Egypt questions Ethiopia's sincerity in Nile river dam dialogue

Egypt cast doubt on Thursday on Ethiopia's sincerity in inviting renewed dialogue over its dam project on the Nile River, describing the gestures as superficial and politically motivated.

Speaking during a meeting with ambassadors set to lead Egyptian diplomatic missions abroad, Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said Addis Ababa continues to promote the completion of “an illegal dam” in violation of international law, without a binding agreement with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan.

Sewilam emphasized that Ethiopia's approach to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) reflects “an agenda of water hegemony” rather than a commitment to cooperation and partnership.

“Egypt will not allow such domination to take place,” he said in his comments cited in a statement issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

Early on Wednesday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced plans to officially inaugurate the GERD in September, following the rainy season.

Speaking before Ethiopia's parliament, he invited Egypt and Sudan to attend what he called “a historic event,” according to the Ethiopian News Agency.

Ahmed reaffirmed that the dam “will not harm Egypt or Sudan's interests,” adding that the project “presents a chance for regional cooperation, not conflict,” and expressed Ethiopia's willingness to resume talks with Egypt.

Sewilam accused Ethiopia of repeatedly issuing hollow calls for negotiations aimed at improving its international image.

The minister added that “more than 13 years of failed negotiations” proved a lack of political will from Addis Ababa.

Egypt has consistently demanded a legally binding trilateral agreement on dam filling and operation, particularly during drought periods, to protect its share of Nile River water. Ethiopia has rejected such terms, asserting that the dam is essential for development and electricity generation and poses no threat to other nations.

These opposing views led to a three-year freeze in negotiations, which briefly resumed in 2023 before stalling again in 2024.