New front to protect Nile River raises controversy in Egypt
National forces and leftist parties in Egypt established a new front aimed at raising popular awareness and pressure on the dispute with Ethiopia over its controversial dam on the Nile River.
CAIRO — Egyptian national forces, figures and parties recently announced the inauguration of the Popular Front for the Preservation of the Nile River, a campaign that aims to push the people and the government to participate in defending the country's right to water and thwart the risks arising from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is scheduled for a second filling in the upcoming rainy season in July and August.
In its opening statement on June 1, the Popular Front said the GERD crisis necessitates a general national mobilization to thwart the risks arising from the dam, adding, “The people are an authentic party and must be aware of everything that is going on. Instead of being a spectator of a fateful issue, [people must] rather be an active partner in supporting all efforts to advocate for national rights.”
