Egypt, Somalia Condemn Ethiopia's Approach Over Nile Dam Dispute

A member of the Republican March Band poses for photo before at the ceremony for the inaugural production of energy at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. AFP
A member of the Republican March Band poses for photo before at the ceremony for the inaugural production of energy at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. AFP
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Egypt, Somalia Condemn Ethiopia's Approach Over Nile Dam Dispute

A member of the Republican March Band poses for photo before at the ceremony for the inaugural production of energy at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. AFP
A member of the Republican March Band poses for photo before at the ceremony for the inaugural production of energy at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. AFP

Egypt and Somalia have rejected unilateral actions by Ethiopia involving international river projects, a statement from the Egyptian presidency has said.

This came as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks with Somalia President Sheikh Mohamud. The two leaders held a joint press conference on Monday.

In remarks about the dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, both leaders agreed on the seriousness of Addis Ababa’s “unilateral policies” while implementing projects on international rivers.

Sisi underscored the importance of reaching a legally binding agreement on operating and filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as soon as possible to maintain regional security and stability.

The dispute was sparked between Ethiopia and the Nile’s downstream countries in 2011, when it began the dam construction in a bid to become Africa’s biggest power exporter, generating more than 6,000 megawatts.

Egypt fears that the dam will damage its limited share of the Nile water, about 55.5 billion cubic meters, which the country needs for more than 90% for its supply of drinking water, irrigation for agriculture and industry.

Addis Ababa has recently launched the third phase of GERD filling “unilaterally” and without reaching any agreement with Sudan and Egypt.

Sisi said talks with his counterpart touched on developments in the GERD issue.

Both sides agreed on the need to adhere to the principle of cooperation and prior consultation among neighboring countries to ensure they suffer no harm, in line with the relevant rules of international law.

Sisi said talks focused on the situation in the Horn of Africa, noting that he agreed with the Somali President to work together to consolidate security and stability in this key strategic area.

They further decided to intensify cooperation and coordination on the security of the Red Sea and emphasized the countries’ responsibility to formulate all policies related to that vital waterway, from an integrated perspective that takes into account the various developmental, economic and security aspects.

Sisi said Cairo supports efforts to promote security and peace in Somalia, eliminate terrorism and achieve the aspirations of the Somalis to have a better future that will help the country reassume its active and influential role in the Horn of Africa, at the Arab and continental levels.

He extended his congratulations to his counterpart on assuming the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia, considering it a key step on the path toward reinforcing stability in Somalia and represents a pivotal importance in the Horn of Africa region.

According to Sisi, the deliberations reflected the common views with regard to a multitude of bilateral and regional issues of common interest.

He said they reviewed progress achieved in joint projects between Egypt and Somalia and agreed on the importance of their joint action to strengthen economic development efforts in Somalia.

This is in addition to efforts to open branches for Banque Misr, which were culminated in early July when the Central Bank of Somalia issued the final license to Banque Misr to operate within the country.

Mahmoud, for his part, underscored the support his country receives from Egypt, noting that it helps achieve mutual interests in the region and the world.

He further hailed the historical bilateral relations over the past decades that culminated in joint economic and security projects, as well as social services.



Marzouki’s Case Referred to Anti-Terrorism Unit, Former Tunisian President Faces 20 New Charges

Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki (AFP)
Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki (AFP)
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Marzouki’s Case Referred to Anti-Terrorism Unit, Former Tunisian President Faces 20 New Charges

Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki (AFP)
Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki (AFP)

Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki announced on Tuesday that he had been informed his case had been transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Judicial Unit. He now faces 20 charges, including inciting internal unrest and spreading false information.
Marzouki wrote on X that his brother, Mokhles, was summoned on Monday to the police station of El Kantaoui (governorate of Sousse) to sign a document stating that Moncef Marzouki’s case had been referred to the Anti-Terrorist Judicial Unit.
Marzouki wrote that he had already been convicted to four and eight years in prison in two separate cases.
He concluded his post with a famous quote borrowed from Abu al-Qasim al-Shabi, “Night will no doubt dissipate.”
Last February, a Tunisian court sentenced former president Moncef Marzouki to eight years in prison in absentia.
The charges against Marzouki, who lives in Paris, stemmed from remarks he made that authorities said violated laws and triggered incitement to overthrow the government.
Marzouki served as the first democratically elected president of Tunisia from 2011 to 2014.
This is the second time Moncef Marzouki has been sentenced for comments made at demonstrations and on social media. In December 2021, he received a four-year sentence for undermining state security.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Defence Minister Khaled S'hili announced that Tunisia's national army had dismantled terrorist camps, neutralized 62 landmines, and seized various materials and equipment in 2024, as part of ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism.
As of October 31, the Tunisian army had conducted 990 anti-terrorist operations in suspected areas, including large-scale operations in the country's mountainous regions. These operations involved over 19,500 military personnel, according to Defense Minister Khaled S'hili, speaking at a joint session of the two chambers of parliament.
He then confirmed that these operations led to the arrest of around 695 smugglers and the seizure of 375,000 drug pills.