Ethiopia Responds to the Statement of the Alliance of Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia

Addis Ababa (Caasimada Online) – The Federal Government of Ethiopia has officially responded to the statement issued from the quadrilateral consultation summit of the leaders of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia that took place in the city of El Alamein, which included points related to regional and global issues.

The leaders of the four countries strongly emphasized the importance of respecting international law governing transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, particularly the principle of not causing harm, and the obligation of cooperation through prior notification, consultation, and agreement.

Additionally, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia have urged the Addis Ababa government not to unilaterally benefit from the waters of the Nile, from which it has previously constructed a dam to generate electricity.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently issued a statement indicating that it is pursuing its interests in the utilization of the waters of the Nile River, while also stating that there is an interest pushing for a route to the Red Sea, as it put it.

Ethiopia argued that geographically and historically it has a close relationship with the Red Sea, noting that the border of Ethiopia is approximately 30 miles from the coast of the Red Sea.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also added that it will not negotiate on the protection of its sovereignty and territory, and it is prepared for self-defense regarding its internal matters and its specific interests.

The ministry also called for issues related to water and the Red Sea to be based on geographical and historical facts, emphasizing its preference for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, while defending its independence and national interests.

This statement comes as Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia have fully rejected any unilateral actions taken by one side, which negatively affects the current use of water in the two countries located in the lower part of the Nile River.