Sudan’s Internal Hesitance over the GERD: Policy, Polarization, and National Strategy
Publisher: Water International
Author(s): Filippo Verre, Ronny Berndtsson, and Hossein Hashemi
Date: 2026
Topics: Dispute Resolution/Mediation, Governance, Renewable Resources
Countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan
The GERD has been a focal point of hydropolitical tensions in the Nile River Basin, primarily involving Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. This article examines Sudan’s unique position and role as a potential mediator in this tripartite dispute. Khartoum’s mediation role, driven by its own vested interests in the dam’s operation, including benefits from regulated flood control, electricity generation and water security, could be essential in reducing regional tensions. However, due to a historical shaky position on the GERD and an unstable domestic policy, Sudan has yet to fully express its potential as a diplomatic facilitator in the regional water dispute.