Egypt rejects proposed visit to GERD during Nile Basin event in Addis Ababa - Foreign Affairs
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, vehemently opposed the inclusion of a visit to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Friday as part of the annual Nile Basin celebrations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking at a Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) ministerial meeting held before the annual celebration, Sewilam stated that the GERD — a source of dispute between Cairo and Khartoum on one side and Addis Ababa on the other — was constructed, filled, and operated unilaterally.
Minister Sewilam stressed that the Ethiopian dam constitutes a breach of international law and the 2015 Declaration of Principles Agreement, according to a statement by the irrigation ministry.
He warned that Ethiopia's attempt – as a host of the country – to include a GERD visit during the regional gathering risks 'dragging the entire Nile Basin into the dispute, potentially affecting the unity of member states and threatening regional cooperation.'
Egypt, he added, has consistently handled the GERD issue with restraint, insisting on keeping the dispute as a trilateral issue between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia 'without allowing it to be expanded to include the entire Nile Basin.'
According to the statement, Sewilam also requested Addis Ababa cancel the visit.
'The host country has two clear choices: either uphold the spirit of unity and shield the basin from unnecessary tensions, or proceed with the visit—at the risk of undermining the very purpose of this gathering,' Sewilam said.
He reiterated Egypt's commitment to the NBI's foundational principles, emphasizing the importance of consensus and dialogue for regional stability.
Between 2020 and 2024, Ethiopia unilaterally completed the five-phase filling of the dam, bringing two turbines into operation, despite the absence of an agreement with downstream nations, Egypt and Sudan, on filling and operational procedures.
Egypt, which relies mainly on the Nile for its water needs, fears that the GERD will harm its already scarce water supply, while Sudan is concerned about the impacts on the safety of its dams.
A decade of negotiations between the downstream nations and Ethiopia has failed to produce an agreement that ensures their water security and dam safety while addressing Ethiopia's interests. In December 2023, Cairo announced the end of the GERD negotiation track due to Ethiopia's persistent rejection of any proposed technical or legal solutions.
He stressed that the Nile River is not merely a watercourse but the lifeline of the basin countries — an essential artery that sustains their economies, ensures food security, and safeguards the well-being of their populations.
'The sustainable management of this shared resource is not just a necessity but a fundamental responsibility to ensure the long-term stability, prosperity, and security of the entire region,' he asserted.
Return to NBI
Meanwhile, Minister Sewilam spotlighted the country's longstanding support for regional cooperation, citing its role in founding the NBI in 1999.
The Nile Basin event is an annual commemoration of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), established on 22 February 1999.
The NBI has ten permanent members — Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Eritrea has observer status.
Sewilam stated Egypt provided significant financial, technical, and political contributions in the initiative's first decade to foster dialogue among Nile Basin countries.
Sewilam stated that Egypt suspended its participation in the NBI's technical activities in 2010 after a change to the decision-making process. He explained that the "core principle of consensus" was disregarded, and a draft Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), lacking unanimous support, was opened for signature.
He said this "deepened divisions" and "heightened tensions" among Nile Basin states.
The minister welcomed the NBI's recent decision to launch a consultative process involving seven Nile Basin countries – Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – to seek a consensus-based path forward.
He called this a "positive and constructive move" and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting the process.
He hopes it will lead to an agreement so Egypt can resume technical participation in the NBI once a "unified vision" is achieved.
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Mada
3 days ago
- Mada
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Egypt Independent
27-05-2025
- Egypt Independent
Egypt warns of regional escalations over Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
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Daily News Egypt
25-05-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt urges regional water cooperation at 5th Baghdad International Water Conference
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