Africa: Egypt's Abay Stance Violates AU Principles, Says Professor Yacob Arsano

What the report says

Professor Yacob Arsano, an Ethiopian political science and international relations scholar with experience on Nile Basin negotiations, said Egypt’s position on the Abay/Nile conflicts with core African Union principles on consultation, cooperation and equitable use of transboundary water resources. His comments were reported by the Ethiopian News Agency in an interview published through AllAfrica and dated 27 August 2026, in Addis Ababa.

According to the report, Arsano argued that Egypt’s claim to exclusive ownership or benefit from the river is not justified and creates an obstacle to joint development and sustainable management of Nile waters. He also criticized appeals for third-party mediation, saying they run against the AU’s preference for African-led solutions. The article says he framed Ethiopia’s approach as one based on cooperation, shared development and the right to use its water resources for national development.

Arsano further said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been built, filled and managed in line with relevant international principles and agreements, while noting Ethiopia’s long-term plans for additional water development in the Nile Basin. He stressed that Ethiopia remains open to dialogue with downstream countries and that durable management of the river will require a cooperative framework that recognizes the interests of all basin states. The report reflects the wider, long-running dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over Nile governance and water security.