Africa-Press – Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Federal Police has announced the formation of a new maritime police force tasked with ensuring security around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), as its massive artificial lake begins operations.
According to Commander Eskedar Birhan, Head of the Inspection and Standards Department at the Federal Police, the establishment of this new force has become necessary due to the scale and strategic importance of the reservoir. “It has become necessary to organize a police force capable of protecting this long and wide artificial lake and preventing crimes that may occur in the area,” Commander Eskedar is quoted as saying by state daily.
The GERD reservoir, once fully operational, will hold approximately 74 billion cubic meters of water and span an area of 1,680 square kilometers. According to the federal police, the newly established force, referred to as the maritime police or coastal police guard, will be responsible for deterring and preventing potential threats, including maritime piracy.
“These coastal police guard or maritime police is the first of its kind to be organized in our country,” Commander Eskedar stated, adding that the force is being equipped with appropriate weaponry and trained to carry out its duties efficiently.
The announcement comes after previous reports that the Federal Police had planned to procure boats for safeguarding the GERD and other lakes across the country. At the time, it was indicated that the Defense Engineering Industries Corporation would manufacture the vessels.
In March, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that GERD has completed its water filling process, reaching full capacity without affecting Egypt’s Aswan Dam.
Speaking to members of parliament, PM Abiy said, “Now GERD is 100% full, the same as the Aswan Dam.” He reassured lawmakers that Ethiopia had taken precautions to avoid disrupting water flow to downstream countries. “I told President Sisi that during the filling of the GERD, the Aswan Dam would not lose a single liter of water,” he stated.
The Prime Minister referenced earlier discussions with Egyptian officials, acknowledging their concerns about drought and water security. “They shared their concerns about drought,” he said, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation.
Highlighting the potential for shared prosperity, PM Abiy underscored the need for peaceful collaboration. “We do not believe there is any issue to fight over or to spend resources on disputes,” he said. “We urge our Egyptian brothers to work together for mutual progress.”
The statement marked a significant moment in the GERD’s timeline, as regional stakeholders continue to seek a long-term agreement on Nile water usage.
It was in August last year that PM Abiy first announced the long-awaited completion of the GERD, which was expected after the rainy season, marking a significant milestone in one of Africa’s largest infrastructure projects.
PM Abiy revealed at that time that the dam holds 60 billion cubic meters of water. “By December, the volume is expected to reach 71 billion cubic meters,” he said, adding that the dam’s total planned reservoir capacity is 74 billion cubic meters.
Construction of Ethiopia’s flagship project began on 2 April 2011. According to the Prime Minister, the majority of the remaining construction work was expected to be completed by December 2024, enabling the launch of three additional turbines. “Once these turbines are operational, the total number of functioning turbines will reach seven,” PM Abiy stated.
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