Ethiopia Accuses Egypt of Escalation in Nile Dispute Amid 'Dead End' Talks

Tensions Flare Over Nile Waters

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia has sharply criticized Egypt, accusing it of escalating tensions in the protracted dispute over the Nile River. The accusation follows recent statements by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who declared that negotiations regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) had reached a 'dead end' and asserted Egypt's right to defend its national interests.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Egypt's approach as 'escalatory' and 'anti-dialogue,' rejecting what it termed Cairo's 'colonial-era mentality' in the ongoing water-sharing disagreement.

Egypt's Stance and Ethiopia's Rebuttal

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently reiterated his country's rejection of Ethiopia's unilateral actions on the Eastern Nile basin, stating that the GERD is 'illegitimate' and 'violates international law.' He emphasized that Egypt views its water security as an 'existential threat' and that the negotiation track had concluded without resolution.

In response, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a strong counter-attack. The ministry accused Egyptian officials of being 'influenced by a colonial-era mentality' and believing in a 'monopoly over Nile waters.' Ethiopia asserted that Egypt's repeated remarks, which included 'direct and indirect threats,' demonstrated Cairo's inability to adapt to 'the realities of the 21st century.'

Furthermore, Ethiopia alleged that Egypt has been engaged in campaigns to destabilize the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, with the aim of creating 'pliant, weak and fragmented client states.' Ethiopia's statement stressed that it 'will not be intimidated' and highlighted its commitment to Pan-Africanism.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at the Core

The heart of the dispute is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa's largest hydroelectric project, which was officially inaugurated in September 2025. Ethiopia views the dam as crucial for its national development, electrification efforts, and as a symbol of national pride, asserting its sovereign right to utilize the Blue Nile (Abbay River), which originates in its highlands and contributes approximately 86% of the Nile's waters.

Conversely, Egypt, which relies on the Nile for nearly 97% of its freshwater needs, perceives the GERD as a significant threat to its water security. Sudan, another downstream nation, has also expressed concerns regarding the dam's impact. Both Egypt and Sudan have consistently called for a binding agreement on the dam's filling and operation to ensure the continued flow of their water shares.

Failed Negotiations and Future Outlook

Multiple rounds of negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan have failed to yield a comprehensive agreement. The latest round of talks, which concluded in December 2023, was declared a 'dead end' by Egypt. Ethiopia, however, maintains its commitment to an amicable and negotiated settlement that addresses the interests of all three countries, while firmly rejecting what it considers 'colonial-era' demands.

The European Union has previously expressed support for Egypt's water security and adherence to international law in the context of the dispute. Both Ethiopia and Egypt have also submitted letters detailing their perspectives to the United Nations Security Council. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely for any further developments in this critical regional standoff.