Egypt Affirms Stance on GERD Threats at UNGA 79

Egypt emphasized its refusal to ignore existential threats posed by Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during the UNGA 79. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Ethiopia’s unilateral actions as violations of international law, outlining Egypt’s reliance on the Nile and its ongoing quest for a binding agreement to safeguard its water rights. He warned of the grave implications of Ethiopia’s practices for regional stability and asserted Egypt’s intent to protect its interests.

During the high-level General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) on September 28, 2024, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, articulated Egypt’s unwavering stance regarding existential threats, particularly relating to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He asserted that Egypt will not overlook challenges to its vital interests. Minister Abdelatty articulated, “It is a mistake to think that Egypt will turn a blind eye or tolerate a threat to its existence,” emphasizing that Ethiopia has neglected the welfare of both Egyptian and Sudanese citizens in the context of the dam. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to vigilantly observing developments concerning the filling and operation of the GERD, underscoring the nation’s entitlement to protect its interests as stipulated by the United Nations Charter. The Foreign Minister accused Ethiopia of engaging in unilateral actions that violate international law, pointing specifically to the 2015 Declaration of Principles agreement and the 2021 Presidential Statement from the Security Council. He lamented that after 13 years of negotiations, which were ultimately unproductive as of December 2023, Ethiopia exhibited a continued pattern of procrastination and insincerity regarding the dam’s operations. Egypt, heavily dependent on the Nile for its water supply, perceives the GERD as a considerable threat, with its annual per capita water availability at a critical level of approximately 550 cubic meters, significantly below the recognized water scarcity threshold of 1,000 cubic meters. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has defined Egypt’s water rights as a “red line,” warning that any disturbance to Egypt’s water usage would have significant regional repercussions. Despite Ethiopia’s assertions that the dam serves the interests of neighboring nations by providing power, concerns remain palpable within Egypt regarding the political ramifications of Ethiopia’s control over the Nile. The Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources articulated last year that the construction of the GERD is largely aimed at exerting political influence over the river. The most recent trilateral negotiations among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia did not yield successful resolutions, which Egypt attributes to Ethiopia’s refusal to consider equitable technical solutions. Moreover, in early September, Minister Abdelatty sent a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council, denouncing Ethiopia’s actions regarding the GERD and describing such provocations as threats to regional stability. He urged a focus on fostering collaboration instead of discord among neighboring nations historically linked by relationships of brotherhood.

The ongoing dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is rooted in concerns regarding water rights, utilization, and regional power dynamics associated with the Nile River. Egypt’s dependency on the Nile is critical, as it provides a major portion of the country’s water resources. The tensions emerged as Ethiopia embarked on constructing the dam, which it claims will result in hydroelectric benefits. However, Egypt views the unilateral filling and operation of the dam without a binding agreement on water sharing as a direct threat to its access to this crucial resource. The past negotiations have highlighted significant disagreements regarding water management and rights, which are further complicated by regional geopolitical considerations and historical ties among the three nations.

In conclusion, Egypt, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, has reiterated its firm position regarding the existential threats posed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. With the assertion that Egypt will not tolerate violations of its water rights, the nation remains vigilant and committed to securing its interests against unilateral actions by Ethiopia. The call for a binding agreement reflects the urgent need for sustainable water management practices that consider the welfare of all nations dependent on the Nile.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com