Arabic version: إثيوبيا تنتقد تصريحات وزير مصري بشأن النيل

According to Allafrica, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy said recent remarks by Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam suggesting Ethiopians lack education were deeply regrettable and reflected what it called a “crude colonial mentality.” The ministry said the remarks illustrated an approach that defines Cairo’s policy in relations with African states.

In a statement issued in Addis Ababa, the ministry said Cairo treats its approval as a prerequisite for countries along the Abay/Nile to develop their water resources. It contrasted that position with Egypt’s construction of the Aswan High Dam, which it said proceeded without consultation with upstream riparian states.

The ministry said inflammatory comments by Egyptian officials and what it described as double standards have no place in basin-wide cooperation. Ethiopia reaffirmed its sovereign right to use its natural resources, including the Abay River, to meet the needs of current and future generations.

It said Ethiopia has consistently argued that transboundary rivers should support cooperation, shared prosperity and regional integration rather than monopolistic contention and exclusion. The ministry rejected what it termed hydro-imperialism and said source countries have inherent rights as sovereign nations.

While some actors frame the Abay River through security and zero-sum competition, the ministry said Ethiopia has invested in watershed rehabilitation, afforestation and environmental conservation to strengthen the basin’s long-term sustainability. It called on Cairo to adopt a 21st-century outlook based on mutual respect and the long-term interests of all parties.