Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation during his interview with MBC Masr Channel.
Egypt warns of "massive destruction" in Sudan over Ethiopia's Nile Dam
Egypt has voiced strong concerns over Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), warning that its operation may pose serious risks to Sudan and calling the project "illegitimate" under international law.
In a recent television interview, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam, said that Ethiopia violated the 2015 Declaration of Principles—signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia—by unilaterally filling and operating the dam. He highlighted that Ethiopia has not reached a binding agreement on the dam’s filling and operation procedures, nor has it shared crucial data or notified downstream countries of sudden changes that could affect the flow of the Nile.
Dr. Sewilam emphasized that Sudan faces the gravest dangers due to its proximity to the dam, noting that any unplanned discharges from GERD could quickly impact Sudanese infrastructure, including the Rosieres Dam. Egypt, he explained, has a slightly larger buffer to react to any sudden changes, but both nations remain at risk.
The minister also expressed doubt over Ethiopia's reassurances, challenging Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to formalize recent promises into a legally binding agreement that guarantees water security for both Egypt and Sudan. Dr. Sewilam reiterated that Egypt relies on the Nile for 97% of its fresh water and considers the issue not just technical or developmental, but a matter of national security and sovereignty.
These comments come as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the dam's construction is now complete and invited Egypt and Sudan to attend its official opening in September, insisting the project is aimed at regional development and not intended to harm downstream neighbors.
Despite these assurances, negotiations over the dam have remained stalled for years. Egypt continues to press for legal guarantees to protect its water share, while Ethiopia insists that GERD is critical for its own development and energy needs.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has become one of Africa's most significant transboundary water disputes, with the entire Nile Basin – and the world – watching closely.