The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, delivered a resounding statement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, bringing Egypt’s grievances regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to the centre of international attention. Speaking at the high-level General Debate, Abdelatty’s declaration clarified that Egypt will not tolerate any threat to its existence, spotlighting the ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over its management of the Nile River’s resources.
Minister Abdelatty began his address with a stark warning: “It is a mistake to think that Egypt will turn a blind eye or tolerate a threat to its existence.” He accused Ethiopia of disregarding the lives of both Egyptians and Sudanese by continuing its unilateral approach to the construction and operation of GERD, which has been a focal point of regional tension for over a decade.
Egypt has been involved in 13 years of negotiations to establish a mutually agreeable solution, a journey Abdelatty described as “fruitless,” concluding in December 2023. He accused Ethiopia of pursuing a strategy of procrastination and obstinacy, attempting to impose a fait accompli in violation of international law.
Egypt sees the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a massive hydroelectric project built on the Blue Nile, as a significant threat to its water supply. Egypt, which relies almost entirely on the Nile for its freshwater needs, already grapples with severe water scarcity, with an average per capita water supply of only 550 cubic meters per year—well below the global water scarcity threshold of 1,000 cubic meters per person. For Cairo, the stakes are existential.
The Fight for a Binding Agreement
Since GERD’s inception, Egypt and Sudan have sought a binding agreement that would ensure their water rights are protected. They fear that the dam’s operation could lead to reduced water flow, particularly during droughts. However, despite prolonged talks, Ethiopia proceeded unilaterally, filling the dam’s reservoir without the consent of downstream countries.
“Despite Egypt’s sincere efforts, Ethiopia persisted in adopting a policy of procrastination and obstinacy, disregarding facts and attempting to impose a fait accompli by constructing and operating the Ethiopian Dam in violation of international law, regardless of its impact on the lives of millions in the downstream countries of Egypt and Sudan,” Abdelatty emphasised.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has previously warned that Egypt’s water rights are a “red line.” In 2021, he stated, “No one should envision themselves as beyond the reach of our capabilities… Egypt’s water is sacrosanct. Our response in case of [meddling with the Egyptian water share] will reverberate throughout the entire region’s stability.”
Regional Implications and International Response
The international community has long been aware of the escalating tensions surrounding GERD, with both Egypt and Sudan expressing their concerns over Ethiopia’s unilateral actions. As Abdelatty noted in his UN address, Ethiopia’s behaviour continues to pose a threat not only to the region’s water security but also to its broader stability.
In early September, Egypt formally addressed the United Nations Security Council, condemning Ethiopia’s actions regarding GERD as provocative and destabilising. Abdelatty stressed that such behaviour “threatens the stability of a region where most countries seek to enhance cooperation and integration among each other rather than sow discord among peoples bound by ties of brotherhood and shared destiny.”
Tamim Khilaf, spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed appreciation for Egypt’s “wise policy” in navigating both regional and international challenges, reaffirming its pivotal role across the Middle East, Africa, and the Islamic world.
Beyond Water: A Call for Global Reform
Minister Abdelatty’s speech also touched on broader issues beyond water security. He called for permanent seats at the UN Security Council for African and Arab nations, pointing to a “historical injustice” faced by the continent. “We cannot accept that Africa and the Arab states to date have no permanent representative on the Security Council, nor enjoy the related prerogatives,” he said, citing the Sirte Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus to argue for this reform.
He also praised the Secretary-General’s role in organising the Future Summit, which aimed to support the multilateral action system. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s agreement with the proposals for restructuring the global financial system, emphasising the need to make it more equitable and supportive of developing countries.
The foreign minister also took a strong stance against what he called the “unjustified” Israeli escalations in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, warning that such actions were “leading the region to the abyss.” He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the urgency of delivering medical and humanitarian assistance to the civilians suffering in the enclave.
A Region in Flux
Abdelatty’s remarks highlighted Egypt’s deep concerns over multiple regional flashpoints. From developments in Libya, Sudan, and Yemen to the strategic significance of the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, the foreign minister underscored the importance of preserving nations’ unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the region. He labelled the issue of the Ethiopian dam an “existential issue” directly tied to Egyptian national security, rejecting any unilateral actions that harm downstream countries and violate established international norms governing shared water resources.
The Path Forward
The message from Egypt at the 79th UN General Assembly was unmistakable: the Nile is a lifeline, and GERD is not simply a dam—it is a test of regional cooperation, justice, and international law. By calling for an end to Ethiopia’s unilateral actions and demanding a fair representation for African and Arab states at the Security Council, Abdelatty signalled Egypt’s determination to protect its interests while advocating for structural reforms in the global order.
As Egypt continues to pursue a binding deal, its position reflects broader challenges that the international community must address—balancing sovereign rights with shared resources and the need for an equitable voice for developing nations in global governance. With tensions simmering, the path to resolving the GERD dispute is fraught. Still, Egypt’s declaration at the United Nations underscores its readiness to take necessary steps to protect its people and secure its rightful share of the Nile.
