Mounting Tensions: Egypt’s Diplomatic Warning over the GERD
In a significant diplomatic move, Egypt has intensified its campaign against Ethiopia's actions on the Nile River, issuing a stern warning to a number of African nations. The warning, which rejects any "unilateral action that violates international law," comes as Ethiopia prepares for the final inauguration of its massive hydroelectric dam, reigniting a decade-long dispute.
A Broad Diplomatic Offensive
The message was personally delivered by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellati in separate phone conversations with his counterparts. This diplomatic push was not limited to the downstream nations most directly impacted. It included:
- Nile Basin countries: The foreign ministers of Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya.
- Non-basin African nations: The foreign ministers of Djibouti and Somalia.
This coordinated outreach underscores Egypt's determination to rally regional support and build a united front against what it perceives as a threat to its vital water resources.
The Spark for Renewed Tensions
Egypt’s warning follows a recent announcement by Ethiopia that its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has completed its fifth and final water filling phase. The monumental project, which took 14 years to construct at a cost of approximately $5 billion, is now scheduled for an official inauguration this coming September.
This development is seen by Egypt as a fulfillment of a "unilateral" approach that Cairo has consistently warned against. The Egyptian media has heavily emphasized the foreign minister's statements, portraying the issue as a matter of national security and a violation of international watercourse principles.
The Core of the Dispute
For years, Egypt has demanded that Ethiopia sign a legally binding tripartite agreement with downstream nations on the dam's filling and operation. This is meant to ensure its water supply is not significantly impacted, especially during prolonged droughts. Ethiopia, however, has maintained that the dam will not harm downstream nations and is essential for its own energy and development needs, including providing electricity to millions of its citizens.
With the GERD now fully filled and its inauguration imminent, the lack of a formal agreement remains a critical point of contention, raising the stakes in one of Africa's most complex and sensitive geopolitical issues.
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