Egypt Vows to Protect Nile Rights After Ethiopia Announces New Dams

Cairo, Egypt – Egypt has issued a firm response to Ethiopia’s announcement of new dam construction on the Nile River, vowing to protect its water rights, according to a report from العربية published on Tuesday.

The Arabic-language outlet reported that Egypt stated it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its interests in the river’s waters. The statement follows Ethiopia’s recent declaration of plans to build additional dams, a move that has heightened longstanding tensions between the two countries over Nile water allocation.

Egypt’s response was echoed by other regional media. According to Youm7, an Egyptian official delivered a "decisive message" saying Cairo would adopt every available measure to defend its people's rights to Nile water. Meanwhile, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to transboundary cooperation on the Nile file, as reported by Akhbar Al-Youm.

The dispute has also sparked rhetoric from the Ethiopian side. CNN Arabic reported that a former Ethiopian minister has called on his government to demand "compensation" from Egypt over Nile water usage. That suggestion drew a sharp rebuke from former Egyptian minister Osama Kamal, who, according to Shorouk News, dismissed the idea with sarcastic remarks about international law.

egypt

The Nile River is a vital resource for both nations, and negotiations over dam construction and water sharing have been contentious for years. Ethiopia has argued that its dam projects are essential for development, while Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its freshwater supply, has consistently opposed any significant reduction in water flow.

Observers will be watching whether these latest statements escalate into renewed diplomatic efforts or further strain relations between Cairo and Addis Ababa.