CAIRO, (HAN) — Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has issued a stern warning to Ethiopia, declaring that Cairo will not tolerate what he described as “irresponsible” actions by its upstream neighbor. El-Sisi underscored the Nile River’s critical role as the lifeblood of Egypt, calling it central to the country’s survival, agriculture, and overall national security.
Speaking at a government briefing, El-Sisi stressed that Egypt is prepared to take “all necessary measures” to protect its water supply and ensure the Nile’s security. He reiterated that unilateral moves by Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) could have serious consequences for Egypt, which relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its freshwater needs.
The GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, has been a source of tension between Egypt and Ethiopia for years. Egypt has repeatedly voiced concerns that Ethiopia’s filling and operation of the dam could disrupt downstream water flows, affecting agriculture, electricity production, and millions of livelihoods along the Nile.
Cairo has called for a legally binding agreement on the dam’s operations and has warned that any failure to reach a consensus could force Egypt to respond decisively. Analysts say El-Sisi’s latest remarks signal an escalation in rhetoric, reflecting Egypt’s determination to assert its historic water rights and maintain leverage in negotiations with Ethiopia.
Regional observers note that the Nile dispute is not only about water security but also about political influence in the Horn of Africa, as both nations seek to secure strategic and economic interests linked to the river.
