This is the text of email I just sent to Mr Herman Cohen. As I disclosed in this space, I met him sometime back (by happenstanc)where he told me he’s stopped commenting/writing on Ethiopian issues, among other issues. I found him remorseful and left it at that. His tweet yesterday on Egypt-Ethiopia dispute changes that.
Subject: Your Biased and Conflict of Interest Ridden Comment on Ethiopian GERD Dam on the Nile
Dear Mr. Cohen,
Few months ago, sometime in the fall of 2019, I ran into you by US Capitol (Senate side) and we had brief and candid conversation regarding current events unfolding in Ethiopia and your mistaken views that you espoused for so long with disastrous consequences.
As per our conversation (and it’s also a matter of public record), you work for the Hydropower Industry—trying to get investment opportunities in African countries—where private companies would build power plants in exchange for guaranteed government purchase of the energy they produce (given the tendency of private companies to bargain (and bribe) for inflated guaranteed prices–with complicated terms and conditions to boot—it’s reassuring that you didn’t succeed to get your plan to have a foothold in Ethiopia).
Which brings me to the reason I’m sending you this note tonight. Yesterday, January 29th, you sent the following tweet:
“My solution for the #Ethiopia-#Egypt Blue Nile water dispute: Encourage and facilitate rapid private investments in power generation in Ethiopia to eliminate current shortages, thereby allowing Renaissance Dam to be filled very slowly.”
Before I get to why your comment is wrong on so many levels, I wonder why you even sent that comment? I thought you have stopped commenting and writing on Ethiopian issues, at least that was what you told me then. Shall we consider this note that you have changed your mind? If so, I didn’t expect an honorable person of your stature to not tell the truth.
First, you obviously have pure and unadulterated conflict of interest, as discussed above. You’re pushing your own personal financial interest as a “solution” for Nile water dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia. How would unsuspecting reader understand your comment? You know no shame, Sir?
Second, you suggested the [GERD] dam to filled VERY slowly–knowing full well the precarious political-economic situation of Ethiopia. You shilled for Egypt and advocated to deny Ethiopia’s right to use the Nile water–which contributes 85% of the water volume while utilizing none of it–in part because of people like you and institutions like the World Bank and geopolitical interest of powerful countries.
Ethiopian new novice government made a huge mistake in agreeing to negotiate with Egypt with WB and USA as “observers”. With US $1 Billion yearly aid and multibillion dollar loan portfolio from the WB, Ethiopian negotiators will be at their weakest position to stand on their own.
The draft agreement that was leaked in the last few days essentially would make GERD Egypt’s draught management dam inside Ethiopia (built by, curtsy of millions Ethiopian poor famers and mothers).
I have skimmed through the 1944 US-Mexico Agreement on Water use of the Colorado and Rio Grande Rivers. No need to bother with details but the differences couldn’t be stark.
I’m terribly disappointed that you still continue to advance policies that damage the Ethiopian people. With your personal involvement, Ethiopia became landlocked country. Ethiopians don’t want your conflict of interest ridden continued involvement that helps Ethiopia to sign away its natural right to use its water resources.
Sincerely,
Getaneh K Yismaw
