Colonial Treaties Invalid: Egypt Must Change Stance

Professor Yakob Arsano explained that treaties concerning Nile water resources, previously signed by Egypt and the United Kingdom, are not binding on upstream countries that were not parties to them.

This is because, according to international relations and international law, the principle applies that non-member states of a specific agreement are not bound by that agreement.

Over the past 50-60 years, Ethiopia has constructed several dams in the Nile basin, including the Tekeze, Tana Beles, and Alwero (Abobo) dams.

Professor Yakob Arsano emphasized that Ethiopia possesses the legal right to independent development and the welfare of its people, and the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is also part of this legitimate exercise of development rights.

Professor Yakob Arsano pointed out that Egypt has intentionally supported forces that could negatively impact the Ethiopian government and society, thereby causing internal tensions and backing separatist movements.

He cited the support for the Eritrean independence movement in 1961 as a specific example, criticizing such hostile actions as aiming to harm inter-state friendship and weaken Ethiopia.

There is a strong call for Nile water resources to be utilized as a friendly asset among East African nations. Upstream countries have urged Egypt to rejoin the Nile Basin Initiative, and Professor Yakob Arsano stressed that Egypt would gain greater benefits by abandoning hostility and embracing cooperation.

Nile water resources should be used as a friendly asset among East African countries, and upstream nations have urged Egypt to rejoin the Nile Basin Initiative to promote common prosperity.