Water of the Nile. Present. Past. Future

Hydropolitics has become an important component of international relations both in North Africa and in the countries south of the Sahara. The most prominent example is the disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia over the distribution and management of the Nile’s waters. Approximately 3/4 of the Nile’s water originates from the Ethiopian Highlands, and the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile is seen by Ethiopia as its sovereign right. The goal is to increase electricity production in this very poor country to boost the economy and address social issues. Egypt, on the other hand, relies on the Nile for 97% of its water supply. Its agriculture is based on irrigated farming, and the hydroelectric station of the Aswan High Dam contributes significantly to the country’s economy. The construction and filling of the Ethiopian dam have led to high tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa. Numerous negotiations have reached an impasse. In 2024, the conflict expanded to the Horn of Africa. Egypt, alongside Eritrea, began supporting the internationally recognized government of Somalia, while Ethiopia established cooperation with the breakaway region of Somaliland. So far, the confrontation has not escalated to the use of military force.