Egypt's Stand on GERD: A Detailed Analysis of Dr. Badr Abd Al-Aaty's Address to the UN Security Council

Backdrop of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Dispute

On September 1, 2024, Dr. Badr Abd Al-Aaty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered an imperative address to the United Nations Security Council in response to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent announcements regarding the fifth stage of filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This development has reignited diplomatic tensions among the riparian nations of the Nile River Basin—Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Violation of International Agreements

Dr. Badr Abd Al-Aaty unequivocally criticized Ethiopia's unilateral actions, asserting that they contravene international law and the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. This accord was intended to establish a framework for cooperation and mutual trust among the nations sharing the Nile’s waters. Moreover, Egypt highlighted that Ethiopia’s approach also defies a 2021 UN Security Council statement that called for a peaceful resolution through continued negotiations.

Implications for Regional Stability

Egypt voiced deep concerns about the broader implications of Ethiopia’s independent decisions. Dr. Badr Abd Al-Aaty emphasized that such measures endanger regional stability and undermine years of delicate negotiations aimed at a cooperative and sustainable arrangement for the GERD’s operations. He argued that Ethiopia’s tactical moves could spark conflict and destabilize the entire region, which is already fraught with geopolitical complexities.

Egypt's Call for a Collaborative Solution

The address underscored Egypt’s long-standing insistence on a multilateral approach to the GERD issue. Dr. Badr Abd Al-Aaty reiterated that while Egypt supports Ethiopia's right to development, this should not come at the expense of other nations' water security and sovereign rights. Egypt called on the international community to uphold the principles of cooperation and equitable resource allocation, urging for an immediate resumption of talks mediated by impartial entities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Egypt’s address to the UN Security Council serves as a critical juncture in the ongoing GERD discourse. By shedding light on Ethiopia’s perceived violations and articulating a potent case for collaborative problem-solving, Dr. Badr Abd Al-Aaty highlighted the need for urgent and concerted international interventions to safeguard regional stability and uphold decades-long diplomatic achievements.