Adel Sadawi, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and former Dean of the Institute for Research and Strategic Studies on Nile Basin Countries, voiced concerns over Ethiopia’s announcement of its intent to carry out the fifth filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam between July and September. Sadawi labeled this move as intransigence that poses a significant danger to the people of Egypt and Sudan.
He criticized Ethiopia for crossing red lines by unilaterally filling the dam without cooperation with downstream countries, emphasizing the potential threat this poses to Egypt’s water security. Sadawi urged the Egyptian government to safeguard the country’s water rights, especially since the Nile River serves as a vital lifeline.
The ongoing dispute over the dam has led to a halt in negotiations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia since last December. Despite efforts to repair infrastructure and conserve water, Egypt remains concerned about Ethiopia’s unilateral actions and the potential impact on downstream water flow.
As satellite images reveal Ethiopia’s preparations for the fifth filling, political forces urge international pressure on Addis Ababa to reach a consensus with downstream countries. Without a resolution, Egypt and Sudan face the risk of reduced water shares and significant consequences from Ethiopia’s actions.