Ethiopia: Ex-Minister Urges Demand For Egypt Nile Water Compensation

• Former Ethiopian Water Minister Shiferaw Jarso called for Ethiopia to demand compensation from Egypt for its use of Nile water resources.
• Ethiopia contributes approximately 86 percent of the Nile's flow and plans to build more dams primarily for hydropower, not large-scale consumption.
• Jarso argued that Ethiopia's dams could benefit downstream nations by regulating water flow and reducing losses, while promoting regional energy cooperation.
• The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) demonstrates Ethiopia's independent capacity to finance and implement major projects, signaling a shift in regional power dynamics.
• Ethiopia maintains its commitment to equitable utilization of Nile waters, seeking fair compensation and benefit-sharing for its resources.

Ethiopia's former Water Minister emphasized that the nation, as the primary source of the Nile's waters, should not merely provide this vital resource while downstream countries disproportionately reap its benefits.

Ethiopia's former Water Minister, Shiferaw Jarso, has urged the Ethiopian government to formally demand compensation from Egypt for its historical utilization of the Abay (Nile) River's water resources. This call comes amidst ongoing tensions regarding Ethiopia's water infrastructure development plans, which Egypt has frequently opposed. Jarso highlighted that Ethiopia contributes approximately 86 percent of the Nile's total flow, underscoring its significant role as the primary source.

Speaking to ENA, Jarso dismissed Egypt's recent threats concerning Ethiopia's construction of additional water infrastructure on the Abay River as a familiar pattern. He asserted that Egypt's escalating rhetoric surrounding the Abay River will not deter Ethiopia from proceeding with its plans to build more dams. The former minister emphasized that Ethiopia has consistently advocated for the equitable utilization of Nile waters, a principle that underpins its development strategy.

Jarso's proposal for Ethiopia demands Egypt Nile water compensation is rooted in the argument that Ethiopia, as the principal source of the Nile's waters, should not simply supply the resource while downstream nations disproportionately benefit. He advocates for an arrangement that acknowledges the economic value of Ethiopia's water resources, ensuring fair compensation and benefit-sharing, a concept central to international water law Ethiopia Egypt discussions. Ethiopia has long-standing plans to harness its share of Abay waters, with the construction of additional dams being an integral part of its established water development master plan.

These planned dams, according to Jarso, are primarily intended for hydropower generation rather than extensive water consumption, meaning they do not significantly reduce the water volume flowing downstream. He explained that the same water harvested in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) can generate energy repeatedly as it progresses through a series of dams. Furthermore, Ethiopia's highland geography naturally limits its capacity for large-scale irrigation and consumption, ensuring a substantial amount of water continues its journey downstream. This natural flow, combined with the regulatory benefits of dams, positions Ethiopia's infrastructure as a potential asset for the entire basin.

The former minister suggested that Ethiopia's dams could offer tangible benefits to downstream countries by regulating water flow and mitigating losses, including those caused by evaporation. He affirmed that Ethiopia continues to release water downstream from the GERD, reiterating that the nation's objective is equitable utilization, not to deprive Egypt of water. The GERD itself stands as a testament to Ethiopia's capability to independently finance and execute major development projects, a significant shift from a past where even minor water supply initiatives in regions like Gambella reportedly required Egypt's consent during Jarso's tenure.

This newfound capacity signifies an end to historical dependencies, allowing Ethiopia to pursue its development agenda without external permission. Jarso argued that Ethiopia's ongoing hydropower development, a key aspect of the Ethiopia Egypt water rights dispute, could ultimately benefit Egypt and other regional countries through enhanced electricity supply and regional energy cooperation, fostering mutual economic gains. He urged Egypt to support Ethiopia's efforts in water resource development, particularly in hydropower and watershed management, viewing Ethiopia's dam construction as an opportunity for broader regional collaboration rather than a threat. Jarso also accused Egypt of decades-long policies aimed at obstructing Ethiopia's development, particularly in the context of Nile equitable utilization compensation.

Lawyers advising clients on international water law, infrastructure development, or regional investment in the Nile basin should monitor this call for compensation, as it signals a potential hardening of Ethiopia's stance and could influence future international agreements, investment risk assessments, or even potential litigation regarding water resource utilization and benefit-sharing.

Source: Original reporting via ENA