Egypt Backs Ethiopian Progress on One Condition: Zero Harm to Downstream Nations, Warns Expert Abbas Sharaki

Recent statements by the Ethiopian Minister of Water regarding plans to build new dams have ignited fresh controversy amid the ongoing disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the absence of a legally binding agreement for its operation and management.

Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, Abbas Sharaki, labeled Ethiopia’s declarations as "provocative." He emphasized that the GERD dispute remains unsettled and that any dialogue concerning the construction of new dams on shared rivers will only heighten regional tensions.

Sharaki stated that Egypt’s stance on development in Ethiopia is "clear and explicit," confirming that Cairo does not oppose Ethiopia’s right to development, project establishment, or resource utilization, provided these initiatives do not infringe upon the rights of other nations—specifically regarding the waters of the Nile River. He remarked, "Ethiopia has the right to development, and Egypt has the right to life," highlighting that any undertakings on international and shared rivers must involve consultation and coordination among all concerned countries, culminating in a legally binding agreement.

Addressing water rights, the professor of water resources noted that Egypt has consistently maintained it is not against development in Ethiopia, though it will strongly reject any violations of its water rights. He pointed out that Egypt has previously undertaken water projects outside its own borders, such as the Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania, without causing detriment to neighboring countries.

Sharaki drew a distinct line between building internal dams on rivers that are not shared with other nations and constructing projects on international and shared rivers. Emphasizing that the Nile is an international river, he stated that any initiative built along its course or shared tributaries must comply with international rules, laws, and agreements governing water relations among basin countries.

He noted that Ethiopia features several rivers contributing to the formation of the Nile, notably the Blue Nile where the GERD is situated. Consequently, any new projects on shared rivers must undergo coordination and mutual agreement among the concerned parties. Sharaki reiterated that Egypt’s message supports Ethiopian development, but firmly rejects "imposing a fait accompli on the Nile River, especially concerning the water rights of Egypt and Sudan."

Concluding his remarks, the professor of geology and water resources stressed that Egypt remains committed to safeguarding its water rights and that managing shared rivers requires cooperation and consensus rather than unilateral actions or a forced fait accompli.