Sisi and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Reaffirm Diplomatic Approach on Ethiopia’s Dam

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said Egypt will continue to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful solutions in dealing with Ethiopia’s dam, while stressing that such an approach would not be allowed to “come at the expense of Egypt’s existence and its people.” 

Speaking during an expanded meeting on Tuesday, 29 September, at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Capital, attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, cabinet ministers, military and police commanders, El-Sisi also pointed to Egypt’s efforts to strengthen domestic water security through desalination, water treatment, and water reuse.

Egypt has argued before for a negotiated solution that protects its water rights, and reiterated at the United Nations General Assembly this week that water security is an existential issue. 

Cairo said it reserves its legitimate right under international law to safeguard that security. 

In his remarks, El-Sisi linked the building of the Ethiopian dam to the upheaval Egypt experienced between 2011 and 2013, saying that period imposed heavy costs on the country.

Alongside the diplomatic position, El-Sisi outlined how Egypt is working to increase available water resources, while also noting the economic pressures the country has faced in recent years. 

He said Egypt lost around USD 20 billion (EGP 1 trillion) in Suez Canal revenue amid regional instability, and described consecutive crises since 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the war on Gaza. 

He added that regional developments have pushed up oil and commodity prices, affecting domestic prices, and said Cairo is working to reduce tensions and prevent renewed fighting. 

El-Sisi further reaffirmed that peace remains Egypt’s strategic choice and presented the Palestinian issue as central to stability in the Middle East, reiterating support for a two-state solution. 

In the same setting, the president urged greater public confidence in state institutions and stronger efforts to counter what he described as attempts to spread frustration and misinformation via social media. 

Additionally, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reinforced Cairo’s stance on Ethiopia’s dam, saying on Tuesday that Egypt would not accept additional dams or unilateral measures affecting its water share, describing water security as “a matter of life or death.” 

Speaking during El-Sisi’s meeting with Egyptian Military Academy students at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Capital, Abdelatty said water is an existential issue for Egypt and stressed that Cairo will not allow any reduction in its water share resulting from decisions taken by a single country.

Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s position is consistent with international law governing boundary waterways and enjoys broad international support. He stated that Egypt would use the means available under international law to protect its water interests, while also stressing that Cairo does not interfere in Ethiopia’s internal affairs, wishes Ethiopians well, and recognizes their right to development. 

He also noted water security features in discussions Egypt holds with world leaders, including during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Egypt. 

Abdelatty said the Egypt-China joint statement recognized Egypt’s water-security interests and urged Nile Basin states to abide by international law. He added that Egypt faces water poverty and needs to double its water allocation rather than preserve the current share to meet growing demand.