Will China step in as Egypt and Ethiopia spar over Beijing-backed Nile mega dam?

The launch of a divisive multibillion-dollar mega dam on the Nile River has sparked a tense diplomatic battle between Ethiopia and Egypt, with Cairo denouncing it as “an unlawful unilateral act” and protesting to the United Nations Security Council.

During an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the US$5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a “symbol of Ethiopian unity and national achievement”.

Several regional leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, attended the event.

Egypt believes the dam will threaten its water supply and cause shortages. Following the inauguration, Cairo warned that it reserved the right to take all measures provided for under international law and the UN Charter to “defend the existential interests of its people”.

Sudan, another downstream nation, has also raised concerns about dam safety and the risk of uncoordinated water releases.

As the diplomatic row escalates, China has largely refrained from taking sides. However, observers said Beijing’s strong ties with all three nations put it in a better position to mediate than any other third party.