Ethiopia urges peaceful resolution to Nile water dispute, calls for genuine negotiations with Egypt

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia has called for peaceful negotiations with Egypt over the use of the Nile River, dismissing recent allegations from Egypt as “unfounded.” In a letter to the UN Security Council on September 6, 2024, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving transboundary water disputes through regional and bilateral mechanisms.

Ethiopia highlighted the recent ratification of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), establishing the Nile River Basin Commission. This landmark move aims to promote equitable water use among Nile Basin countries, with Ethiopia encouraging Egypt to ratify the agreement and contribute positively.

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Responding to Egypt’s objections regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopia asserted its right to a fair share of Nile waters, emphasizing that any Egyptian water projects do not affect Ethiopia’s development plans.

Ethiopia also expressed its readiness to continue trilateral talks with Egypt and Sudan and urged Egypt to abandon aggressive approaches in favor of genuine, constructive dialogue. The Ethiopian government remains committed to a peaceful and fair solution for all Nile Basin countries.