Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has insisted that Egypt has not issued threats against Ethiopia despite ongoing tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while renewing Cairo’s call for a legally binding agreement on the project.
Speaking during a meeting with African ministers, AU Commission representatives, and leaders of regional organizations attending the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Ministerial Conference in Egypt, El-Sisi said Egypt continues to prioritize political dialogue and peaceful solutions in handling disputes.
“Despite our differences with Ethiopia, Egypt has never resorted to threats. Our approach is based on dialogue, stability, and non-interference,” El-Sisi was quoted as saying. He emphasized that Egypt’s stance remains anchored in safeguarding its water security and reaching a comprehensive, binding framework governing the operation of the GERD.
His remarks come months after El-Sisi released a video message in October warning that Egypt would take “all necessary measures” to defend its share of Nile waters—a statement widely interpreted as a signal of escalating concern in Cairo.
Tougher rhetoric from Egyptian officials
El-Sisi’s comments follow heightened language from senior Egyptian officials in recent weeks. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reportedly described the GERD as a “dam of ruin and destruction” during an address at Beni Suef University, remarks that drew attention across regional media platforms.
Abdelatty has repeatedly argued that the dam was advanced through unilateral actions rather than consensus or adherence to international norms. In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, he warned that Egypt may resort to measures permitted under the UN Charter — including the right to self-defense — if its water security is threatened.
Calling Egypt’s water needs “existential,” Abdelatty stressed that international law obliges upstream states to avoid causing harm and to conduct consultations before major projects affecting shared rivers.
Addis Abeba rejects accusations
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently accused Egypt of escalating hostile rhetoric and refusing constructive dialogue. In a strongly worded statement, Addis Abeba said Cairo continues to rely on “colonial-era thinking” and outdated treaties that Ethiopia rejects.
The statement also accused Egypt of long-running attempts to destabilize the Horn of Africa and promote fragmented regional politics to maintain influence over Nile affairs.
Ethiopia maintains that the GERD — Africa’s largest hydroelectric project — is essential for development, electricity generation, and regional integration, while Egypt fears significant impacts on its already limited share of Nile water.
With diplomatic exchanges intensifying, calls continue for renewed negotiations under an agreed framework to prevent further escalation and secure a durable solution over the Nile’s future.