Egypt’s Stance on GERD at UNGA 79: A Defiant Commitment to Water Security

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized at the UNGA 79 that Egypt will not ignore perceived threats from Ethiopia’s actions concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He condemned Ethiopia for violations of international agreements and expressed concerns about the implications for water security in Egypt and Sudan. Egypt remains committed to defending its rights amidst ongoing failures in negotiations with Ethiopia.

During the high-level General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) held on September 28, 2024, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty asserted that Egypt would not ignore what he termed an existential threat arising from Ethiopia’s actions concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Minister Abdelatty expressed that it is “a mistake to think that Egypt will turn a blind eye or tolerate a threat to its existence,” emphasizing that Ethiopia’s approach undermines the well-being of both Egyptian and Sudanese citizens. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to monitoring the situation surrounding the construction and operation of the dam and underscored that Egypt will exercise its rights under international law to protect its interests. Abdelatty criticized Ethiopia for unilaterally advancing its agenda on the dam, which he claimed violated both the 2015 Declaration of Principles and the 2021 United Nations Security Council Presidential Statement. He noted Egypt’s extensive engagement in negotiations over 13 years, which culminated in December 2023 without reaching a consensus due to Ethiopia’s intransigent policies. “Despite Egypt’s sincere efforts, Ethiopia persisted in adopting a policy of procrastination and obstinacy,” he remarked, pointing to the failure of talks aimed at safeguarding the water rights of both Egypt and Sudan. Egypt’s reliance on the Nile River for water is critical, and the GERD poses a serious threat to this vital supply, especially considering that the national per capita water availability stands at approximately 550 cubic meters per year, significantly below the global water scarcity threshold of 1,000 cubic meters. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has previously articulated the importance of Egypt’s water rights, asserting that any encroachment would have serious regional implications. Furthermore, while Ethiopia argues that the dam serves to enhance electricity production for all stakeholders, Egyptian officials such as Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sewilam have characterized Ethiopia’s motivation as a bid for political control over the Nile. Despite recent diplomatic attempts to rekindle dialogue, Egypt has declared that discussions among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia will not proceed due to Ethiopia’s refusal to adopt any equitable technical or legal frameworks. Prior to the UNGA address, Abdelatty also communicated concerns regarding Ethiopia’s actions to the President of the United Nations Security Council, aiming to highlight the potential destabilizing effects on the region.

The ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a significant source of tension among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia for over a decade. The dam, which Ethiopia argues will generate renewable energy and support development, has raised alarms in Egypt and Sudan, who rely on the Nile River for water. As Egypt faces severe water shortages and utilizes the Nile for nearly all of its freshwater supply, any changes in the river’s flow as a result of the dam’s operations are viewed as an existential threat. The diplomatic efforts that have occurred over the years have largely failed, leading to a growing concern about Ethiopia’s unilateral actions and their implications for regional stability.

In summary, Egypt stands firm in its position regarding the existential threat posed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as articulated by Minister Badr Abdelatty during the UNGA 79 session. The concerns surrounding Ethiopia’s unilateral decisions highlight the fragile nature of negotiations and the critical need for a binding agreement regarding water rights among the Nile’s basin countries. Egypt’s ongoing struggle for water security remains a pivotal issue that necessitates international attention and collaborative solutions to avert conflict and ensure regional harmony.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com