Egypt has sharply criticized Ethiopia over recent floods in Sudan and damage in the Nile Delta, linking the disasters to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called Ethiopian policies irresponsible during a meeting with his Dutch counterpart on October 8, 2025, warning that unilateral actions on the Nile River threaten lives and lands in downstream countries.
Floods Strike Sudan and Egypt
Heavy floods hit Sudan and northern Egypt in late September and early October 2025, displacing thousands and submerging homes and farms. In Sudan, rising Nile waters caused widespread destruction, while Egypt reported damage to Nile Delta villages from unusually high water levels.
Officials in Cairo pointed to Ethiopia’s dam operations as the main cause. They said sudden water releases without warning led to the surge, beyond normal seasonal peaks. Sudan faced similar issues, with floods peaking later than usual, forcing residents to use boats for movement.
Rescue teams worked around the clock to help affected areas. Reports showed at least 200 people dead in Sudan from the floods, with more than 100,000 displaced. Egypt saw less loss of life but major agricultural harm.
Egypt Accuses Ethiopia of Reckless Actions
Egyptian leaders accused Ethiopia of ignoring calls for coordination on dam management. Abdelatty stressed that Ethiopia’s unilateral steps violated international norms for shared rivers. He noted that Egypt had warned about such risks for years.
The criticism came during a joint press conference in Cairo. Abdelatty described the dam issue as an existential threat to Egypt, which relies on the Nile for most of its water needs. He urged global partners to pressure Ethiopia for binding agreements.
Egypt demands prior notice before any dam fillings or releases. Without this, officials fear more floods or droughts could hit food production and water supplies.
Key demands from Egypt include:
- Full coordination with Egypt and Sudan on water flows.
- Binding legal pacts to protect downstream shares.
- International monitoring of dam operations.
Ethiopia Defends Its Dam Project
Ethiopia rejected the blame and claimed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam actually helped control floods. Officials in Addis Ababa said the structure reduced water surges in Sudan by storing excess during heavy rains.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the dam’s benefits after its inauguration on September 9, 2025. He called it vital for Ethiopia’s growth, aiming to double electricity output and serve millions without power.
Ethiopia insists the dam poses no harm and boosts regional development. They argue that natural rainfall, not dam actions, caused the floods, and point to climate change as a bigger factor.
A timeline of key events shows the ongoing tensions:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Ethiopia starts building the GERD on the Blue Nile. |
| 2020 | First filling of the dam begins amid protests from Egypt and Sudan. |
| September 2025 | Ethiopia inaugurates the dam, sparking fresh disputes. |
| Late September 2025 | Floods hit Sudan, blamed on dam releases. |
| October 2025 | Egypt condemns Ethiopia during diplomatic talks. |
Historical Roots of the Nile Dispute
The conflict dates back over a decade, tied to colonial-era treaties that gave Egypt and Sudan most Nile water rights. Ethiopia, source of the Blue Nile, challenged this with the dam project in 2011.
Negotiations stalled multiple times, with failed talks in 2024 leaving no deal. Egypt fears reduced water flow could hurt its 100 million people, while Sudan worries about both floods and shortages.
Recent events, like the 2025 floods, revived old fears. Experts say climate shifts and population growth add pressure on the river, serving 11 countries.
The dam, Africa’s largest hydropower project, holds 74 billion cubic meters of water. It promises clean energy but raises questions about fair sharing.
Impacts on Regional Stability
The dispute risks broader unrest in the Horn of Africa. Sudan, already in civil war, saw floods worsen humanitarian crises. Egypt warned of threats to lives if coordination fails.
International bodies like the United Nations called for dialogue. The African Union tried mediating, but progress remains slow.
Analysts predict more conflicts over water as global warming intensifies. Ethiopia’s energy goals clash with downstream needs, potentially affecting trade and alliances.
Calls for Resolution and Cooperation
Experts suggest a shared management plan could ease tensions. This might include data sharing on water levels and joint oversight.
As floods recede, focus turns to recovery and prevention. Egypt plans to strengthen its case in global forums, while Ethiopia pushes for recognition of its rights.
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