Diaspora Ethiopian organisations scold Egypt over GERD ‘threat’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ETHIOPIA: At least 34 Ethiopian organisations based abroad have hit back at Egypt for its latest threat against refiling the GERD dam terming the remarks as counterproductive posture.”

The organisations said remarks by Egypt that all ‘options are on the table’ would make it difficult for Ethiopia to cooperate in the GERD issue which has been running since 2015.

“Efforts to destabilise Ethiopia by the regime in Egypt, will indeed affect the long-term interest of the Egyptian people and make Ethiopians less trusting in cooperating on the GERD and future hydropower projects on the Nile,” the organisations said in a joint statement.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned mid-last month that his country would consider all options available to respond to the GERD crisis.

“All options are open, and all alternatives remain available, and Egypt has its capabilities, its foreign relations, and its capabilities,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned.

The exchanges come as Ethiopia prepares for the fourth refilling of the GERD. Cairo has fiercely opposed the dam filling which it said posed an existential threat and could destabilise the region.

The Ethiopian organisations also noted that Egypt’s stance went against previous agreements going back to 2015.

“Belligerent positions by Egyptian leaders stating all options are open’’ are contrary to the spirit of the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.”