Cairo:Egypt's growing media focus on the Nile is seen as an effort to divert public attention from increasing economic and livelihood challenges, according to journalist Zahid Zidan.
According to the Ethiopian News Agency, Zahid highlighted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Nile water issues have become prominent topics in Egypt's political and media discourse as living costs and economic difficulties rise. His remarks were made in the context of ongoing economic challenges identified by international financial institutions.
A recent assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that while Egypt has shown resilience to external shocks, it still faces significant vulnerabilities, such as high public debt and large financing needs. The IMF projects inflation to rise to about 16.7 percent in the latter half of 2026 due to higher energy prices and exchange rate pressures.
Zahid suggested that the heightened rhetoric over the Nile is a strategy to distract the Egyptian public from domestic issues. He mentioned claims in some Egyptian media outlets about the potential effects of GERD and allegations concerning Ethiopia's intentions to transfer water to Israel, keeping the dam a central issue in public debate.
He clarified that his criticism was aimed at Egyptian media and political figures exploiting external disputes, not the Egyptian people, who are mainly focused on everyday challenges like meeting basic needs and supporting their families.
The comments arise amid renewed discussions between Ethiopia and Egypt over Nile water development. Ethiopia emphasizes its sovereign right to develop natural resources, including the Abay River, while promoting cooperation among Nile Basin countries.
Ethiopia's Ministry of Water and Energy, in a statement responding to Egyptian Minister Hani Sewilam, reaffirmed the country's right to utilize its resources and advocated for transboundary rivers to foster cooperation, shared prosperity, and regional integration.
The completion of GERD has spurred calls in Ethiopia for more investment in hydropower and irrigation projects, which supporters believe could expand renewable electricity generation, strengthen energy security, and enhance agricultural development and cross-border power connectivity.
