Egypt Demands Greater Nile Water Share Amid Mounting Tensions With Ethiopia

Egypt must double its share of Nile water rather than merely protect current levels, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated as tensions with Ethiopia escalated across multiple fronts. Speaking at a meeting chaired by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and attended by military commanders, Mr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt exists within a zone of water poverty.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi noted that while Egypt continues to pursue diplomacy and peaceful solutions regarding Ethiopian dams, such efforts will not compromise the nation's existence or its people. He attributed the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to the period of unrest in Egypt between 2011 and 2013, which marked an absence of the state. Relying on the Nile for over 98 percent of its freshwater, Egypt holds an annual share of 55.5 billion cubic metres, whereas Water Minister Hani Sewilam stated this month that the country requires approximately 123 billion cubic metres.

Mr Abdelatty affirmed that Egypt rejects any new dams or a recurrence of past events with the current Ethiopian dam, following confirmations in August from Ethiopia's Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa regarding plans to construct three additional dams on the Blue Nile. While monitoring developments inside Ethiopia, Mr Abdelatty maintained that Cairo adheres to non-interference policies and harbors no hostility toward its neighbor.

These remarks followed accusations from Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, who claimed without evidence that anti-government forces are backed by Sudan, Egypt, and external powers. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nader Zaki dismissed these claims as null and void, asserting Cairo's respect for state sovereignty. Similar dismissals came from Sudan's army and Eritrea.

Regional instability has deepened following the formation of a seven-group alliance in northern Ethiopia on September 21, aimed at unseating Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The coalition includes the Tigray People's Liberation Front and Amhara's Fano militias. International monitors have also noted the presence of Tigrayan fighters alongside Sudanese forces, further complicating relations with Addis Ababa.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly addressed the UN General Assembly last week, declaring the Nile an existential issue that allows for no compromise. Internationally, Cairo has navigated mixed diplomatic signals, balancing growing US military ties with Ethiopia against recent Chinese backing for Egyptian water security expressed during President Xi Jinping's visit to Cairo.