Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has intensified criticism of Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), warning that Cairo will not ignore any threats to its water security.
Speaking alongside visiting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Cairo, Sisi rejected what he called “unilateral actions” in the Nile Basin and claimed that water disputes are being used as part of a broader campaign to pressure Egypt. He stressed that while Egypt supports development for all basin countries, such projects must not reduce the flow of water downstream.
Cairo depends on the Nile for nearly all its freshwater needs, receiving 55.5 billion cubic meters annually. Officials warn this is already below the global water poverty threshold. Negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan have been stalled since 2021, with Egypt urging international intervention to reach a deal.
Sisi also noted Uganda’s current chairmanship of the Nile Basin Initiative and expressed hope it could help foster consensus. The visit saw Egypt and Uganda sign five agreements covering water resources, agriculture, food security, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
The renewed tensions come weeks before Ethiopia’s planned inauguration of the GERD, a project Cairo fears could significantly impact its water supply.