2025 Ethiopia Egypt crisis refers to the escalation between the two states, following Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The roots of the crisis are in 2011, when the plans for the hydropower project, located on the Blue Nile dam were initiated. In September 2025 Ethiopia the dam was fully operated, causing a further escalation between the countries.
The current crisis between Ethiopia and Egypt began in 2011, when Ethiopia decided to build Africa's largest hydropower project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile near Ethiopia's border with Sudan. This sparked the crisis, as Egypt feared of the potential influence on downstream water flow, that is critical to Egypt, as the Nile provides over 90% of its freshwaters. [1] [2] 2020 marked another escalation point, when Ethiopia started filling the dam's reservoir, without signing an agreement with Egypt or Sudan. Since then Egypt regards as a major threat to the country's water supply. The African Union and the United States tried to mediate between the two nations, but did not manage to reach a deal over the way the dam would be used, nor how the water would be shared. Ethiopia continues to develop the dam as it regards it as a critical part of the country's development strategy, while Egypt sees it as danger for its survival. [1] [3]
In September 2025, Ethiopia began producing electricity at a large scale, as it officially opened the dam, reaching a capacity over 5,150 megawatts. [4] The project that was mainly sponsored by the Ethiopian government and public donations, aims to boost the country's economy and energy. [5] But this action has increased the tension with Egypt, seeing both countries ready for a long dispute over Nile waters. Egypt has yet to release direct threats at Ethiopia, but sources claim that an armed conflict will cause great damage, mainly floods with devastating effects if the dam is hit. As of now, both sides seek a diplomatic solutions, as international pressure is forced on them, while holding military readiness for a possible conflict. [6] [7]
Egypt had objected to the project from the start, especially as no agreement was ever made, ensuring its needed supply of freshwater for its population and agriculture. [6] [8]
Ethiopia views the project as a critical one, for the country's economic and energy development. It claims its right to use natural resources in its country, stating it won't affect the downstream flow of water. [9] [10]
Sudan hold a neutral position regarding the issue, it claims Ethiopia has a right to the Nile water within its borders, while showing concern about flood waters and water available for irrigation. It calls for agreement and full collaboration between the countries. [6]
They were several international mediation attempts over the years, but in spite the efforts of the US and other entities, no consensus was achieved. Ethiopia has even called some efforts as interfering with national sovereignty. [11]