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Ethiopia Accuses Egypt of Rejecting Dialogue and Escalating Nile Tensions
Ethiopia has accused Egypt of hardening its stance over the use of Nile waters, saying Cairo is rejecting dialogue and reviving “colonial-era” claims that undermine efforts to reach a cooperative framework on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and wider basin issues.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said recent remarks by senior Egyptian officials described as both “veiled and open threats demonstrate an unwillingness to engage constructively on transboundary water management. Addis Ababa argued that Cairo’s position ignores modern international norms that emphasize equitable and reasonable utilization among riparian states.
The ministry criticized what it called a persistent reliance on historic treaties negotiated under colonial contexts, saying this outlook has shaped a broader regional posture aimed at maintaining influence over upstream countries. According to the statement, Ethiopia believes this approach has contributed to instability in the Horn of Africa and has prevented meaningful progress in negotiations.
Ethiopia reiterated that the Abbay (Blue Nile), which originates in its highlands, provides the majority of the Nile’s water volume and remains central to national development. Citing principles of international water law, officials asserted that Ethiopia has the right to use resources within its territory without seeking external permission, while still supporting cooperation based on fairness and mutual benefit.
The statement also accused Egypt of previously entering discussions on GERD while simultaneously obstructing outcomes through rigid demands. Addis Ababa said Cairo’s current public rejection of talks marks an escalation and could heighten regional tensions.
Ethiopia maintained that projects like the GERD symbolize African self-reliance and development, insisting that long-term stability depends on dialogue rather than confrontation. The ministry urged international and regional actors to encourage de-escalation and support frameworks grounded in equitable use of shared waters.
The Egyptian government has not issued an immediate response to the latest claims, though Cairo has consistently argued that upstream projects threaten its water security and require legally binding guarantees.
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