Egypt Rejects Ethiopia’s Invitation to GERD Inauguration, Citing “No Political or Legal Logic”
CAIRO – In a significant diplomatic move, Egypt has formally announced it will not be attending the inauguration ceremony for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The decision, communicated by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr al-Atti, highlights the deep-seated political and legal rift that continues to surround the controversial megaproject.
An Invitation Declined
In a comprehensive interview with the Egyptian newspaper Al-Shorouk, Foreign Minister al-Atti confirmed that the Ethiopian government had extended an invitation for Egyptian officials to tour the dam and attend its inauguration ceremony. However, al-Atti stated that this gesture from Ethiopia carried "no political or legal logic," and therefore, Egypt would not be sending any representatives.
This rejection underscores Egypt’s long-standing position that a binding legal agreement on the dam's operation must be reached before any celebrations can take place.
The Heart of the Dispute: A Historic River at Stake
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, situated on the Blue Nile, has been a source of intense regional tension for over a decade. Ethiopia views the dam as a cornerstone of its national development, essential for providing electricity to millions of its citizens and fueling its economic growth.
Conversely, Egypt, which relies on the Nile for over 90% of its freshwater, views the dam as an existential threat to its water supply. Cairo has consistently argued that the dam's filling and operation must be governed by a legally binding agreement to protect its downstream water rights. The absence of such an agreement is at the core of Egypt's steadfast refusal to normalize the project.
Minister al-Atti's statement reaffirms Egypt's unwavering stance: until a mutually agreeable and legally sound solution is found, the dam remains a point of contention rather than a cause for celebration.
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