Egypt Daily News – In light of the statements from experts like Abbas Sharaki and former officials such as Diaa El-Din El-Qousi, it’s clear that there are deep concerns about the safety, political implications, and water security in the context of the dam.
Imminent Danger: Abbas Sharaki emphasizes the catastrophic potential of a dam collapse, particularly for Sudan, highlighting the threat to millions of lives residing along the Blue Nile. The concept of a “water bomb” underscores the urgent and serious risks tied to the dam’s structural integrity. Ethiopia, geographically far from the dam, is perceived as safer, raising fears about unequal vulnerabilities.
Government Measures: In response to the dam’s implications, the Egyptian government has invested significantly in water resource management—drilling thousands of artesian wells and modernizing irrigation systems to mitigate water scarcity. Projects such as treatment plants signify efforts to enhance water availability and address the repercussions of potential water shortages.
Financial Burden: The costs associated with the GERD’s impact on Egyptian water resources are staggering. Experts estimate that every billion cubic meters of water withheld could lead to substantial financial liabilities for the state, indicating a heavy economic toll tied to water management and agricultural changes.
Ethiopian Developments: The plans by Ethiopia to build additional dams are viewed as exacerbating the situation. Former Minister Diaa El-Din El-Qousi’s remarks suggest that a tougher diplomatic stance may be necessary, as Ethiopia’s actions are seen as undermining cooperative efforts and potentially escalating conflicts.
Egypt’s Diplomatic Efforts: The recent communications from Egypt’s Foreign Minister to the UN Security Council highlight Egypt’s staunch opposition to what it perceives as Ethiopia’s unilateral actions. The historical context of the Declaration of Principles and ongoing negotiations is critical, with Egypt expressing frustration over the perceived lack of genuine negotiations from Ethiopia.
Call for Cooperation: The overarching theme of Egypt’s message is the need for cooperative strategies that adhere to international law and foster regional stability, rather than actions that could lead to discord among nations sharing the Nile.
Preparedness for Conflict: The firm assertion from Egypt regarding monitoring developments and readiness to protect its interests reflects a broader anxiety that diplomatic solutions may be insufficient. It indicates a potential shift towards more assertive measures if the situation escalates.
The recent meeting of the High Committee for Nile Water, chaired by the Prime Minister, underscored Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding its water security.
The committee emphasized the importance of taking necessary measures to protect these vital resources. Additionally, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation among Nile Basin countries, highlighting Egypt’s advocacy for collective funding efforts aimed at developmental projects.
This approach aligns with internationally recognized cooperative practices and aims to foster prosperity across the region. The committee also expressed concerns about potential tensions and shared poverty that could arise from non-cooperative policies, particularly those from Ethiopia.
The emphasis was on collaboration to prevent conflict and promote mutual benefits for all countries involved.
In summary, the GERD situation illustrates the complex interplay between water security, regional cooperation, and the looming threat of conflict over shared resources in an area heavily reliant on the Nile River. As negotiations stall and tensions rise, the stakes for Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia remain extraordinarily high.
