Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Irrigation, disclosed that there have been no recent breakthroughs concerning the Renaissance Dam issue, affirming that continuing talks on the matter is merely a time-consuming endeavor.
Sewilam stated that Cairo has formally ended negotiations and will not entertain a return to discussions in the proposed format, deeming it a futile exercise. He emphasized that Egypt’s stance on this matter is unequivocal and straightforward.
The government official elaborated that the potential risks posed by this dam, constructed by Ethiopia, would be most pronounced in the event of extended drought.
Sewilam emphasized that prioritizing water security for downstream countries, namely Egypt and Sudan, supersedes considerations of electricity generation.
Sewilam further noted that Egypt relies on Nile waters for 97% of its needs and reiterated that the nation is not opposed to development initiatives in Africa as long as they respect its national security concerns.
Ethiopia’s construction of the Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile River, slated to be Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, is a source of contention.
Ethiopia asserts that the project is crucial for its economic advancement, aiming to become Africa’s primary electricity provider with a capacity exceeding 6,000 megawatts.
In contrast, Egypt is apprehensive about the dam’s impact on its annual allocation of Nile waters, amounting to 55.5 billion cubic meters, while Sudan receives 18.5 billion cubic meters.
Both Egypt and Sudan insist that Ethiopia halt the dam-filling operations on the Blue Nile, the river’s main tributary, until a comprehensive agreement is reached among the three parties regarding the dam’s operation and management.
