Ruto’s Presence at Ethiopia Dam Launch Sparks Egypt’s Frustration

Egypt has expressed frustration after President William Ruto attended the high-level launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), citing concerns that the event undermined ongoing negotiations over the Nile Basin waters.

Ambassador Hatem Yousri Hosni, Egypt’s envoy to Kenya, on Wednesday, September 24, said the construction of the dam violates international law and does not respect established legal frameworks.

While noting that Egypt respects the right of every Nile Basin country to benefit from the waters through electricity generation, he expressed disappointment that Kenya participated in the launch.

“We were frustrated that Kenya was represented at that event. No other country from the Basin was present only Kenya. Djibouti and Somalia are not part of the Nile Basin,” he said.

Egypt Frustrated After Ruto Attends Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Launch

The Ambassador, however, stressed that Egypt continues to regard Kenya as a genuine and trusted friend. He noted that, while South Sudan’s position has been a source of frustration, Kenya occupies a unique and elevated place in Egypt’s foreign policy agenda.

“Your benefiting from the Ethiopian dam does not harm us. Our issue with Ethiopia is not about the electricity they generate but about the Nile waters. We must reach a bilateral or trilateral agreement between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia an agreement that is binding under international law,” he said.

Egypt has long expressed concerns that Ethiopia’s dam project, located on the Blue Nile, could reduce the water flow downstream, potentially threatening its agricultural and domestic water supply.

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Hosni Slams Ethiopia for Ignoring Nile Water Agreements

Ethiopia, however, maintains that the GERD is vital for its energy security and economic development, leaving Sudan caught between the two regional powers. 

Ambassador Hosni reiterated that Egypt would never tolerate any infringement on its rights over the Nile waters, describing the river as “an existential part of our life.”

“This is an eternal bond that we must preserve, not fight over. We should cooperate on it. And as Kenyans are giving us the water to live, we are willing to give you back in return through electricity, healthcare, social welfare, housing, and social housing projects that you are undertaking,” he said.

He further noted that Egypt has sought a treaty for over a decade that protects its rights while ensuring the equitable use of Nile waters.

Hosni cited failed negotiations in Washington during the first Trump administration, alleging Ethiopia “failed to show up” at the final stage, buying time to continue dam construction.

“In Washington, for instance, we were ready to sign a treaty after lengthy negotiations during the first administration of President Donald Trump. At the very last moment, however, Ethiopia failed to show up. They were simply buying time to complete the construction of the dam,” Ambassador Hosni said.

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Wetang’ula Urges Egypt to Seek Inclusive Dialogue Over Nile Dispute

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, while meeting the envoy, called on the Government of Egypt to adopt an inclusive approach in resolving its long-standing dispute with Ethiopia over the use of Nile Basin waters.

Wetang’ula emphasized that the conflict surrounding the dam project can only be sustainably resolved through consensus, mutual respect, and the involvement of all stakeholders.

He urged Cairo to “call everybody to the table” to reach an amicable settlement that safeguards regional peace and stability.

“We have no problem with you, Egypt, nor with our neighbours in Ethiopia. In fact, we are beneficiaries of the Renaissance Dam since we import electricity from them. And as my President recently said, if you, Egypt, have any concerns about the Nile, do not focus solely on Ethiopia. Call everyone to the table, and together we can help resolve the issues,” said Wetang’ula.

The Speaker emphasized that water, as a shared resource, should unite rather than divide nations, adding that dialogue offers the only sustainable solution to the decades-long impasse.

He cautioned against unilateral actions that could escalate tensions in the region, warning that such moves risk destabilizing the Horn of Africa.

“Kenya contributes significantly to the Nile waters through Lake Victoria, and as part of the Basin, we have a responsibility to advocate for collective solutions that respect the rights and needs of all countries involved,” he noted.

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