The Egyptian government has sharply criticized Ethiopia’s announcement of the completion of the $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), calling the move “unlawful” and a violation of international law. The dam, located on the Blue Nile, has long been a flashpoint in regional tensions between upstream Ethiopia and downstream Egypt and Sudan.
Renewed Tensions Over Nile Waters
Ethiopia’s declaration last week that the GERD is now fully operational has reignited diplomatic friction. Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation accused Addis Ababa of pursuing “water hegemony” through unilateral actions that disregard the rights of downstream nations. In a strongly worded statement, the ministry said Ethiopia’s stance “contradicts its declared willingness to negotiate,” casting doubt on the sincerity of its calls for dialogue.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed defended the project, stating that the dam—expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity—will not harm Egypt or Sudan. “We believe in shared progress, shared energy, and shared water,” he told lawmakers, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation.
Egypt, which relies on the Nile for 97% of its water supply, views the GERD as a direct threat to its national security. Officials fear the dam could reduce water flow during droughts and have repeatedly called for a legally binding agreement on its operation. Despite over a decade of negotiations, no such accord has been reached.
The dispute over GERD has persisted since construction began in 2011. While Ethiopia sees the dam as a symbol of sovereignty and development, Egypt remains wary of its impact on water access. The lack of international mediation and growing regional fatigue have further complicated efforts to resolve the impasse.
