Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has stated that Egypt retains all measures guaranteed under international law to safeguard its water security. He emphasized that the country is a "strong nation of peace" that upholds international law but knows when and how to respond to protect its national interests. Egypt's dependence on the Nile will not be ignored, and the country will not accept "illusions of control and dominance" over water flows to downstream states.
Sewilam described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as "unilateral and illegal," reflecting Egypt's legal view on the dam's solo construction, filling, and operation. He added that the completion of construction or the passage of time does not imply Egypt's acceptance of a done deal, nor does it extinguish its rights or legal standing. This statement comes as Cairo continues to press for a binding legal agreement governing the filling and operation of the GERD amid concerns over downstream impacts.
The Water Ministry disclosed in July that solo operations of the GERD had led to fluctuating discharge rates, exacerbated by the absence of clear operational rules and routine data-sharing mechanisms among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Sewilam warned that uncoordinated operations could trigger sudden discharge shifts, causing either acute spikes or sharp drops, potentially destabilizing water infrastructure and dam management across Egypt and Sudan.
Sewilam criticized recent Ethiopian statements regarding control of downstream water flows, arguing they contradict past assertions that the GERD is merely a hydroelectric project and reveal ambitions to enforce single-handed control over a transboundary river. He emphasized that Cairo does not oppose development across the Nile Basin, provided projects align with international law and preserve Egyptian water security.
The minister highlighted the collaborative approach in the southern Nile Basin, where nations study, notify, and consult on projects prior to funding and execution. Egypt actively supports and helps finance development under this framework. He contrasted this cooperative model with the GERD's unilateral approach, asserting Cairo will not allow a new fait accompli to be imposed on the Eastern Nile.
Sewilam's statement reflects Egypt's concerns over the GERD's impact on its water security and the need for a binding agreement on the dam's operation. Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia have been negotiating the GERD's filling and operation, but an agreement has yet to be reached. The three countries have agreed to continue talks to resolve their differences.
The dispute over the GERD has been ongoing for years, with Egypt and Sudan expressing concerns over the dam's impact on their water security. Ethiopia maintains that the GERD is a hydroelectric project that will not harm downstream countries. The situation remains a point of contention, with Egypt warning of all options being on the table to protect its Nile rights.
Key points
- Egypt's Water Minister Hani Sewilam warns of all options being on the table to protect Nile rights amid concerns over Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam.
- Egypt seeks a binding legal agreement governing the filling and operation of the GERD to address concerns over downstream impacts.
- The dispute over the GERD has been ongoing for years, with Egypt and Sudan expressing concerns over the dam's impact on their water security.
