Egypt has called on the countries involved in the River Nile dispute, linked to the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia, to consider a proposal for joint infrastructure development in areas contributed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia as a means to resolve the long-standing conflict.
Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, one of the mediators in the dispute and a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Egypt, stated that discussions aimed at resolving the conflict have been unproductive. He believes that instead of continuing to argue, it would be more beneficial for these nations to collaborate on shared development projects that could benefit all parties involved.
Ambassador Hegazy recommends the construction of a railway connecting all three countries, along with linking rail transport and Ethiopia’s electricity production to Egypt’s energy infrastructure. He also suggests allowing Ethiopia to access water transport through the Suez Canal in Egypt.
Ambassador Hegazy remarked, “I support and propose a comprehensive plan where we can have roads, railways, and interconnected water projects. Ethiopia, which has no port, could be linked through roads and railways to transport goods via the Mediterranean Sea and even export its products using warehouses west of the Suez Canal,”
“This integration would connect the Grand Renaissance Dam project with Egypt’s energy infrastructure, enabling Ethiopia to sell electricity to Europe, as we are connected to the Mediterranean and Europe. Ethiopia has the right to develop the Nile, but Egypt also has the right to protect its historical resources. Preferring dialogue and respecting each party’s rights will lead us further.” He adds
Negotiations spearheaded by the United States appear to have failed, while Ethiopia continues with the second phase of filling the dam. The conflict now involves more nations, including Somalia and Eritrea.