Egypt, Sudan call Ethiopian Nile dam a ‘threat’

Egypt and Sudan on Wednesday described Ethiopia’s Nile River dam as a “threat” to their countries, citing serious consequences for water security and regional stability.

The statement followed talks in Cairo between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Irrigation Minister Hani Sweilam, and a Sudanese delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Sediq.

“The consultations addressed developments regarding the Ethiopian dam, and both parties agreed that the dam, which violates international law, has serious consequences for downstream countries and represents a continuous threat to stability in the Eastern Nile Basin,” the statement said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, meanwhile, has emphasized that the completed dam ensures a steady flow of water year-round for Egypt and Sudan, prevents floods, and has not caused harm. The dispute, which began with the dam’s construction in 2011, revolves around the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt and Sudan insist on a binding trilateral legal agreement, while Ethiopia maintains no such agreement is necessary.

Egypt and Sudan stressed that “the water security of Sudan and Egypt is one and indivisible” and rejected unilateral actions by Ethiopia that could harm their water interests. They also highlighted risks related to dam safety, uncontrolled water discharges, and drought management.

The statement called on Ethiopia to revise its policy in the Eastern Nile Basin and emphasized that the dispute remains a matter for the three countries only, rejecting attempts to involve other Nile Basin nations.

The Nile River, shared by 11 countries, stretches 6,650 kilometers (4,132 miles) across East Africa.

In a related development, Egypt reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s unity and sovereignty, rejecting all attempts to threaten its national institutions. Foreign Minister Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s backing for regional and international efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis through a Sudanese-led political process aimed at achieving a cease-fire.

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