Regional Variables Affecting the Egyptian Policy Towards Ethiopia

Abstract

This research deals with the regional interventions affecting the Egyptian policy towards Ethiopia, represented by Israel, Sudan, South Sudan and the African Union, as Israel plays an important role in the Nile Basin region as it provides support to Ethiopia and stimulates the conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt. These external forces affect the interactions between the two countries and play the role of a creator or catalyst for conflict or cooperation in their desire to achieve their national interests in that region, as Israel provides financial and technical support to Ethiopia in constructing water projects and dams on the Blue Nile River in order to influence the downstream countries (Egypt and Sudan) and weaken them politically  and economically, because the Nile River is the lifeblood of Egypt and Sudan.

The research also dealt with the secession of South Sudan and its impact on the Egyptian policy towards Ethiopia by providing material and technical support for the establishment of Ethiopian dams, as this support is considered a catalyst for the conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia; and also the African Union and its role in influencing Egyptian policy towards Ethiopia. Its role in the Renaissance Dam crisis between Egypt and Ethiopia was ineffective, as it was demanding the continuation of negotiations in order to reach a binding agreement.