The Ethiopian government has fired back at Egypt, urging it to “abandon its aggressive approach” in the long-standing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) on the River Nile.
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Ethiopia rejected Egypt’s “litany of unfounded allegations” and accused Cairo of trying to “perpetuate its self-claimed monopoly” over the river.
“Egypt must abandon its aggressive approach and work towards a solution that benefits all parties involved,” said an Ethiopian government spokesperson.
The row dates back to 2011 when Ethiopia began building the dam, which Egypt sees as an existential threat to its water supply. Egypt relies almost entirely on the Nile for its water and fears the dam could disrupt the flow of the river.
“This dam is a matter of life and death for us,” said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. “We will not stand idly by while our water rights are violated.”
Ethiopia, on the other hand, sees the dam as a vital development project that will provide electricity to millions of households.
“The Gerd is a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination to develop and lift its people out of poverty,” said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The dispute has led to increased tensions between the two countries, with Egypt forging closer military ties with Ethiopia’s neighbor Somalia. Ethiopia has warned against any attacks on its territory, saying it will repel any invader.
The situation remains volatile, with no end in sight to the dispute. As one Ethiopian official put it, “We will not be bullied into abandoning our rights to the Nile.”