Egypt is pushing for a collaborative approach to end the long-standing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) by proposing joint infrastructure projects between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, a key mediator and former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized that negotiations have reached a deadlock, urging the three nations to shift focus toward shared economic and developmental integration.
With Ethiopia proceeding with the second phase of filling the dam despite unresolved disagreements, tensions over water rights persist. Egypt and Sudan fear the dam will significantly reduce their Nile water share, while Ethiopia views the project as essential for its development. Ambassador Hegazy suggests that instead of prolonged disputes, the countries should collaborate on railways, energy networks, and trade routes to foster mutual benefits.
His proposal includes constructing a railway linking Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, integrating Ethiopia’s electricity production with Egypt’s energy grid, and granting Ethiopia access to Egypt’s Suez Canal for water transport. “Ethiopia, which lacks a port, could export goods via the Mediterranean using Egyptian infrastructure,” Hegazy stated. He also highlighted the potential for Ethiopia to sell surplus electricity to Europe through Egypt’s grid.
Despite U.S.-led mediation efforts, talks have faltered, and the dispute has drawn in neighboring nations like Somalia and Eritrea, complicating regional dynamics. Egypt maintains that while Ethiopia has a right to development, Cairo’s historical Nile water rights must be respected. Hegazy stressed that dialogue and mutual cooperation—rather than unilateral actions—are the only sustainable solutions.
As Ethiopia moves forward with the GERD, Egypt’s call for integration presents a possible pathway to de-escalation. However, without a binding agreement, the Nile dispute remains a critical challenge for regional stability. The international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that balances development needs with water security for all.
