Ethiopian Diplomat Criticizes Egypt’s Colonial Attitude Over Nile Dispute

Addis Ababa:Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has criticized recent statements by Egyptian officials regarding the Nile, describing them as outdated colonial attitudes that are inappropriate in today's diplomatic world.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Zerihun specifically criticized Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, for remarks that purportedly suggested Ethiopians need education on international law related to the Nile River.Ambassador Zerihun found these comments 'very unfortunate, regrettable, and even laughable,' highlighting a misunderstanding of Ethiopia's legal stance and its rights under international law. He emphasized that Ethiopia is knowledgeable about the legal principles governing transboundary water resources and bases its position on these established principles.Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he stated that Ethiopia constructed the project followin g internationally recognized principles, such as the equitable and reasonable use of shared water resources. He characterized the Egyptian stance as a 'confusion' and 'caricature' of Ethiopia's position, reflecting a lingering 19th-century mindset towards Africa.He further stressed that Ethiopia's sovereignty and its rights are acknowledged under international law and that the country is committed to defending its national interests. Ambassador Zerihun called for Nile basin relations to be based on modern diplomatic principles and cooperation among riparian countries, rejecting imperialist or monopolistic approaches.He reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to regional integration, cooperation, and the sustainable management of shared water resources. He stated that Ethiopia is open to engaging with downstream countries to address concerns about the GERD while pursuing its rights to equitable use of the Nile.