Scholars Affirm Ethiopia’s Right to Develop , Utilize Red Sea, Abay Resources

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Scholars from Wachamo University have firmly expressed Ethiopia’s sovereign right to develop and utilize its natural resources within the Abay River basin and along the Red Sea coast.

 

 

They strongly condemned Egypt’s persistent colonial-era rhetoric, labeling it outdated and unacceptable in the modern era.

Highlighting the ongoing dispute, the scholars noted Egypt’s continued reliance on obsolete treaties that unfairly claim disproportionate benefits from the Nile’s waters.

As a downstream country, Egypt’s stance limits the rights of upstream nations like Ethiopia, despite Ethiopia contributing over 86 percent of the Nile’s water flow.

Temesgen Tomas, lecturer and researcher in Peace and Security Studies at Wachamo University, told ENA that Egypt has historically obstructed Ethiopia’s development and peace efforts.

 

 

He stressed Ethiopia’s determination to provide electricity and foster growth through projects harnessing the Abay River, despite significant international pressure and political challenges.

“Ethiopians have made history by overcoming these obstacles and completing the construction of their projects,” he said.

Historian and researcher Asrat Ermolo on his part emphasized Ethiopia’s absolute right to develop its resources along both the Red Sea and the Abay River.

 

 

He also condemned Egypt’s attempts to block Ethiopia’s access as a violation of international law and modern principles of sovereignty.

Earlier, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Egypt’s repeated efforts to revive colonial-era negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), stating such attempts disregard the political and economic realities of the 21st century.

The scholars reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s firm commitment to safeguarding national interests, including securing access to a seaport, underscoring Ethiopia’s right to fully utilize its natural resources for the benefit of its people.