During the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty declared that Egypt will not ignore the existential threat posed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing that Ethiopia’s unilateral actions threaten lives in Egypt and Sudan. He noted the failure of lengthy negotiations and condemned Ethiopia’s disregard for international law regarding the dam’s operation and filling.
During the high-level General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 28, 2024, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty articulated Egypt’s firm stance regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), underscoring that Egypt “will not turn a blind eye” to threats affecting its existence. Abdelatty criticized Ethiopia for disregarding the well-being of both Egyptians and Sudanese in its unilateral actions concerning the dam, which he argued contravenes international law and the principles enshrined in a 2015 agreement as well as a 2021 Security Council statement. He highlighted Egypt’s extensive and ultimately fruitless negotiations with Ethiopia over the past thirteen years, culminating in December 2023 amidst ongoing Ethiopian unilateralism. Abdelatty warned that Ethiopia’s obstinacy continues to pose a significant threat to the livelihood of millions in Egypt and Sudan, both of which rely heavily on the Nile River for water. Reinforcing Egypt’s vulnerability, he indicated that the country currently faces critical water shortages, with an annual per capita water supply of approximately 550 cubic meters—significantly below the international threshold of 1,000 cubic meters that marks water scarcity. In earlier remarks, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi warned against any interference with Egypt’s water allocations, declaring it a “red line.” Despite Ethiopia’s assertions that the dam will provide benefits for neighboring countries, Egypt’s Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources accused Ethiopia of pursuing political hegemony over the Nile. Egypt has repeatedly called for a binding agreement with Ethiopia on the GERD to safeguard its water rights but has faced continual resistance from Ethiopia, culminating in failed negotiations last year. In a communication to the UN Security Council, Abdelatty condemned Ethiopia’s actions as provocative and destabilizing to regional peace, stressing that cooperation is essential among nations bound by shared interests and futures.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a contentious issue between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan for over a decade. Egypt relies heavily on the Nile as its primary water source, making it particularly vulnerable to changes in water flow caused by the dam’s construction and operations. The ongoing dispute centers on Egypt’s water rights, Ethiopia’s unilateral control over the dam’s filling, and the perceived threat to regional stability. Various negotiations have taken place since the dam’s inception, but progress has been stagnant, with Ethiopia often proceeding with actions deemed unilateral and legally dubious by both Egypt and Sudan.
In summary, Egypt’s Foreign Minister has firmly stated that the threats posed by Ethiopia’s management of the GERD will not be overlooked. He emphasized Egypt’s right to defend its water resources, which are crucial for its survival. The ongoing negotiations have fallen short, and Egypt perceives Ethiopia’s actions as a direct affront to international agreements and regional stability. Egypt remains committed to protecting its water rights and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to ensure the well-being of its populace in the face of perceived existential threats.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
