration, Juba risks being viewed as a state attempting to serve as a mediator while appearing to side with Ethiopia in one of the region’s most divisive disputes.
Despite these risks, Kiir’s government has been calling for dialogue and cooperation among Nile Basin countries, urging all parties to “embrace compromise and mutual respect in managing the shared waters.”
His remarks reflect South Sudan’s ambition to present itself as a bridge-builder, even as the GERD remains a flashpoint in regional diplomacy.
