Ethiopian Civil Service University holds 16th Campus Seminar
Ethiopian Civil Service University Center for Research in Ethics and Integrity held the 16th In-Campus Seminar on June 15, 2021 at Hidasse Hall. The seminar focused on Hydro Diplomacy and Geopolitical Confrontations in the Horn of Africa: GERD as a Flashpoint.
Dr. Mulugeta Worku, Director for Center for Research in Ethics and Integrity, in his opening remarks noted that Center for Research in Ethics and Integrity organized various seminars on various current issues and community service by inviting various scholars. By following the same trend, the center has organized this seminar focusing on the timely topic which is related to our national sovereignty, the EGRD. He also requested the participants to actively participate and share their knowledge.
The speaker on the seminar, Writer, senior Journalist Columnist and Author Silabat Manaye presented his research paper, which focused on Nile politics and current geopolitical affairs of state in the Horn of Africa, especially Ethiopian and Egyptian water diplomacy.
In his presentation, he noted that Egypt is working hard to pass a binding legislation in response to the suspicions that arise from the construction of other dams on the Nile. He emphasized the importance of both digital diplomacy and public diplomacy and underscored the Ethiopia's only option around the dam is to complete the dam, retain water and generate power.
Asked about whether he thinks that there would be a war between Ethiopia and Egypt, he replied that Egyptian may not engage direct war with Ethiopia, but there might be a proxy war by employing different elements and it is important to take a closer look at what is going on not only between the Egypt and Ethiopia but also across the region.
Participants of the seminar, on their part, forwarded their ideas and comments and asked some questions and Silabat gave comprehensive explanations and answers to the questions forwarded to him.