Egypt's GERD claims can't alter Ethiopia's sovereign water rights

• The GERD is a development project aimed at supporting Ethiopia's economic growth and improving the livelihoods of its people.
• Ethiopia has a legitimate right to use its water resources for development due to its location in the African highlands.
• Egypt's efforts to raise the GERD issue at international platforms have not affected Ethiopia's development aspirations.

The Abay River, which originates in Ethiopia, is a prime example of this principle, with major transboundary rivers flowing through the region originating within Ethiopian territory.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been at the center of a long-standing dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia, with Egypt claiming that the dam will alter Ethiopia's sovereign right to utilize its natural resources. However, experts argue that this claim is unfounded, as Ethiopia's location in the African highlands gives it a legitimate right to use its water resources for development. The Abay River, which originates in Ethiopia, is a prime example of this principle, with major transboundary rivers flowing through the region originating within Ethiopian territory. This geographical reality has been internationally recognized, and Ethiopia's approach to managing its water resources is based on cooperation and shared benefits, rather than confrontation or domination.

The GERD is a development project aimed at supporting Ethiopia's economic growth and improving the livelihoods of its people. The dam will provide hydroelectric power, irrigation water, and other benefits to the Ethiopian people, while also avoiding significant harm to downstream countries. In fact, experts argue that the GERD can contribute to the development of all riparian countries when managed through dialogue, mutual understanding, and partnership. This approach is in line with Ethiopia's National Dialogue process, which has been progressing positively and addressing major national issues related to political, economic, and social reforms.

Despite Egypt's claims that the GERD will alter Ethiopia's sovereign right to its resources, the international community has recognized Ethiopia's right to undertake development projects on its own resources as long as they do not cause significant harm to others. In fact, Egypt's efforts to raise the GERD issue at international platforms have not affected Ethiopia's development aspirations. The African Union and other regional organizations have acknowledged Ethiopia's right to develop its natural resources, and the country has made significant progress in recent years. The ongoing National Dialogue process is a testament to this progress, with participants witnessing its constructive nature firsthand.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the ongoing dispute over the GERD's impact on Ethiopia's water resources, which may have implications for investment and trade agreements between Ethiopia and downstream countries.

Source: Original reporting via ENA