At the UNGA 79, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt will not overlook the existential threat posed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which he claims jeopardizes the lives of Egyptians and Sudanese. He highlighted illegal Ethiopian actions that violate international agreements and stressed Egypt’s unwavering commitment to its water rights amid failed negotiations.
During the high-level General Debate at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, articulated a resolute stance regarding the ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He asserted that Egypt would not ignore what he termed an existential threat arising from Ethiopia’s actions, which he claims disregard the welfare of both Egyptian and Sudanese populations. Abdelatty emphasized the necessity for Egypt to remain vigilant in monitoring the operations and filling of the dam, citing the nation’s rights under the United Nations Charter to take measures that protect its interests and those of its citizens. He underscored that Ethiopia has engaged in unilateral actions related to the GERD that contravene international law, specifically referencing violations of the 2015 Declaration of Principles and the 2021 Presidential Statement of the Security Council. Over the past 13 years, Egypt has participated in negotiations regarding the dam, which have been described as fruitless, culminating in December 2023 amidst Ethiopia’s unilateral decisions. Abdelatty criticized Ethiopia’s approach, which he characterized as procrastination and disregard for the issues faced by downstream states—especially in light of Ethiopia moving forward with dam operations without consensus. Given its profound reliance on the Nile River for water, where per capita supply is approximately 550 cubic meters—well below the benchmark for water scarcity—Egypt views the GERD as a dire threat to its water resources. Previous statements from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have reiterated that Egypt’s water allotment constitutes a red line of national significance, warning against any encroachment upon it. Despite Ethiopia’s claims that the dam will be beneficial for neighboring countries and will enhance its own energy production capabilities, Egypt maintains that the construction of the GERD is a political maneuver for dominance over the Nile. Recent negotiations have faltered, with Egypt attributing the stalemate to Ethiopia’s refusal to consider equitable technical or legal resolutions. In a correspondence to the President of the United Nations Security Council, Abdelatty condemned Ethiopia’s recent conduct regarding the GERD as destabilizing to a region where nations should be striving towards collaboration rather than conflict.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been a focal point of contention between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan for several years, primarily due to its implications for water rights and regional stability. Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its fresh water supply, regards the dam as a potential threat to its water resources, particularly as the nation already faces severe water shortages. The ongoing negotiations have failed to yield a binding agreement that recognizes the rights of all three countries involved, leading to heightened tensions and concerns about the dam’s impact on downstream populations. The legal framework surrounding the GERD dispute involves clauses from various international treaties and agreements that Egypt claims Ethiopia is violating.
In summary, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty articulated a firm position against Ethiopia’s actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, emphasizing the existential threat it poses to Egypt and Sudan. He highlighted Ethiopia’s disregard for international agreements and the detrimental impacts on regional stability—stressing that Egypt would continue to take necessary measures to protect its water rights. With the background of a protracted dispute characterized by failed negotiations, Egypt remains concerned about its water security and the broader implications for the Nile-sharing nations.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
