Ahmed Zaki Abu Kneis, chairman of the Nile Basin Forum, said in an interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm that Ethiopia is not interested in Egypt’s concerns on the effects of the Renaissance Dam. He recommends Egypt use soft strength to pressure Ethiopia in the negotiations.
Q: What do you make of the Ethiopian position in the Renaissance Dam negotiations?
A: Ethiopia is not interested in Egypt's concerns. It is stalling and wasting time. It should show some goodwill. It should reassure Egypt and Sudan. If the dam collapses, it will flood Egypt and Sudan. This point should have been resolved in March.
Q: What else can we do, other than negotiate?
A: International relations are affected by the strength of a country in its region. Egypt should use its regional power and influence. It should use its soft strength to resolve this problem. It should use its influence over the Arab countries that finance the project, and its good relations with China and Russia so as to put international pressure on Ethiopia.
It should also consider development projects in Ethiopia to make use of the 500 billion cubic meters of rain that fall on the Ethiopian plateau, of which only 60 or 70 billion cubic meters go to the Nile.
Q: How about connecting the Nile and Congo rivers?
A: This is legally, technically and economically unfeasible. International law prohibits the transfer of river water into basins. The Nile River is 200 meters higher than the Congo River. No machine in the world can lift up that much water.
Q: What do you make of Sudan’s position?
A: The dam would prevent the flooding of vast areas in Sudan. It would also provide electricity for Sudan. The damage is greater for Egypt.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
