Egypt has denounced Ethiopia’s approach to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), accusing it of pursuing a policy of "imposing de facto realities" without agreement and warning that Cairo will not allow its water rights to be compromised.

Speaking to newly appointed Egyptian ambassadors, Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam criticised Ethiopia’s continued promotion of the dam’s completion without a binding agreement with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. He labelled Ethiopia’s strategy as “unilateral” and “contrary to principles of cooperation.”

Sewilam emphasized that Egypt “categorically rejects” any attempt to manage Nile water affairs without consensus. “Ethiopia’s actions reflect an ideology that seeks to monopolize shared water resources,” he said.

Addis Ababa Declares Completion

On the same day, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that the GERD project on the Blue Nile was complete, with an official inauguration scheduled. Ahmed insisted that the dam “poses no threat” to downstream nations and reiterated its importance to Ethiopia’s development.

Lack of Trust in Negotiation Process

Sewilam dismissed Ethiopia’s repeated calls to resume negotiations as "superficial attempts" aimed at image management. He cited more than a decade of failed talks as proof of Addis Ababa’s lack of sincerity, stating that Ethiopia had shown no signs of committing to a binding agreement.

“Ethiopian positions are evasive and contradict their stated interest in negotiations,” Sewilam asserted, calling on the international community to recognise the truth behind the stalled talks.

Egypt Highlights Regional Water Efforts

Sewilam outlined Egypt’s water-saving initiatives, including large-scale wastewater treatment and desalination projects. He also noted Cairo’s contributions to other African nations, including infrastructure for rainwater harvesting, solar-powered wells, and academic scholarships related to water management.

Egypt, he stressed, remains committed to cooperation but will not accept actions that “undermine the rights of Nile Basin countries.”