Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, asserted at the UNGA 79 that Egypt will not ignore the threats posed by Ethiopia’s actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing the existential risks to Egyptian and Sudanese lives. The Egyptian government insists on the necessity of a binding agreement concerning the dam’s operation, citing violations of international law by Ethiopia and the necessity of protecting their crucial water rights amid severe shortages.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty, delivered a forceful address at the high-level General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) on September 28, 2024, reaffirming Egypt’s stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the existential threat it poses to Egyptian and Sudanese populations. Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt shall not overlook actions that threaten its existence, making it clear that Ethiopia displays a blatant disregard for the welfare of millions downstream in Egypt and Sudan. During his speech, Abdelatty condemned Ethiopia’s unilateral activities with the dam, stating that these actions violate international law, specifically the 2015 Declaration of Principles and a 2021 Presidential Statement from the UN Security Council. He pointed out that despite thirteen years of negotiations, Egypt’s sincere attempts to reach an agreement have been met with Ethiopia’s procrastination and refusal to engage constructively. The necessity for a binding agreement has been underscored as Egypt heavily relies on the Nile for its water needs, currently facing severe shortages that diminish their per capita water supply. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has articulated that Egypt’s water rights are a non-negotiable issue, reinforcing that any threat to this essential resource will have profound regional implications. Further, despite Ethiopia’s claims that the dam would benefit downstream nations, Egyptian officials assert that it is being used as a tool for political dominance over the Nile River. The failure of the most recent trilateral talks serves to highlight the ongoing tensions, with Egypt expressing deep concern about Ethiopia’s provocations and their potential to undermine regional stability.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), constructed on the Blue Nile, has been a source of conflict between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia since its inception. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for nearly all its freshwater, views the dam as a direct threat to its water supply, particularly given the country’s low per capita water availability. Negotiations among the three nations have stagnated, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s unilateral actions regarding the dam’s operation and filling practices, which Egypt contends violate established international agreements. The geopolitical implications are significant, as water scarcity poses severe risks to regional stability and growth for countries dependent on the Nile.
In conclusion, Egypt remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding its water rights in the face of what it perceives as Ethiopian aggression regarding the GERD. The ongoing impasse highlights the urgency for a comprehensive and binding agreement that respects the needs and rights of all nations involved. As tensions mount over water scarcity issues, it is imperative for international bodies, including the UN, to facilitate a dialogue that could lead to a peaceful resolution to this critical dispute.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
