Work

Sudan’s internal hesitance over the GERD: policy, polarization, and national strategy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Water International

DOI: 10.1080/02508060.2026.2628483

Authors: Filippo Verre, Ronny Berndtsson, Hossein Hashemi

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Transboundary Water Resource Management

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Lunds Universitet