Egypt supports development in Ethiopia, but not if it harms downstream nations: Abbas Sharaki

Ethiopian water officials have recently expressed a desire to construct additional dams, a proposal that has ignited controversy, given the existing disagreements between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the absence of a legally binding agreement concerning its operation and management. Abbas Sharaki, a professor of geology and water resources at Cairo University, labeled Ethiopia's statements as "provocative," highlighting that the GERD issue remains unresolved and that discussions about building new dams on shared rivers would only intensify tensions.

Sharaki affirmed Egypt's stance on development in Ethiopia, stating that Egypt has no objection to Ethiopia's right to development, the construction of projects, or the utilization of its resources, provided these projects do not infringe upon the rights of other nations, particularly regarding the waters of the Nile River. He further emphasized that any projects on international and shared rivers must proceed through consultation and coordination among the affected countries, culminating in a legally binding agreement among all parties involved.

Sharaki clarified that Egypt has historically supported Ethiopia's development endeavors, such as the Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania, without causing harm to neighboring countries. He underscored the distinction between constructing internal dams on rivers not shared by other nations and building projects on international and shared rivers.

The Nile, a shared river, necessitates that any projects constructed on its course or within its tributaries comply with international rules, laws, and agreements governing water relations among the basin countries. Sharaki noted that Ethiopia possesses several rivers that contribute to the formation of the Nile, specifically the Blue Nile on which the GERD is built.

Consequently, any new projects on shared rivers must undergo coordination and agreement among the concerned countries. He reiterated that Egypt's message is one of support for Ethiopian development, but "no to imposing a fait accompli on the Nile River, especially concerning the water rights of Egypt and Sudan." Sharaki concluded that Egypt remains steadfast in defending its water rights, and addressing the issue of shared rivers should be based on cooperation and agreement, rather than unilateral decisions or enforcing a fait accompli.