Accra:President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi responded to statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the Sinai Peninsula. El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt has no territorial ambitions and seeks only security and stability, highlighting that Egypt has fought for its land and has no intention of annexing any other territory.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia remains committed to its development projects, specifically the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, which was completed in September 2025. The dam's operation has been a point of contention due to concerns over water security downstream. However, Ethiopia has never threatened Egyptian territory and insists on its right to utilize its water resources for hydroelectric power, in line with international law.
Ethiopia acknowledges Egypt's reliance on the Nile River for agriculture and other needs but asserts that Egypt's security concerns should not restrict Ethiopia's development. The importance of cooperation is underscored by the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention, which calls for equitable and reasonable use of shared water resources. There is a need for dialogue and negotiation to address the concerns regarding the dam's impact, particularly during drought periods.
Historical tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have included threats of military action from Egypt over Nile water security. However, Ethiopia maintains that military threats are not a solution. Instead, both countries, along with Sudan, should focus on non-aggression and cooperation through established frameworks like the Declaration of Principles 2015. The emphasis is on dialogue and technical collaboration to ensure equitable water management and security for all parties involved.
