Egypt Accuses Ethiopia at the UN Security Council Over GERD’s Fifth Filling
Egypt has once again raised concerns about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at the United Nations Security Council, objecting to Ethiopia’s continued filling of the dam for the fifth consecutive year.
In a formal complaint, Egypt expressed its opposition to Ethiopia’s unilateral actions, arguing that the filling of the GERD violates the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan.
According to the letter sent by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the fifth filling of the dam disregards the interests of downstream nations, particularly Egypt and Sudan, and poses a threat to regional security.
The letter, signed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati, asserts that Ethiopia’s actions undermine the 2015 agreement, which was intended to ensure that the construction and filling of the dam would not harm the interests of the Nile’s downstream countries.
Egypt has also rejected recent remarks by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who defended the fifth filling as a necessary step for Ethiopia’s development.
Egyptian officials claim that Ethiopia’s unwillingness to real negotiations has led to the breakdown of previous tripartite negotiations between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt.
The letter accuses Ethiopia of engaging in “sham talks” that have prevented a meaningful resolution to the ongoing dispute.
Egypt argues that the unilateral approach taken by Ethiopia not only jeopardizes the interests of downstream nations but also contributes to the flooding experienced in both Sudan and Egypt.
The letter also mentions that the Nile River Steering Committee, led by the Egyptian Prime Minister, has decided to collaborate with other member states of the Nile River Basin to safeguard the interests of Egypt’s citizens.
At the time of writing, there has been no official response from Ethiopia to Egypt’s complaint at the UN Security Council.
Ethiopia has consistently maintained that the GERD, which is set to become Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, will not cause significant harm to downstream countries.
Ethiopian officials have repeatedly stated that the dam will help prevent flooding, particularly in Sudan and Egypt, and contribute to the region’s overall stability.
While the tripartite talks between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt have resolved several differences, the negotiations have yet to yield a comprehensive agreement due to Egypt’s shifting positions and evolving interests.
Ethiopia has emphasized that the completion of the GERD, expected next year, will be a milestone in its efforts to generate power for the region and promote sustainable development across Africa.
