Egypt’s Firm Stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at UNGA 79
During UNGA 79, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s refusal to ignore threats from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), asserting Ethiopia’s actions endanger lives in Egypt and Sudan. He condemned Ethiopia’s unilateral actions that breach international agreements, underscoring Egypt’s dependence on the Nile and calling for a binding agreement to protect water rights amidst stalled negotiations.
During the high-level General Debate at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty asserted that Egypt would not overlook the existential threat posed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He emphasized that Ethiopia’s actions, which neglect the welfare of Egyptian and Sudanese populations, are unacceptable. Abdelatty remarked on the importance of monitoring all developments related to the dam while affirming Egypt’s entitlement under international law to protect its interests and the livelihoods of its citizens. Ethiopia’s unilateral actions, including the filling and operationalization of the dam, are viewed by Egypt as direct violations of both the 2015 Declaration of Principles agreement and the 2021 United Nations Security Council Presidential Statement. Despite years of negotiations, which have proven ineffective, Ethiopia’s persistent unilateralism has led to a deadlock in reaching a collective agreement regarding water rights. Egypt’s almost complete dependence on the Nile River for its water needs predicates its view of GERD as a severe risk to its water supply. With a per capita water level significantly below the global threshold for water scarcity, the need for a satisfactory resolution is critical. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has underscored the paramount importance of Egypt’s water rights, describing them as a “red line,” further asserting that any interference with these rights could threaten the stability of the entire region. Officials maintain that Ethiopia’s construction of the dam is aimed at establishing political leverage over the Nile. Previous trilateral negotiations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia have collapsed, largely due to Ethiopia’s refusal to accept equitable solutions to the water dispute. In a recent correspondence to the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister Abdelatty condemned Ethiopia’s actions, stating that they threaten regional stability and cooperation, which are essential for the prosperity of nations sharing historical ties. Therefore, Egypt insists on a binding agreement regarding the dam to ensure the protection of its essential water rights, signaling its unwavering resolve against any threats to its existence due to GerD.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a point of contention between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan since its construction began in 2011. The dam, designed to generate hydroelectric power, is perceived by Egypt as a significant threat to its already limited water resources, given that the Nile River is the primary source of water for the majority of the Egyptian population. The ongoing dispute has led to years of negotiation attempts, ultimately unsuccessful, with both Egypt and Sudan seeking a legally binding agreement to ensure their water rights are safeguarded.
In conclusion, Egypt’s strong stance regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam reflects its deep concern for national survival and regional stability. The insistence on monitoring developments and advocating for a binding agreement highlights the urgency of the situation. As negotiations have repeatedly stalled over Ethiopia’s unilateral actions, the necessity for international intervention and adherence to agreements becomes more pressing, especially given the potential repercussions for millions of people reliant on the Nile for their livelihoods.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
