Addis ababa: Ambassador Tibor Nagy, a seasoned American diplomat and former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, has urged Egypt to abandon its political posturing and instead engage Ethiopia constructively on technical matters related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Nagy criticized Egypt’s approach to the dam in a public statement posted on his X page, warning that attempts to pressure or isolate Ethiopia are counterproductive. “I know from experience that Ethiopia cannot be bullied, and the more you push, the more immovable they become,” said Nagy, adding, “It’s time to accept today’s reality.”
Nagy, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia and later as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, emphasized the need for professional engagement rather than politicized rhetoric. He advised Egypt to drop the political drama and engage with Ethiopia professionally on technical issues, reflecting his belief that Ethiopia’s resistance to external pressure requires a shift in strategy.
His remarks come amid Egypt’s ongoing efforts to influence international perspectives regarding the GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, which Ethiopia built on the Abay River. Ethiopia has consistently stated that the project is integral to its regional cooperation and development strategy, aiming to provide electricity to millions.
Despite years of negotiations, some facilitated by the African Union and other international actors, Egypt has failed to reach an agreement. In this context, Nagy’s statement adds a notable diplomatic voice to the debate, urging Cairo to recalibrate its strategy towards finding technical solutions that serve all parties.
The ambassador’s comments reflect a broader frustration among observers that political posturing has derailed meaningful progress in negotiations. On September 9, 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated GERD in a landmark ceremony attended by several African heads of state and international dignitaries, symbolizing Ethiopia’s emergence from a long era of poverty and dependence.
Among the notable guests were the presidents of Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya, as well as the Prime Minister of Barbados and other high-level officials. The GERD stands out as a powerful example of self-reliant development, made possible through the contributions of millions of Ethiopians.
Now the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa, the GERD is not only a feat of engineering but also a monument to Ethiopian unity, resilience, and national will, offering hope for Africa’s future.