Ethiopia’s Response to President El-Sisi’s Remarks on the Renaissance Dam and Nile Waters

The Ethiopian government issued a response on Tuesday to recent comments from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Nile waters. El-Sisi’s remarks were given during the opening session of Cairo Water…

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy emphasized that the GERD’s construction is crucial for Ethiopia’s development and sovereignty. The Ministry highlighted that Ethiopia has the right to use its water resources responsibly and sustainably, in accordance with international law. Furthermore, it stated that the dam will not cause significant harm to downstream countries, especially Egypt, as feared by El-Sisi.

The Ethiopian government reiterated its commitment to African Union-led negotiations to reach a fair and equitable agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD. It emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding among riparian countries to address concerns and ensure the sustainable use of the Nile River’s resources for the benefit of all. Ethiopia reaffirmed its readiness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any outstanding issues regarding the dam.

Ethiopia rejected El-Sisi’s allegations that the GERD poses a threat to Egyptian national security. The government affirmed that the dam is essential for Ethiopia’s economic development and energy security and has no intention of causing harm to downstream nations. It stressed its dedication to ensuring the dam’s operation aligns with the interests of all parties involved.

The Ethiopian response emphasized the need for transparent and inclusive dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding. It called on Egypt to approach the negotiations with a cooperative spirit and to refrain from unilateral actions that could jeopardize the progress towards a comprehensive agreement. Ethiopia expressed its willingness to work towards a mutually beneficial solution that upholds the principles of equitable and reasonable use of the Nile waters.

Ethiopia reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with its Nile Basin neighbors, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disagreements. The government emphasized the need for all parties to respect the principles of international law and good neighborliness in seeking a sustainable solution that benefits the entire region. It called for a renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration to address shared challenges and opportunities in managing the Nile’s waters effectively and equitably.