Egypt and Sudan on Wednesday labelled Ethiopia’s dam on the Nile River a “threat” to their water security and regional stability. The warning followed Cairo talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Irrigation Minister Hani Sweilam, and Sudanese State Minister Omar Sediq.
Both nations stressed the dam, built by Addis Ababa, violates international law and poses continuous risks to the Eastern Nile Basin. The statement came a day after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed claimed the dam now ensures steady water flow and prevents floods.
Cairo and Khartoum insist on a binding trilateral legal agreement governing the dam’s filling and operation to protect downstream interests. Ethiopia maintains that no such agreement is necessary, asserting it intends no harm to Egypt or Sudan despite the disputes.
Negotiations stalled for three years before resuming in 2023, but talks broke down again in 2024 amid persistent disagreements. Egypt and Sudan underlined that their water security is “one and indivisible,” rejecting any unilateral actions that threaten their shared resources.
The statement called for strengthened consultations, coordination, and collaboration with Nile Basin Initiative countries to restore regional consensus and cooperation. They highlighted risks from Ethiopia’s unilateral steps, including dam safety, uncontrolled discharges, and challenges managing drought conditions in the region.
Cairo urged Ethiopia to reconsider its policy, stressing the dam issue involves only the three countries and not other basin nations. The Nile, stretching 6,650 kilometres and shared by 11 countries, remains a vital lifeline, sustaining millions and shaping regional geopolitics.
Egypt also condemned any attempts to undermine Sudan’s unity, national institutions, or sovereignty, pledging support for political efforts toward peace. Abdelatty emphasised backing a Sudanese-led political process to achieve a cease-fire and end ongoing conflicts threatening the region’s stability.
