Egypt has pledged to protect the Nile waters and Somalia’s sovereignty in light of heightened tensions with Ethiopia regarding the Grand Renaissance Dam. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty criticized Ethiopia’s unilateral actions and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to diplomatic resolution while denouncing the broader inaction of the international community on conflicts in the region, particularly concerning Gaza.
In recent developments, Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the waters of the Nile amid growing tensions with Ethiopia concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). During a press conference, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty articulated the nation’s stance, emphasizing that Egypt prioritizes collaboration among Nile basin countries while ensuring no adverse impacts on downstream nations reliant on the river for economic sustenance. Minister Abdelatty condemned Ethiopia for allegedly breaching international law through its unilateral actions regarding the dam’s construction, expressing concerns about Ethiopia’s intent to undertake such a significant project without consultation with the affected states. “Egypt’s vision for resolving the water crisis was based on benefiting all parties and fair use without harm to downstream countries,” he stated, firmly asserting that any threat to Egypt’s existence would not be negotiated. Furthermore, the minister addressed the perceived threats to Somalia’s sovereignty by Ethiopia, underscoring Egypt’s support for its ally. He also raised critical questions surrounding the international community’s silence on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly regarding Israeli actions, calling for urgent reforms within the United Nations system to effectively tackle such global issues.
The tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia primarily stem from the GERD, a significant dam being constructed by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, which is a critical water source for Egypt. Demand for water has risen sharply in the region due to population growth and development needs, which has escalated disputes among the Nile basin countries. Egypt, which relies almost entirely on the Nile for its freshwater supply, views the dam as a potential threat to its water security. The geopolitical ramifications of these disputes extend beyond the Nile, impacting regional alliances and the sovereignty of neighboring nations like Somalia, particularly in the context of Ethiopian pressures in the region. Egypt’s call for reformed international oversight, especially from the United Nations, reflects broader discontent with global responses to conflicts and humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, Egypt has made clear its commitment to defend the Nile waters and Somalia’s sovereignty amid rising tensions with Ethiopia over the GERD. The calls for a collaborative approach are aimed at reaching a solution that respects the rights of all Nile basin nations. Additionally, the diplomatic tension is compounded by the broader geopolitical considerations involving regional conflicts and the role of international governance.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
