Veteran Egyptian journalist and television host Mustafa Bakri has firmly rejected any notion of compromise over Egypt’s long-standing rights to the Nile waters, declaring that the country’s position on the issue is “non-negotiable.”
Speaking during Friday evening’s episode of his popular show Facts and Secrets on Sada El Balad TV, Bakri addressed recent statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, in which Trump reportedly voiced American support for the construction of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD).
“It was not right for it to be built, and Egypt has the right to defend its water rights,” Bakri said, warning that the issue has grown increasingly complicated due to unclear American involvement in the controversial project.
“We will not be lenient and will not accept any relinquishment of them.”
Bakri expressed concern that Washington’s position has raised more questions than answers about its role in Ethiopia’s dam initiative.
He highlighted the continuing ambiguity around the source and scale of foreign support that may have helped the project move forward.
“There are many questions about the U.S. role in the Ethiopian project,” he said. “A large portion of these questions remain unanswered at this time.”
While Ethiopian officials have repeatedly claimed that the dam was financed entirely by the Ethiopian people, Bakri appeared skeptical.
He referred specifically to public remarks made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has long insisted the GERD was built with domestic funds.
“Regardless of intentions and plans, Egypt’s rights cannot be compromised,” Bakri said firmly.
“We will not allow this to happen, no matter the pressure.”
Egypt, which depends on the Nile for over 90% of its water supply, has long viewed the dam as a threat to its national security and agricultural future.
As the dispute over the GERD continues to escalate, Bakri’s remarks reflect a growing sense of urgency and national resolve in Cairo.
