Latest news with #NileBasinInitiative
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt, Sudan water security are inseparable: Egyptian, Sudanese officials - Foreign Affairs
Egypt and Sudan stated Monday that Sudanese and Egyptian water security are inseparable and form a single, unified entity, asserting their rejection of any unilateral actions that could harm their mutual water interests. This was stated in a joint statement issued by the foreign and irrigation ministers of Sudan and Egypt following their consultive meeting held on Monday in Cairo. Technical experts from both sides participated. The discussions seemed cordial and constructive, marking mutual understanding. The two sides reviewed areas of water cooperation and explored ways to strengthen them to serve the interests of the brotherly peoples of Sudan and Egypt. They agreed to reinforce the concept of water security and work jointly to safeguard the full water rights of both countries, as required by their agreements and the applicable rules of international law. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of coordinating their positions in various regional and international forums, particularly regarding water rights. They underscored the necessity of adhering to all relevant agreements and regional and international frameworks. They called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could harm their shared water interests. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) member states to restore consensus and bring the initiative back to its foundational principles of cooperation and inclusivity. They emphasized the importance of preserving the initiative as a comprehensive mechanism that includes all basin countries and serves as a cornerstone for achieving mutual water benefits. In this context, the two sides agreed to hold a high-level workshop, with the participation of relevant regional and international organizations, to discuss water-related issues and their impact on various sectors, including climate change and security in the Horn of Africa. Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the two sides discussed recent developments and acknowledged the serious risks of Ethiopia's unilateral first dam filling, particularly concerning dam safety. They reaffirmed the importance of coordinating their efforts at regional, continental, and international levels to reach a comprehensive, fair, and legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of GERD. Both nations emphasized that the GERD issue concerns the three directly affected countries — Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia — without drawing other Nile Basin states into the dispute. They reiterated their commitment to achieving peaceful and political solutions. The discussions also covered ways to enhance developmental projects between the two countries to strengthen sectoral cooperation. The Sudanese delegation provided an overview of Sudan's priorities in the reconstruction process, particularly in water-related sectors, such as agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. Sudan also expressed its expectation of Egypt's active role in implementing the decisions of the 16th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Water, which supports Sudan's water sector, improves water supply in certain states, and rebuilds water infrastructure damaged by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The Egyptian side affirmed its full support for Sudan's reconstruction efforts and welcomed collaboration to strengthen Sudan's water sector. Egypt also expressed its commitment to supporting Sudan's efforts to mobilize Arab resources to implement the Arab Ministerial Council's resolution on water. Both parties commended the outcomes of the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Joint Technical Committee for Nile Waters, held at its Cairo office on 23 February 2025. They reaffirmed their commitment to the recommendations made regarding issues of mutual interest, particularly the Nile Basin Initiative and its consultative mechanism for non-signatory states to the negotiation framework. By the 1959 agreement, the committee remains the designated body responsible for formulating and presenting a unified stance on Nile water matters for both countries. The two sides also agreed to continue cooperation in training programmes between the Ministries of Water Resources and Irrigation of both countries. Egypt welcomed the opportunity to meet Sudan's urgent training needs in this field, particularly considering Sudan's ongoing reconstruction efforts, as guided by the outcomes of the joint reconstruction team meetings. Lastly, the discussions addressed broader bilateral relations, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening and deepening the historic ties that unite the peoples of Egypt and Sudan. Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
24-02-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt, Sudan Warn of Serious Risks from Ethiopia's Unilateral GERD Filling, Call for Peaceful Solutions
Egypt and Sudan have expressed serious concerns over Ethiopia's unilateral filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing the potential risks, particularly regarding the dam's safety. In a joint statement issued today, both countries underscored the need for peaceful and political solutions to the ongoing dispute. The statement, published by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Facebook, followed a consultative meeting of foreign and irrigation ministers from both countries held in Cairo. The meeting concluded with an agreement to organize a high-level workshop with regional and international organizations to discuss water-related issues and their impacts. Egypt and Sudan reaffirmed that the GERD dispute remains a matter solely involving Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and stressed the importance of not involving other Nile Basin countries. They highlighted the necessity of coordinating efforts regionally and internationally to reach a comprehensive, fair, and legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. The statement emphasized that Sudan's and Egypt's water security are inseparable and called on all parties to avoid unilateral actions that could harm their water interests. Furthermore, the two nations reiterated their commitment to working with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) countries to restore consensus and revive the NBI's foundational principles. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the initiative as a comprehensive cooperation mechanism that benefits all Nile Basin countries. The GERD, situated on the Blue Nile, has been a contentious issue since Ethiopia began construction in 2011. While Ethiopia sees the dam as crucial for its development and energy needs, Egypt and Sudan fear it could threaten their water security. Despite multiple negotiation rounds, the three nations have yet to reach a binding agreement on the dam's operation and water-sharing guidelines. Egypt and Sudan remain dedicated to pursuing diplomatic avenues and maintaining stability in the Nile Basin region through constructive dialogue and international cooperation.
