Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi stated on September 29, 2026, that Egypt prioritizes diplomacy and peaceful solutions regarding the Ethiopian dam dispute. He warned that this approach would not compromise the nation's existence and its people's well-being. According to a presidential statement, Al-Sissi made these remarks during a meeting with ministers, governors, military and police commanders, and mayors at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Capital.
The Ethiopian dam, constructed on the Blue Nile, was built between 2011 and 2025. Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns about the dam's impact on their water resources during droughts. Al-Sissi noted that the dam was built due to Egypt's instability between 2011 and 2013. He emphasized Egypt's efforts to increase its water resources through desalination, treatment, and recycling.
President Al-Sissi highlighted the significant economic challenges Egypt faced between 2011 and 2013, which led to a lengthy recovery process. He estimated that it may take up to 15 years for the Egyptian economy to fully recover from the contraction experienced during that period. The president also mentioned that preserving state institutions and ensuring internal security were crucial in the face of attempts to destabilize the country.
Al-Sissi reassured that Egypt has no hidden agenda and that the Palestinian cause remains a central issue in the Middle East. He stressed that Egypt's strategic choice is peace, as established by former President Anwar Al-Sadate. The president also mentioned that Egypt has been affected by successive economic shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the conflict in Gaza.
The president emphasized the importance of preserving national gains and protecting the country from internal and external threats. He stated that the method of destroying a country from within is often the least costly and that Egypt's preservation is a collective responsibility of its institutions and citizens. Al-Sissi also highlighted the need to develop tools to counter misinformation and attempts to incite frustration and despair.
The meeting's attendees reviewed the main achievements of the past decade, focusing on improving public services and addressing structural issues inherited from the past. The presidential statement concluded that Egypt continues to work towards stability and development, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion and a strong front in the face of external challenges.
Key points
- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi emphasizes diplomacy as the preferred approach to resolving the Ethiopian dam dispute.
- The Ethiopian dam's construction was completed in 2025, raising concerns in Egypt and Sudan about its impact on their water resources.
- President Al-Sissi estimates that Egypt's economic recovery may take up to 15 years after the contraction experienced between 2011 and 2013.
