Egypt Affirms Commitment to Nile Waters and Somali Sovereignty as Tensions Rise with Ethiopia

Egypt has vowed to protect the Nile waters and Somalia’s sovereignty amidst growing tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty criticized Ethiopia’s unilateral approach, emphasizing the need for collaboration and adherence to international law. He also addressed broader geopolitical issues related to global power responses and calls for UN reforms.

Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the waters of the Nile River, emphasizing the need to protect Somalia’s sovereignty amid deteriorating relations with Ethiopia. Badr Abdelatty, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, articulated the nation’s stance against Ethiopia’s unilateral construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which he claims violates international law and disregards the rights of downstream nations. In his statements, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s preference for collaborative solutions that benefit all Nile Basin countries, stressing that such resolutions must not harm nations reliant on the river for their economic sustenance. He remarked, “Anyone who thinks Egypt will compromise on any existential threat is mistaken,” underlining Egypt’s resolute position on the dam issue. Additionally, Cairo has expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s actions that threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Abdelatty also took the opportunity to address the inaction of global powers regarding the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms within the United Nations to tackle such pressing global issues. Finally, he pointed to Egypt’s mediating role alongside Qatar in efforts to facilitate an agreement in the ongoing conflict, which he claims has faced obstruction from Israel. As a prominent member of the Arab League, Egypt remains steadfast in its efforts to navigate regional conflicts while defending the interests of its partners. This multifaceted approach illustrates Egypt’s strategic priorities not only in protecting its water resources but also in reinforcing regional integrity and upholding international law, particularly in the context of its relations with Somalia and the ongoing tensions with Ethiopia.

The tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have heightened due to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia views as crucial for its development and energy needs, while Egypt perceives it as an existential threat to its water security. The Nile River is vital for Egypt, providing the majority of its fresh water. Concurrently, the Somali-Ethiopian relationship adds complexity, with Egypt voicing strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty amid Ethiopia’s regional ambitions.

In summary, Egypt firmly asserts its commitment to defending both the Nile waters and Somalia’s sovereignty in light of escalating tensions with Ethiopia over the GERD. The government emphasizes the importance of collaborative dialogue and adherence to international law, while also highlighting the pressing need for reforms within the UN to address broader geopolitical issues. Egypt’s proactive stance demonstrates its determination to protect its national interests and those of its neighbors in a turbulent regional landscape.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com