Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed on Tuesday that Egypt does not recognize any unilateral actions taken by Ethiopia regarding the Nile that contravene international law, reiterating Cairo’s firm stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis.
In a televised interview, Abdelatty said Ethiopia’s decision to move forward with the dam without prior consultation, notification, or agreement with downstream countries constituted an “illegitimate and unlawful act.”
“This unilateral move by Ethiopia is entirely illegal. It violates international law and cannot be legitimized simply by proceeding with construction or operations,” he said, underscoring that the Nile is a transboundary river governed by international legal principles.
Moreover, Abdelatty affirmed that Egypt categorically rejects Ethiopia’s actions, emphasizing the “vital importance of consensus, prior notification, and full coordination with downstream states before any measures are taken.”
The minister noted that Egypt has already informed the United Nations Security Council of the latest developments in the Nile Basin, particularly concerning GERD, which has been a source of protracted dispute between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Commenting on Egypt’s future course of action, Abdelatty recalled Cairo’s announcement that negotiations with Ethiopia had reached a dead end, stressing that Egypt reserves its full right, under international law, to defend its water interests.
“If any harm is inflicted, Egypt has the right to take all necessary measures. International law guarantees this right,” he warned.
The dispute over GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, has persisted for more than a decade. While Ethiopia sees the project as essential for its development and power generation, Egypt fears it could significantly impact its share of Nile waters, which are vital to the country’s survival.
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