Egypt seeks greater share of Nile water amid rising tension with Ethiopia

Egypt seeks to significantly increase its share of water from the Nile River, rather than merely safeguarding its existing allocation, according to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. This assertion comes amid heightened tension between Egypt and Ethiopia on two fronts. At a meeting chaired by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Abdelatty stated that Egypt resides in a "zone of water poverty."

President El Sisi emphasized Egypt's commitment to diplomatic and peaceful solutions regarding the Ethiopian dams, yet he stressed that these efforts would not compromise Egypt's sovereignty or the well-being of its people. He also noted that the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was motivated by the political instability Egypt experienced from 2011 to 2013 and the "absence of the state" during that period.

Egypt's reliance on the Nile for over 98% of its freshwater is critical, with the nation currently receiving 55.5 billion cubic meters annually. However, Egyptian Water Minister Hani Sewilam has revealed that Egypt needs approximately 123 billion cubic meters. Abdelatty warned that Egypt would not acquiesce to any new dams or a recurrence of the current Ethiopian dam situation.

In August, Ethiopia's Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa announced plans to construct three additional dams on the Blue Nile. Abdelatty also mentioned that Egypt is monitoring developments related to the situation in Ethiopia, but affirmed that Cairo does not interfere in other nations' affairs and has no hostile intentions towards Ethiopia.

These remarks followed a claim by Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, that Egypt was supporting rebels in the country's northern regions—claims Egypt vehemently denied. Following the accusations, Eritrea criticized Ethiopia for diverting attention and highlighted Ethiopia's hosting of militia training to support Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia, sparked by the formation of a seven-group alliance to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has threatened the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. This development has led Egypt to internationalize the dam dispute. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently stated at the UN General Assembly that the Nile is an "existential issue that allows for no compromise."

However, Egypt's efforts have received mixed responses from major powers. The United States has strengthened its military cooperation with Ethiopia, while China's President Xi Jinping expressed support for Egypt's right to safeguard its water security during his visit to Cairo.