Egypt Calls for Reevaluation of Nile Basin Water Agreement

Egypt has urged Nile Basin countries to review their support for the Cooperative Framework Agreement, claiming that it undermines Egypt’s water security. The CFA has been signed by upstream nations while being rejected by Egypt and Sudan. Talks about cooperation must be encompassing, as Egypt emphasizes its critical water needs and the threats posed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Yesterday, Egypt issued a call for the Nile Basin countries to reassess their stance on the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), commonly referred to as the Entebbe Agreement. This treaty delineates the principles, rights, and obligations concerning the management and development of the Nile Basin. As it stands, Egypt and Sudan have officially rejected the CFA, while it has been endorsed by several upstream nations, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During a water event held in Cairo, Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam urged these countries to reconsider their support for the Entebbe Agreement, advocating for renewed discussions that promote cooperation without causing detriment to any riparian nation. Minister Sewilam emphasized, “Egypt’s position is fair and consistent with international river agreements enforced internationally.” He further asserted that dialogues must be inclusive and consider the interests of all involved nations. Minister Sewilam also acknowledged Egypt’s water deficit, stating, “Egypt will not concede even a single cubic metre of Nile water and firmly rejects the Entebbe Agreement in its current form.” President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi echoed this sentiment, declaring the preservation of Egypt’s water resources an “existential issue,” noting that over 98% of the nation’s water supply is derived from the Nile River. The CFA represents a significant multilateral initiative aimed at establishing a legal and institutional framework for the sustainable management of the Nile River. However, it has been a subject of contention, particularly between Egypt and Ethiopia, especially following Ethiopia’s decision to construct the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, which is a major contributory river. Ethiopia advocates that the dam is crucial for its economic progress and maintains that it does not jeopardize the water supplies of downstream countries. Conversely, Egypt perceives the GERD as a potential existential threat to its share of Nile water and insists on reaching a binding agreement governing the dam’s filling and operational procedures.

The Nile River is one of the longest rivers in the world, serving as a lifeline for numerous countries in East Africa. The cooperative management of this vital water resource is crucial, particularly among the Nile Basin countries, which depend largely on its waters for agricultural, industrial, and personal use. The Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) was introduced to address the historical tensions, especially between upstream nations and downstream countries like Egypt and Sudan. The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has intensified these tensions, impacting regional diplomatic relations and posing challenges for equitable water sharing agreements among the nations involved.

In summary, Egypt has reasserted its position regarding the Nile Basin’s Cooperative Framework Agreement, calling upon the upstream countries to reconsider their support for the CFA. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue that respects the interests of all riparian nations, Egyptian officials continue to advocate for the preservation of the country’s vital water resources in light of the ongoing construction of the GERD, which they consider a direct threat to their water security.

Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com