Egypt hardens stance as Ethiopia plans more Nile dams

Egypt has solidified its position as Ethiopia prepares to construct additional dams on the Nile. In March 2021, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi boldly warned Ethiopia that no entity could take a drop of Egypt's water, a statement widely perceived as a threat. Now, five years later, Ethiopia's stance has hardened, with plans to build three more dams on the Blue Nile.

These developments come after Egypt's 2021 ultimatum, which has been disregarded by Ethiopia. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reiterated Egypt's right to defend its Nile water rights, while Water Minister Hani Suweillam has labeled the GERD as "illegitimate". The escalating tensions between the two nations have raised concerns over the potential impact on Egypt's access to freshwater, which is vital for its 110 million citizens.

Despite years of negotiations and mediation attempts by the US and the African Union, a resolution remains elusive. Egypt's former irrigation minister Mohamed Nasr Allam expressed deep anger, stating that Ethiopia's damming activities aim to deprive Egypt of its vital water resource. He warned that Egypt will employ all means necessary to protect its interests, hinting at a broader range of options beyond diplomacy.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on the other hand, defends the GERD as a strategic project aimed at poverty alleviation and power generation, dismissing Egyptian claims of a harmful intent.