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Mediation

Egypt Warns UNSC of Ethiopian Nile Dam Threats

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Egypt has formally addressed the UN Security Council, warning that Ethiopia's unilateral actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile pose a threat to its water security. Cairo emphasized that it will not allow its water rights to be compromised and will take all necessary measures to defend its interests, as guaranteed by international law and the UN Charter. The move comes after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the dam, which is expected to generate 5,150 megawatts of electricity and expand electricity access domestically and for neighboring states.

Key Takeaways:

  • Egypt has formally addressed the UN Security Council, warning against Ethiopia's unilateral actions regarding the GERD.
  • Cairo affirmed that it will not allow its water rights to be compromised and will take all measures guaranteed by international law and the UN Charter to defend the existential interests of its people.
  • Egypt fears its share of Nile waters will be reduced during the filling process, which could imperil its water security.
  • Egypt already faces a 90% gap in its water resources, with around 70% of its water coming from the Blue Nile and Atbara rivers.
  • The GERD is expected to generate 5,150 megawatts of electricity, compared to the 750 megawatts currently produced by its active turbines.
  • Egypt's share of Nile water stands at 55.5 billion cubic meters annually, accounting for about 97% of its water needs, but its annual per capita share is just 660 cubic meters.
  • A study by the Geological Society of America warned that the GERD's impact could trigger a drinking water crisis in Egypt as early as 2025.
  • The GERD dispute has fuelled years of negotiations under the African Union, as well as international mediation efforts, including by the United States under President Donald Trump.

Statistics:

  • 90% gap in Egypt's water resources.
  • 70% of Egypt's water comes from the Blue Nile and Atbara rivers.
  • 55.5 billion cubic meters: Egypt's annual share of Nile water.
  • 97%: percentage of Egypt's water needs accounted for by Nile water.
  • 660 cubic meters: annual per capita share of Nile water in Egypt.
  • 2025: estimated year of possible drinking water crisis in Egypt due to the GERD's impact.
  • 1,800 square kilometers: the GERD's coverage area.
  • 170 meters: the GERD's height.

Sources:

  • A statement by Egypt's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, as reported by Dailynewsegypt.
  • An interview with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, as reported by Dailynewsegypt.
  • A study by the Geological Society of America, as reported by Dailynewsegypt.
  • A statement by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as reported by the Ethiopian state news agency.

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