Conversations > Security

Filling and operating such a mega project as GERD without an agreement and in the absense of any mutually agreed safeguards that protect downstream riparians against the potentially significant harm that may be inflicted upon them constitutes a clear and present danger to Egypt, which could have serious repercussions that threaten international peace and security.

The unilateral filling and operation of this dam, without an agreement that includes the necessary precautions to protect downstream communities and to prevent the infliction of significant harm on their riparian rights, would heighten tensions and could provoke crises and conflicts that further destabilize an already troubled region

This eventuality represents a serious threat to international peace and security. It could also have serious, if not seismic, political ramifications. Downstream States would find themselves in an intolerable situation and create an atmosphere of animosity between our countries and sow the seeds of discord between our peoples.

Unlike the simplistic portrayal given by Egypt, the dispute is not on the legal status of the GERD guidelines. Rather, it is on the content of this guidelines and rules. Egypt wants an instrument that will be cited to foreclose Ethiopia from using the Nile upstream of the GERD. Ethiopia refuses to sign such instrument. Egypt demands Ethiopia to agree to an adversarial and adjudicatory dispute resolution mechanism. Ethiopia offered a consultative dispute resolution mechanism, with a possible involvement of mediators, leaving the last call for heads of governments of the three countries. It should be noted, Egypt do not have any dispute resolution clause in its water sharing agreement with Sudan. Contrarily, Ethiopia within the CFA on the Nile Basin agreed to adjudicatory dispute resolution in the incidence of dispute.

Accordingly, I am writing to inform you that Egypt categorically rejects this further act of unilateralism and intends to bring this matter to the attention of the Security Council. Ethiopia’s persistent policy of unilateralism, and the adverse impacts on Egyptian riparian rights and interests that will result from the continued unilateral filling and operation of the GERD, will have serious political ramifications that could threaten peace and security throughout the region.