Addis ababa: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has once again asserted Egypt's right to defend its Nile water security, criticizing Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a unilateral action. Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt reserves the right to legitimate self-defense in line with international law.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Egypt has repeatedly used terms like 'unilateralism' to criticize Ethiopia in global forums, including the UN Security Council. This narrative, which reflects a historical dominance over the Nile, contrasts with the reality of the GERD's role in promoting equitable utilization of shared water resources.
Historically, Egypt has engaged in unilateral actions regarding the Nile. Agreements such as the Anglo-Italian Protocol of 1891 and the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1929 were established without consulting Ethiopia, granting Egypt significant control over the Nile's waters. Similarly, the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement between Egypt and Sudan further cemented Egypt's dominance, allowing the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Despite these historical precedents, Ethiopia's approach has been centered on multilateralism. Ethiopia has been a founding member of international organizations like the League of Nations and the United Nations, advocating for cooperative management of the Nile through the Nile Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA). This multilateral treaty, which aims to replace fragmented bilateral agreements, has been signed by several Nile Basin countries, though Egypt and Sudan have yet to join.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has emphasized peace and cooperation in the region, reinforcing Ethiopia's commitment to equitable resource management. In 2018, he assured Egypt that the GERD would not harm its water security, a promise that remains unchallenged by evidence to date.
The call now is for Egypt and Sudan to join the CFA and collaborate with other Nile Basin countries. This cooperative approach could transform the GERD into a source of regional prosperity, benefiting all African nations connected by the Nile.