Egypt says Ethiopian Dam operations require constant updates to water management plans
Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources is adjusting its water management plans due to unpredictable flow fluctuations caused by Ethiopia's operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Officials emphasize that the lack of a formal data-sharing agreement with Ethiopia complicates their ability to manage water resources during peak demand.
Why it matters
The management of the Nile River is a critical geopolitical issue affecting water security and regional stability in East Africa and Egypt.
Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said fluctuations in water releases resulting from Ethiopia’s unilateral operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) require continuous updates to the operating plans of Egypt’s dams and water infrastructure.
The assessment came during a meeting of the Permanent Committee for Nile River Flow Regulation, chaired by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, to review water availability during the country’s peak demand season, according to a ministry statement.
The committee reviewed developments related to the operation of the GERD, which Egypt described as “illegal and contrary to international law”, saying the absence of a legally binding agreement governing the dam’s operation and data-sharing has created variability in Nile river flows.
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