Ethiopia Rejects Egypt’s Unfounded GERD Claims at UN General Assembly

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has strongly rejected what it described as unfounded and misleading claims made by Egypt regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Responding to Egypt’s remarks in the Assembly’s general debate, Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye, exercised the Right of Reply and underscored that Egypt’s repeated allegations about the GERD have even been brought to the UN Security Council, despite their lack of credibility.

He stressed that Ethiopia has consistently provided responses rooted in international law, cooperation, and principle. “The stark contrast between Ethiopia’s long-standing policy of cooperation and Egypt’s continued hostility is clear,” Ambassador Yoseph said, reaffirming that Ethiopia’s position on the Nile is anchored in the universally accepted principle of equitable and reasonable utilization.

Ethiopia criticized Egypt for clinging to so-called “historic rights” derived from colonial-era treaties that excluded most Nile Basin countries. Ambassador Yoseph noted that while Ethiopia is working to harness the Nile to ensure access to clean water, food security, and electricity for its people, Egypt continues to deny these rights through outdated claims of monopoly over the river.

He recalled that Ethiopia had engaged Egypt throughout the GERD’s planning and construction, in contrast to Egypt’s unilateral construction of the Aswan High Dam, which displaced communities and destroyed ancient civilizations without regional consultation.

Despite multiple negotiation rounds, Ethiopia said Egypt has sought unreasonable concessions without showing genuine intent for a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. “Egypt’s entire focus has been to extract recognition of colonial-era entitlements and secure full control over the Nile Basin,” Ambassador Yoseph stated.

He further accused Egypt of undermining peace and regional integration by fueling instability in neighboring countries through arms supplies and political interference. “There is no parallel comparison between Ethiopia and Egypt. Our determination to cooperate comes from the just nature of our cause and the shared future we envision with our neighbors,” he emphasized.

Ethiopia also criticized Egypt for attempting to internationalize the GERD issue, describing it as an effort to exploit the UN platform for narrow political purposes and to divert attention from its internal and regional challenges.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Yoseph urged Egypt to abandon hostile approaches and instead play a constructive role in fostering regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to building a future of shared prosperity with all Nile Basin countries.