On Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that his country objects to Ethiopia’s continuation of filling the Renaissance Dam unilaterally.

Shoukry said that his country considers this a clear violation of the Declaration of Principles Agreement signed by the three countries in 2015 and international law. This came in a speech addressed to the United Nations Security Council President.

Shoukry added that Ethiopia is obligated not to harm the rights of downstream countries, stressing Egypt’s endeavour to reach a fair and equitable agreement. He also stressed Cairo’s adherence to reaching a binding agreement that achieves the common interests of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, calling on the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities. He said that Egypt had received a letter from the Ethiopian side on July 26 stating that the Renaissance Dam reservoir would continue to be filled during the current flood season.

Egypt called on Ethiopia to be responsible and comply with international law and the principles governing international waterways.