Egypt suspended participation in Nile Basin Initiative over deviations from cooperative principles: Irrigation Minister

Al-Ahram Weekly

23-02-2025

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated that Egypt was compelled to suspend its participation in the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) technical activities in 2010 due to deviations from the consensual cooperative principles upon which the initiative was initially founded.
Speaking at the Nile Day event on 22 February—held in Ethiopia to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the NBI—Sewilam addressed an audience that included water ministers from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, as well as diplomats from Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.
In his address, the minister highlighted this year's theme, "Strengthening Nile Cooperation for Climate Resilience and Shared Prosperity," describing it as a crucial call to action. He underscored the significance of Nile Day as a symbol of unity among Nile Basin countries, reaffirming their collective commitment to regional cooperation.
Sewilam noted that the NBI, established in 1999, remains the only inclusive platform that unites all Nile Basin states in fostering mutual prosperity and sustainable development. However, Egypt suspended its participation in 2010 following deviations from the cooperative consensus while drafting the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). This shift, he explained, led to an imbalanced framework that encouraged unilateralism, disregarded the vital interests of downstream nations, and undermined the spirit of collaboration.
The minister also criticised non-cooperative and unilateral actions taken under the guise of sovereignty, which ignore international law and pose serious challenges to transboundary cooperation. He warned that these actions are particularly detrimental to Egypt, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, which relies almost entirely on the Nile for its survival.
Sewilam stressed the importance of adhering to international law by ensuring proper consultation and conducting socio-economic and environmental impact assessments before implementing major water-related projects.
He added that a case in point is the unilateral construction, filling, and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, undertaken without the necessary socio-economic and environmental impact studies or a legally binding agreement with other riparian countries. He reaffirmed that Egypt respects the right of all riparian states to pursue development and actively supports their growth and progress but, in return, seeks recognition and protection of its fundamental right to life and livelihood.
Sewilam also highlighted Egypt's consistent support for initiatives to restore unity within the Nile Basin and strengthen regional collaboration. In this context, he reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the recent decision by the Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) to launch a consultation process involving three of the six CFA signatories—Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan—alongside the four non-signatory countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, and Sudan.
The minister stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to tackle pressing water challenges such as prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and erratic rainfall patterns, all exacerbated by climate change. He emphasised that joint management of the Nile's resources is essential for regional stability and resilience in the face of transboundary water crises.
Sewilam also praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's wise decision to postpone the second Nile Basin Summit of Heads of State and Government. This postponement, he said, allows member states more time to consult and address concerns, ensuring a more inclusive and constructive dialogue.
The minister expressed confidence that discussions surrounding the summit will resume only after the consultation process has been successfully concluded.
He concluded by stating that "Leaving No One Behind" is not merely a global sustainable development agenda slogan but a guiding principle for inclusivity and collective progress. "This requires overcoming differences and prioritising shared interests among all Nile Basin states to ensure a future marked by stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity," he asserted, reaffirming Egypt's unwavering commitment to inclusivity, cooperation, and peace.
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