Foreign Minister Defends GERD In Letter To UN Security Council, Slams Egypt’s “Colonial Mindset”

Ethiopia has formally responded to Egypt’s appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), asserting its sovereign right to utilize the Nile River and condemning Egypt’s “anachronistic” and “hegemonic” claims to water supremacy.

In a strongly worded letter dated September 9, 2025, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos (PhD), cheered the GERD’s inauguration as a “generational aspiration fulfilled,” while firmly rejecting Egypt’s accusations of unilateralism and threats to regional stability.

His letter, submitted in direct response to Egypt’s plea to the UNSC, counters Cairo’s claim that the dam’s operationalization violates international law and endangers Egypt’s water security.

Egypt, in its own letter to the UNSC on the same day, stated: “Ethiopia’s purported inauguration of GERD constitutes yet another breach of Ethiopia’s obligations under both customary and conventional international law.”

It further argued that the dam’s completion, achieved through “unilateral actions and fait accompli,” does not render it lawful nor legitimize future unilateral actions by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile.

Ethiopia’s response emphasized: “This joyous occasion marks the determination of the people of Ethiopia to use the River Abbay to attain development and prosperity.” The letter also highlighted the presence of African heads of state and regional organizations at the inauguration, underscoring broad continental support.

The letter reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the 2015 Declaration of Principles and detailed its exhaustive negotiation efforts with Egypt and Sudan. It accused Egypt of obstructing dialogue and refusing to ratify the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), which entered into force in October 2024 and enshrines equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary watercourses.

Ethiopia criticized Egypt’s invocation of “historic rights” and its claim that riparian countries cannot use the Nile due to Egypt’s arid climate. Minister Gedion called this position “baseless and counterproductive,” urging Egypt to invest in groundwater development, desalination, and sustainable water management.

In one of the letter’s most pointed remarks, Gedion stated: “Egypt’s contempt for the dignity of sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, is rooted in a view that privileges certain categories of people over others and has no place in the twenty-first century.”

Egypt’s letter also referenced a non-binding advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but Ethiopia questioned its relevance and legal weight. Ethiopia framed the GERD as a symbol of African self-reliance and climate-friendly development, expressing hope that it would inspire similar projects across the continent. It further warned that Egypt’s “hostile posture” and destabilizing activities in the Horn of Africa are well documented.

As this latest exchange marks a new phase in the decade-long GERD dispute—with Ethiopia asserting regional leadership and Egypt doubling down on its claims of existential threat—Minister Gedion concluded by stating that Egypt’s water use and projects have “no bearing whatsoever” on Ethiopia’s legitimate and equitable use of the Nile.