CARIO, (HAN) — The Egyptian government has announced that it will take legal measures to protect its rights over the Nile River, warning that Ethiopia’s actions have violated international law.
Speaking at a United Nations session on regional water disputes, Egyptian officials stressed the critical importance of the Nile to the country’s survival, saying, “We will take all necessary legal steps to safeguard the Nile waters, which are essential to our existence. Ethiopia has violated international law.”
The statement comes amid rising tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile. Ethiopia has been conducting filling operations for the dam, prompting fears in downstream Egypt that the country’s water share—upon which over 90% of Egyptians depend—could be severely reduced.
Egypt has repeatedly called for a legally binding agreement on the dam’s operation and water release schedules, but negotiations with Ethiopia and Sudan have repeatedly stalled. Cairo argues that Ethiopia’s unilateral actions endanger not only Egypt’s water security but also the livelihoods of millions who rely on Nile water for agriculture, industry, and daily life.
Regional and international observers have expressed concern that the dispute could escalate tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Experts warn that without a negotiated settlement, the conflict over Nile water could impact food security, economic stability, and regional cooperation.
Egyptian officials emphasized that while the country remains committed to diplomacy, it is prepared to escalate the issue to international legal forums if Ethiopia does not adhere to existing agreements and international norms.
