Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Eritrea and Egypt: The Silent Axis Undermining Ethiopia’s Sovereign Right to Develop the Nile
By Tesema Nadew
In the complex geopolitics of the Horn of Africa, water has emerged as the most consequential resource and the most contested. At the center of this storm stands the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile that symbolizes not only Ethiopia’s developmental ambitions but also the continent’s potential for self-sufficiency.
But while GERD has inspired admiration across much of Africa, it has also attracted hostility from two unlikely allies: Egypt and Eritrea.
Eritrea’s Silent War Against Ethiopian Development
While Egypt’s opposition to the GERD is well-documented rooted in historical claims over Nile waters and fears of reduced downstream flow Eritrea’s involvement has been more discreet, yet deeply consequential. Evidence is mounting that Eritrea, under President Isaias Afwerki, has aligned itself strategically with Egypt in efforts to weaken Ethiopia’s position, both regionally and diplomatically.
Rather than publicly denouncing GERD, Asmara has chosen covert tactics: fostering regional instability, backing armed groups, and quietly supporting anti-dam narratives that play into Egypt’s Nile-centered anxieties. This collaboration, fueled by shared hostility toward Ethiopia’s rising influence, threatens the peace and progress of the entire Horn of Africa.
Strategic Motives: Weakening a Rising Power
For Eritrea, the motive is clear: a prosperous, energy-secure, and diplomatically assertive Ethiopia especially one with growing influence in the African Union and Red Sea diplomacy is a threat to its own authoritarian grip and regional relevance. A weakened Ethiopia, embroiled in internal strife and external pressure, gives Eritrea the upper hand in manipulating regional alliances and avoiding scrutiny of its own domestic repression.
Eritrea’s alleged facilitation of Egyptian military presence near the Red Sea, as well as diplomatic coordination behind closed doors, has raised alarm bells. Intelligence leaks and policy briefings suggest that Egyptian delegations have visited Eritrean ports under the guise of “security cooperation,” while quietly exploring Red Sea corridors to pressure Ethiopia from multiple fronts.
The GERD as a Symbol of Pan-African Sovereignty
At stake is more than just a dam it is the right of African nations to harness their natural resources without permission from colonial-era treaties or outside powers. The GERD is Africa’s dam, built with the contributions of ordinary Ethiopians, and intended to power homes, industries, and dreams across East Africa.
Egypt, fearing diminished hegemony over the Nile, seeks to maintain a water regime rooted in outdated colonial agreements. Eritrea, by aligning itself with this position, stands not only against Ethiopia, but against the Pan-African ideal of self-determination and equitable development.
Abiy Ahmed: A Steadfast Defender of Ethiopian Sovereignty
Amid this web of pressure and geopolitical gamesmanship, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s role has been pivotal. Despite international resistance, internal political turmoil, and efforts to pit regional powers against Ethiopia, Abiy has maintained a clear and resolute stance on the GERD.
His leadership reflects more than policy it represents a vision of Ethiopian dignity, resilience, and independence in the face of mounting external threats. Where others might have buckled to pressure or compromise national interest for diplomatic calm, Abiy has insisted that Ethiopia’s right to equitably utilize its natural resources is non-negotiable.
His government’s perseverance has ensured the GERD remains on course, serving not only Ethiopia’s energy needs but also those of neighboring countries who seek clean power through regional interconnection.
But as long as conspiracies persist whether whispered in Cairo or Asmara Ethiopia must continue to defend its right to rise. And leaders like Abiy Ahmed must be recognized for standing firm, not in defiance, but in defense of sovereignty, self-reliance, and a just African future.
A Call for Regional Accountability
It is time for IGAD, the African Union, and the wider international community to confront the quiet sabotage of Ethiopia’s right to develop. Eritrea cannot be allowed to play both sides calling for peace in public while nurturing conflict in private.
Peaceful coexistence in the Horn of Africa demands honest diplomacy, respect for sovereignty, and a rejection of neo-imperial alignments that serve the interests of a few at the expense of the many. The GERD represents a future where Africa relies on itself, not on handouts or permission. Eritrea’s covert alignment with Egypt is an insult to that future.
Ethiopia will continue to rise, dam by dam, step by step. And history will remember who stood in its way and who stood for its right to rise.
