Egypt Must Compensate Ethiopia for Abay Water Resources – Former Water Minister

**Former Ethiopian Water Minister Calls for Compensation from Egypt over Nile Use**

*Addis Ababa, 28 August 2026* – In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), former Water Minister Shiferaw Jarso urged the Ethiopian government to seek compensation from Egypt for the use of water from the Abay (Nile) River. Jarso emphasized that Ethiopia contributes roughly 86 percent of the river’s flow and argued that the country should receive economic benefits from its water resources.

Jarso said Egypt’s recent statements opposing Ethiopia’s plans to construct additional water infrastructure on the Abay River “are nothing new” and that “Egypt keeps escalating the Nile issue.” He added that the escalation would not deter Ethiopia from proceeding with new dam projects.

According to the former minister, Ethiopia’s water development master plan already includes several new dams, most of which are intended for hydropower generation rather than large‑scale water consumption. “If we construct new dams for hydropower, there is no additional water that we are using,” Jarso explained, noting that water released from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) can be used repeatedly as it passes through successive dams.

Jarso also argued that the dams could benefit downstream countries by regulating river flow and reducing losses such as evaporation. He highlighted that Ethiopia continues to release water downstream from the GERD and that its goal is “equitable utilization, not depriving Egypt of water.”

The former minister recalled that during his tenure, Ethiopia was required to obtain Egypt’s permission for even small water‑supply projects in the Gambella region, a requirement he said no longer applies. “That history has already passed. Now, we have the capacity. They are not stopping us from anything,” he said.

Jarso suggested that Ethiopia’s ongoing hydropower development could eventually provide electricity to Egypt and other Nile‑basin countries through regional energy cooperation, creating mutual economic gains. He called for an arrangement that recognizes the economic value of Ethiopia’s water resources and ensures “fair compensation and benefit‑sharing.”

He further noted that Ethiopia’s highland geography limits its ability to use all of its water for irrigation and consumption, resulting in a substantial volume naturally flowing downstream. Consequently, he framed dam construction as an opportunity for broader regional cooperation rather than a threat to Egypt.

Addressing the broader Ethiopia‑Egypt tensions, Jarso accused Egypt of pursuing policies aimed at blocking Ethiopia’s development, a stance he said has persisted for decades, particularly concerning the Abay Basin. He urged both the international community and Ethiopians to reject attempts to obstruct Ethiopia’s progress and affirmed that Ethiopia’s diplomatic position on equitable water use has strengthened in recent years.

“Ethiopia will continue to develop. No one can stop us from pursuing our development, including building dams and other projects,” Jarso concluded.

*The interview was conducted by ENA and published on 28 August 2026.*

Article and image source: allafrica.com