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.



Moscow Open to Dialogue with Trump on Syria

The Russian Foreign Minister during a meeting last week in the Kazakh capital, Astana (Reuters)
The Russian Foreign Minister during a meeting last week in the Kazakh capital, Astana (Reuters)
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Moscow Open to Dialogue with Trump on Syria

The Russian Foreign Minister during a meeting last week in the Kazakh capital, Astana (Reuters)
The Russian Foreign Minister during a meeting last week in the Kazakh capital, Astana (Reuters)

Russia, Iran, and Türkiye have called for an end to Israel’s military escalation in the Middle East, expressing concern over the worsening regional situation and warning of negative impacts on Syria.
At the conclusion of the 22nd round of Syria talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to a political solution, focused on restarting the work of the Constitutional Committee.
The escalation in the region, combined with the uncertainty following US President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, was a major topic of discussion in Astana, both during bilateral talks and in broader sessions.
The Russian delegation was led by Alexander Lavrentiev, Special Representative for Syria, while Iran’s delegation was headed by Ali Asghar Haji, Senior Political Advisor to the Foreign Minister. Türkiye’s delegation was led by Ambassador Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Director-General for Syrian Affairs at the Foreign Ministry.
The Syrian government delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Riad, and the opposition delegation, led by Ahmad Tohme, were also present.
Representatives from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), along with observers from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, attended the talks.
UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen was also present.
Sources at the meetings told Asharq Al-Awsat that much of the discussion focused on the impact of ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon and their effects on Syria, particularly amid Israel’s efforts to expand the conflict.
There was a strong emphasis on preventing Syria from becoming further embroiled in the growing conflict. Additionally, the impact of Trump’s election on US policy towards the region and Syria was widely discussed, with increasing speculation that Trump might follow through on promises to withdraw US troops from Syria.
This issue was highlighted by Russia’s envoy, Lavrentiev, at the close of the talks.
Lavrentiev stated that Russia is open to talks with the new US administration once it is in place to discuss issues related to Syria.
“If there are proposals, Russia is open and ready to continue communication with the US,” he added.
According to Lavrentiev, “Some compromises can only be reached through negotiations.”
A source from the Syrian opposition, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, said there is a shared view that a US withdrawal from Syria is “not inevitable, even if Trump has mentioned it.”
The source noted that Trump has become more pragmatic and responsive to the "deep state," with a better understanding of foreign policy.
The source also pointed out that Türkiye shares this view. While Ankara wants the US to leave, it does not want a unilateral withdrawal without coordination, especially since the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are open to talks with both the Syrian government and Russia.

The discussions also highlighted that, despite Israel's efforts to reduce Iranian influence in the region, it is unlikely that Trump will push for a withdrawal under the current situation.