Egypt-Sudan sign agreement to defend water security

Egypt and Sudan have signed an agreement to defend water security in the Eastern Nile Basin. Their stance is firm against any unilateral actions and the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which they believe violates international law and threatens downstream states, especially considering Ethiopia's unilateral management of the dam.

During the third round of "2+2" consultative meetings, foreign and irrigation ministers from both countries, along with their delegations, discussed the situation. They underscored the interconnected nature of water security for Sudan and Egypt and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding their water rights stipulated in the 1959 agreement.

They urged Ethiopia to cease its unilateral actions and resume cooperation in line with international law, particularly the principles of avoiding harm, providing prior notification, engaging in consultations, and reaching consensus to ensure the sustainability of the Nile River. The agreement specifically excludes Ethiopia's attempts to involve other Nile Basin nations.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Sudanese counterpart Mohieddin Salem signed the memorandum of understanding during the signing ceremony, which took place in the presence of Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Sewilam. Sewilam highlighted that the primary issue in the Nile Basin is not water scarcity but a lack of cooperation among the basin countries.

Despite the region's vast water resources, the dispute revolves around the management and control of the Nile's waters. He emphasized that the 11 Nile Basin countries receive approximately seven trillion cubic meters of rainfall annually, of which Egypt receives only about 2.7 percent. Sewilam also noted that Ethiopia has significant potential in solar and wind energy but insists on constructing mega-dams, which is a source of contention.