Senior Ethiopian Gov’t Official Accuses Egypt of Clinging to Defunct Colonial Claims on Abbay River

Addis Ababa, December 11, 2025 (FMC) — An Egyptian official’s recent hardline rhetoric on Nile water rights reflects an outdated colonial-era mindset that does not align with modern national interests, according to a senior Ethiopian government official.

Bikila Hurisa (PhD), a prominent political figure and governance specialist, made the remarks in response to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty’s recent comments to the BBC on the 13-year negotiation process over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Bikila currently serves as the Minister Coordinator of the Center for Democratic System Building at the Office of the Prime Minister and also heads Public and International Relations at the Prosperity Party.

In the BBC interview, Abdelatty accused Ethiopia of using the negotiations to advance unilateral policies.

Bikila countered that the remarks reflect an outdated approach rooted in insistence on historical claims and a monopoly over Nile waters.

He argued that such rhetoric misrepresents Egypt’s own interests, risks escalating tensions with neighboring countries, and undermines efforts toward an amicable resolution.

The mentality of claiming exclusive rights over Nile waters is misguided, Bikila said, adding that it serves neither the interests of Egyptians nor those of the broader region.

“I think the Egyptian official, in terms of uttering these very hard words, simply indicates the failure to understand the current reality in the world in terms of how national interests are promoted,” he said. “So I strongly believe that they are unable to properly articulate their own interests and also promoting their own interests. Because the colonial-era narratives are no more working, and that’s over, and it will never come back….”

The political figure also criticized Egypt for employing what he described as non-peaceful strategies to advance its interests regarding the Nile waters.

According to Bikila, such actions include recruiting, training, arming, and deploying weak and fragmented proxy groups to destabilize Ethiopia, in addition to maintaining a combative stance toward the country, a local Pan-African media outlet POA reported.

Addis Ababa has repeatedly stated that these actions inflame tensions and undermine regional stability.

As the major contributor to the Nile’s waters, Ethiopia is also intensifying its push to secure access to a seaport. Meanwhile, critics observe that Egypt appears to be attempting to obstruct Ethiopia’s rights, echoing its earlier efforts to restrict Ethiopia’s use of the Abbay/Nile waters.

Asked about Ethiopia’s bid for a Red Sea outlet, Bikila described it as a legitimate, principle-based demand aimed at reclamation, noting that Ethiopia seeks to pursue diplomatic and peaceful avenues to achieve its goals.

He expressed confidence that the international community will understand Ethiopia’s position, saying, “I strongly believe they will gradually recognize Ethiopia’s humble and rightful demand for access to the sea.”

Already inaugurated and operational, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam stands as one of Africa’s flagship projects, advancing energy independence and regional connectivity by powering homes and industries.

Bikila underscored the dam’s potential to promote greater unity in East Africa and across the continent.

It is noteworthy that Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has consistently stressed that Ethiopia’s position is that the issue should be resolved through negotiation and dialogue.