As Ethiopia inaugurates the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Egypt has escalated its long-standing dispute with the mega project by taking the matter to the UN Security Council yet again, framing the dam as an “existential threat” to its water security.
In a statement issued on the day of the dam’s completion ceremony, the Egyptian government denounced Ethiopia’s move as a “unilateral” act and a “violation of international law.”
“The dam remains a unilateral measure that violates international law and norms and does not produce any consequences that would affect the legal system governing the Eastern Nile Basin,” stated the Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati (PhD).
Cairo’s appeal frames the activation of the GERD not merely as a diplomatic irritant but as a direct threat to the Nile River, which it considers a lifeline for its population.
From The Reporter Magazine
While the federal government has not yet issued a formal response to Cairo’s plea, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) characterized the dam’s inauguration as a victory comparable to the Battle of Adwa during a national address on the occasion of the inauguration.
The PM emphasized that Ethiopia does not intend to harm other nations and instead seeks to share prosperity.
“It is a new era of prosperity for Ethiopia. The era of dependence will soon be over. Ethiopia’s prosperity is unstoppable,” he said.
From The Reporter Magazine
In a similar tone, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CEO Pietro Salini stated the dam would not reduce water flow to downstream countries. According to him, Ethiopia realized what he termed a “miracle” and a “fantastic” dream, demonstrating the country’s resilience in completing the project.
Salini argued it is factually demonstrable that the fact will not harm downstream nations.
“The Aswan Dam is full and the dam’s water volume is at its maximum level,” he noted. “GERD’s water reservoir is now at its maximum level and full. No harm or damage to the water flow in the downstream countries.”
Salini added that the project will connect about 35 million people to the grid and triple the country’s available energy.
Conveying his address, Kenyan President William Ruto (PhD) stated that no nation should be denied the chance to build a transformative asset. He said the GERD represents a bold affirmation of Africa’s ability to marshal its own resources and shape its destiny.
Citing such assets as “shared sources of prosperity,” the president urged Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan to continue pursuing trilateral talks in good faith.
“Kenya reaffirms its support for equitable use of shared waters,” he said. “Dialogue and compromise remain the surest path to a fair agreement that safeguards prosperity and stability for all.”
GERD, Africa’s largest dam is now one of the ten largest in the world has become a continental symbol of self-reliance and progress.
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