By Bakar Osman - Reporter
ADDIS ABABA - Oct 5, 2026 Ethiopia has stepped up its rhetoric over the Nile and Red Sea, insisting that its geographic and historical position must be taken into account in discussions over regional water resources and maritime security.
In a statement, Addis Ababa said the Abay River, commonly known as the Blue Nile, originates almost entirely in the Ethiopian highlands and contributes about 85 percent of the Nile’s total flow.
Ethiopia also stressed its longstanding connection to the Red Sea, noting that its nearest border is less than 30 miles from the coast.
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The statement warned that political rhetoric, coercive measures, proxy actions or acts of aggression would not alter what Ethiopia described as “fundamental realities” or diminish its regional interests and responsibilities.
Addis Ababa said it remains committed to peaceful engagement, mutual respect and regional cooperation, while stressing that it will defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests.
The statement comes amid wider regional tensions over the Nile, maritime access and the security architecture of the Horn of Africa.