US special envoy for Horn of Africa arrives in Cairo

CAIRO -25 July 2022:  US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer arrived in Cairo Monday.

"The US government provides nearly $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa, helping alleviate hunger in areas hardest hit by the global food crises," the US Embassy in Cairo tweeted.

Hammer is paying a tour to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia from July 24 to August 1.

"He will provide US support toward forging a diplomatic resolution to issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that would achieve the interests of all parties and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region," the Department of State said in a statement.

Welcome to Egypt US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa @MikeHammerUSA!

The US gov't provides nearly $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa, helping alleviate hunger in areas hardest hit by the global food crises.

Read more: https://t.co/8vIE43IdgV pic.twitter.com/WtiBCpoyJy

— U.S. Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) July 24, 2022

In Addis Ababa, Hammer will also consult with the African Union, under whose auspices GERD talks occur," it added.

"In addition, while in Ethiopia, Special Envoy Hammer will have an opportunity to review progress on delivery of humanitarian assistance, and accountability for human rights violations and abuses as well as efforts to advance peace talks between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan authorities," the department said.

"The United States remains committed to advancing diplomatic efforts in support of an inclusive political process towards lasting peace, security, and prosperity for all people in Ethiopia," it concluded.

During a bilateral meeting, US President Joe Biden told President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on July 16 in Jeddah that the U.S. supports Egypt’s water security.

“The two leaders reiterated the imperative of concluding an agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD without further delay as stipulated in the Statement of the President of the United Nations Security Council dated September 15, 2021, and in accordance with international law,” the White House said in a statement.

Also, all leaders of the regional Jeddah Summit, which include the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the US affirmed their support for Egypt’s water security as it was announced in the summit declaration on July 16.

“Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the leaders reiterated their support for Egypt's water security and to forging a diplomatic resolution that would achieve the interests of all parties and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region.  The leaders reiterated the imperative of concluding an agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD within a reasonable timeframe as stipulated in the Statement of the President of the United Nations Security Council dated September 15, 2021, and consistent with international law,” the declaration read.

In his speech after being awarded an Honorary degree from Belgrade University, President Sisi said that Egypt believes in the unity of the Nile Basin countries. “We sought to reach a common vision with Sudan and Ethiopia regarding the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and reach a legal, binding and comprehensive agreement over filling and operating the dam,” said President Sisi on Thursday.