Egypt Sticking to Diplomacy in Nile Dam Dispute, PM Mostafa Madbouly Says

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has reaffirmed that Egypt remains dedicated to finding a diplomatic and political resolution in its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia regarding a controversial Nile dam. Speaking in an interview with CNN Business Arabic, Mr Madbouly emphasized that the Nile is a matter of national security and existential importance for Egypt, which relies on the river for approximately 95 per cent of its water resources.

The statements come amid rising tensions, following announcements last week from Egypt and Ethiopia that they were expelling diplomats. Meanwhile, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan—nations accused by Ethiopia of supporting an anti-government rebellion—along with Somalia, gathered on Sunday to strengthen their alliance.

Mr Madbouly dismissed Ethiopian allegations that Cairo is an obstacle to African development, stating that Egypt supports growth across all nations as long as it does not harm others, particularly concerning shared rivers. He noted that international law governs these waterways, establishing all riparian states as partners. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi recently echoed this commitment to diplomatic channels, though Mr Madbouly also stressed that Egypt maintains non-negotiable principles, including prior consent from Egypt and Sudan regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to prevent severe downstream impacts during droughts.

Addressing domestic matters, Mr Madbouly defended Egypt's large-scale infrastructure investments, arguing they were essential for laying the groundwork for economic growth following the political turmoil of 2011. He reported that Egypt's economy grew by 5.1 per cent in the 2025/26 fiscal year, up from 4.4 per cent previously, with a target of 5.4 per cent for the current fiscal year driven by sustainable domestic sectors.