At the heart of the crisis is water — specifically the Nile, the lifeline of Egypt and the strategic asset Ethiopia now seeks to control through its massive dam project. For Egypt, the Nile is not just a river. It is the country’s food supply, water supply, national security doctrine and historic identity.

For Ethiopia, the dam represents sovereignty, modernization and power. Addis Ababa sees the project as a national achievement that can transform the country’s economy and strengthen its position as one of Africa’s major powers.

This is why the dispute is so explosive. Egypt cannot accept a future in which its water security depends on Ethiopia’s goodwill. Ethiopia cannot accept Egypt’s old claim that Cairo has a veto over the Nile.