Egypt warns of Nile water security risks amid Ethiopia dam dispute

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has characterized the Nile River's flow as an ‘existential issue that allows for no compromise’ during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Addressing world leaders, Madbouly emphasized that the river is a vital lifeline for Egyptian society and asserted Egypt's right to protect its water security under the UN Charter and international law.

The Prime Minister called for cooperation and legally binding agreements regarding shared water resources, rejecting unilateral measures or the imposition of a ‘fait accompli.’ While stating that Egypt does not oppose the economic development of neighboring nations, he stressed that such progress must not occur at the expense of others.

These remarks intensify the long-standing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Ethiopia inaugurated the dam on September 9, 2025, despite objections from Egypt and Sudan, both of whom have sought a legally binding agreement to govern the dam's filling and operation. Ethiopia has previously refused to sign such an agreement following over a decade of negotiations.