Egypt and Sudan view Ethiopia's Nile dam project as a potential risk

The governments of Egypt and Sudan have issued a joint statement expressing their concerns over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, a project they describe as a threat to their water security and regional stability.

According to the statement, the dam represents a continuous threat to stability in the Eastern Nile Basin. Egypt and Sudan have highlighted risks related to dam safety, uncontrolled water discharges, and drought management. They have also rejected unilateral actions by Ethiopia that could harm their water interests.

The statement was made following talks in Cairo between Egyptian and Sudanese officials. The consultations addressed developments regarding the Ethiopian dam, with both countries agreeing that the dam, which they believe violates international law, has serious consequences for downstream countries.

Foreign Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt's backing for regional and international efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. Egypt reaffirmed its support for Sudan's unity and sovereignty, and rejected any attempts to threaten Sudan's national institutions.

Egypt and Sudan emphasized that the water security of Sudan and Egypt is one and indivisible. They have urged Ethiopia to revise its policy in the Eastern Nile Basin. Attempts to involve other Nile Basin nations in the dispute have been rejected.

The statement from Egypt and Sudan's joint foreign ministry comes amidst ongoing tensions over the GERD. The dam, spanning 6,650 kilometers (4,132 miles) across East Africa and shared by 11 countries, has been a point of contention between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia for several years.

In a show of unity, Egypt has also expressed its support for a Sudanese-led political process aimed at achieving a cease-fire. The statement from the joint foreign ministry does not mention any specific concerns about the dam's impact on water security or regional stability. However, it underscores the shared concerns of Egypt and Sudan and their commitment to resolving the issue through diplomatic means.