MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Ethiopian Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Suleiman Dedefo, has delivered a sharp rebuke of the Arab League, accusing the regional body of acting in alignment with Egypt’s political agenda—particularly in relation to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
In a strongly worded statement, Ambassador Dedefo criticized the Arab League for straying from its founding principles, claiming that the organization has increasingly served the narrow political interests of individual member states, rather than the collective interests of the Arab world. He singled out Egypt’s influence as especially problematic.
“The Arab League no longer operates as an impartial institution that reflects the unified interests of the Arab world. It has instead become a political extension of Egypt’s foreign policy—especially when it comes to obstructing Ethiopia’s development projects,” said Ambassador Dedefo.
The ambassador questioned why Ethiopia’s internal water policies, particularly the construction and operation of the GERD, continue to be placed on the Arab League’s agenda. He emphasized that there is no international legal basis for the Arab League to demand oversight or influence over Ethiopia’s sovereign use of its natural resources.
“Why is Ethiopia’s use of the Nile a permanent topic at Arab League summits, while other urgent and devastating issues in the region are overlooked?” he asked. “The Arab League is neither a neutral body nor authorized to dictate how Ethiopia utilizes its own rivers.”
Ambassador Dedefo further stated that the Arab League’s repeated criticism of Ethiopia reflects a clear bias, reinforcing the notion that it operates under the political sway of Cairo. He argued that this bias undermines the credibility of the organization and alienates non-Arab states whose national interests intersect with the region.
His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over the GERD, a $5 billion hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile that Ethiopia considers crucial to its development. Egypt, however, sees the dam as a potential threat to its historical water rights and has sought international support, including from the Arab League, to pressure Ethiopia.
Ambassador Dedefo’s comments highlight Ethiopia’s growing frustration with what it perceives as politicized interference in its internal development matters. By addressing the Somali public and international media, he signaled Ethiopia’s intent to challenge narratives that frame the GERD as a regional threat rather than a tool for economic progress.
The ambassador concluded by reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation but insisted that such collaboration must be based on mutual respect and international law—not political alliances.