Egypt has strongly criticised Ethiopia’s declaration that its contentious Nile dam project is now complete, branding Addis Ababa’s move as a unilateral act that ignores the interests of downstream nations.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a $4 billion project that began in 2011, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric venture. It spans 1.8 kilometres and stands 145 metres high. Ethiopia sees the dam as vital to its energy ambitions and economic growth.
However, both Egypt and Sudan—located downstream—have consistently voiced concerns that the project could significantly cut their access to the Nile’s waters.
Speaking during a meeting with foreign diplomats, Egyptian Water Resources Minister Hani Sewilam declared Cairo’s firm rejection of any effort by Ethiopia to secure development gains at the expense of its neighbours’ water rights.
Sewilam accused Addis Ababa of using “evasion and backtracking” instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue and warned that Ethiopia was trying to impose a “fait accompli” rather than reach a consensual agreement.
Egypt has long argued that Ethiopia’s moves violate international law and undermine over a decade of negotiations aimed at ensuring fair management of the dam’s filling and operation.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing parliament, confirmed the dam’s completion and announced that a formal inauguration is planned for September.
He attempted to ease tensions by stating, “To our neighbours downstream—Egypt and Sudan—our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity.”
Nevertheless, Cairo and Khartoum remain opposed. Earlier this week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Sudan’s de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, with both reaffirming their rejection of any unilateral actions related to the Nile.
Egypt, which depends on the river for nearly all its freshwater, continues to express alarm that unregulated use of the dam could drastically curtail its water supply.
