Ethiopian MP Dismisses Egypt’s GERD Accusations, Cites International Law

Ethiopian MP Mohammed Al-Arousi has strongly refuted Egypt’s repeated accusations that Ethiopia acted unilaterally over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Speaking to ENA, Al-Arousi argued that the claims ignore historical facts and the principles of equitable utilization enshrined in international law.

Al-Arousi pointed out that more than 86% of the Abay River’s waters originate from Ethiopia, underscoring the country’s sovereign right to develop its natural resources. He described Egypt’s narrative as ‘political propaganda’ that seeks to preserve a colonial-era dominance over the Nile.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s 13 years of negotiations and the 2015 Declaration of Principles, which he says Ethiopia has adhered to during the dam’s filling. Al-Arousi cited the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, noting that Egypt is not a party to it.

The MP emphasized that GERD is a national development project financed by Ethiopians without external loans, aimed at providing electricity to over 70 million citizens. He concluded that the dam represents a historic shift toward equitable water governance in the Nile Basin.

Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: Arab News