Egypt Today
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Sudan assert keenness on 'peaceful, political solutions' for Ethiopian Dam dispute
CAIRO – 24 February 2025: Cairo hosted Monday the consultation meeting among the Egyptian and Sudanese ministers of irrigation and foreign affairs as well as technical experts. The two sides discussed cooperation opportunities in the water sector and ways to leverage them. In that respect, they agreed on joining forces to preserve the water rights of both states in alignment with the bilateral agreements, and international law. They similarly agreed to coordinate stances on water affairs at the regional and international community levels. There was congruence that that the water security of each of Egypt and Sudan is intertwined. Hence, the two countries called upon "all parties to abstain from any unilateral actions that would jeopardize their water interests." They equally affirmed keenness on working with the Nile Basin Initiative to restore consensus. As a step forward, the two sides agreed on holding a high-level workshop to be attended by regional and international organizations concerned to exchange views on water issues and their impact on climate change and security in the Horn of Africa. The consultations tackled the updates of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), especially the perils of the unilateral filling of the reservoir in relation to its structure safety, agreeing to concert efforts on the African and global levels to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. However, they stressed that the GERD dispute must remain among Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia without dragging other Nile Basin countries to the matter. They similarly asserted eagerness for "peaceful and political solutions." The discussions further tapped on potential joint developmental projects, precisely in the sectors of reconstruction, agriculture, power generation, and rehabilitating water networks destroyed by the Rapid Support Force (RSF) militia in fulfillment of the resolutions of the 16th meeting of the Arab Water Ministers Council. In that framework, the Egyptian side pledged support to reconstructing the water sector in Sudan, and mobilizing necessary Arab support to carry out the relevant resolutions. The two sides valued the outcomes of the extraordinary meeting of their permanent technical authority on Nile water – established in 1959 - that took place in Cairo on Sunday. The recommendations focused on enhancing the consultation mechanism of the Nile Basin Initiative with non-member states. The meeting concluded by maintaining collaboration on training human resources working in the sectors of irrigation and water resources.
Al-Ahram Weekly
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt suspended participation in Nile Basin Initiative over deviations from cooperative principles: Irrigation Minister
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. Short link:
Egypt Independent
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt issues new warning to Ethiopia over GERD
Egyptian Irrigation Minister Hani Sweilem said on Saturday that since the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was built, filled and operated unilaterally this constitutes a violation of international law and is a fundamental breach of the Declaration of Principles agreement signed in 2015. Sweilem's statements came during an extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Nile Basin Initiative in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The minister explained that Egypt has always dealt with the Ethiopian dam issue with restraint, and insisted on keeping the dispute within the tripartite framework between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, without expanding it to include all Nile basin countries. The Minister expressed Egypt's objection to including a visit to the GERD in the 'Nile Day' program, which is organized on February 22 of each year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Nile Basin Initiative. He warned that Ethiopia taking advantage of hosting this regional meeting to include this visit on the agenda will lead to involving the Nile Basin countries in the ongoing dispute over the GERD, negatively impact the unity of the member states and threaten regional cooperation. Ethiopia now faces two options, Sweilem noted – either to adhere to the spirit of unity and spare the basin unnecessary tension, or to proceed with the visit and undermine the purpose of the gathering. He stressed that Egypt, out of its firm commitment to the governing principles of the Nile Basin Initiative, affirms that preserving the principle of consensus is essential to the initiative and will achieve mutual benefit for all member states. It will also benefit regional stability based on dialogue and mutual respect, he added. He explained that Egypt has always been a major supporter of regional cooperation, pointing to its effective role in establishing the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) in 1999 and providing significant financial, technical and political contributions over the first decade of the initiative's life to enhance its role as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation among the basin countries. Sweilem pointed out that Egypt was forced in 2010 to suspend its participation in the initiative's technical activities due to fundamental changes in the decision-making mechanism. The minister stressed that the lives of over 107 million Egyptians are closely linked to the Nile River, stressing that it is not just a waterway but a lifeline for the basin countries, supporting their economies, ensuring their food security and overall well-being of their people. Sustainable management of this shared resource is not just a necessity, he warned, but an inevitable responsibility to ensure the stability, prosperity and security of the entire region in the long-run.
