Imposing a ‘fait accompli’ policy on Egypt is a ‘losing bet’, Sisi stresses

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi firmly stated that any approach forcing Egypt to accept "fait accompli" or to disregard its water security is a misguided strategy. In his opening remarks at the Ninth Cairo Water Week, he emphasized Egypt's commitment to cooperation built on international law, neighborly relations, and a pledge not to cause harm to any nation.

Egypt grapples with a unique water crisis due to its location and heavy dependence on the Nile River, which provides over 98 percent of the country's renewable water resources. As the population burgeons, the need for water and food escalates, and climate change exacerbates the situation, Sisi highlighted Egypt's ongoing endeavors to boost water-use efficiency, expand water resources, and optimize their utilization, all while promoting collaboration among basin nations to ensure water security and sustainable growth for every nation.

He reiterated Egypt's respect for the rights of all Nile Basin states to develop, exemplified by Egypt's collaboration on proposed projects within investment programs in southern Nile Basin countries, focusing on energy, agriculture, and irrigation. This demonstrated that prior notification, shared studies, and consultations are practical tools that expedite project financing, foster trust, and protect the interests of all parties, rather than disrupting development or imposing control over any state.

Sisi stressed that every nation is entitled to development benefiting from its natural resources, as long as this right is exercised responsibly and does not harm other states or jeopardize their water security. The former Assistant Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, asserted that the president's comments signal that safeguarding the interests of the Egyptian people is a non-negotiable national priority, sending a clear message that Egypt will not compromise its water interests.

Ramy Zohdy, an expert on African affairs, confirmed Egypt's continued role as the most dynamic and influential actor in the region, affirming that Egypt respects Ethiopia's right to development and natural resource utilization but rejects the idea that this right justifies unilateral control over a shared international river.