Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on September 9, claiming it represents a significant achievement for Ethiopia and a shared opportunity for the region. However, the dam has sparked tensions with downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan, due to historical agreements regarding Nile water distribution. The situation has become complicated by domestic political issues in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, with the dam serving as a unifying symbol in Ethiopia amidst internal strife. The EU has shifted its stance to support Egypt's water security, complicating the diplomatic landscape further.