Egypt is not against developmental aspirations of any Nile Basin country: Water Minister

CAIRO – 7 December 2025: Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam affirmed during his speech at the 33rd Nile-COM Meeting (Nile Council of Ministers) that Egypt is not opposed to the developmental aspirations of any Nile Basin country.

The Minister stressed that Egypt supports sustainable development that does not cause harm. “On the contrary, we are actively supporting development that is sustainable and responsible. Egypt looks forward to replicating the successful model of NELSAP-CU in the Eastern Nile Basin by upholding transparency, rigorous impact assessments, and full adherence to international law,” he said.

He noted that Egypt has supported multiple projects across the Nile Basin over the years, including its recent formal approvals for two projects in Uganda and Tanzania—clear evidence of Cairo’s constructive approach toward the principle of prior notification and consultation in line with international law.

“Throughout its chairmanship of the African Water Facility (2025–2027), Egypt is keen to work closely with Nile Basin countries to accelerate the seven WASH projects identified under the NRBIP and to mobilize financing through the AWF and its partners,” he added.

Dr. Sweilam reaffirmed Egypt’s position regarding development and the role of international partners, emphasizing that those with deep expertise in transboundary water management should support this critical process both financially and technically, while refraining from assisting any actions that could deepen divisions among Nile Basin States.

The Minister stated: “While it is clear that the majority of our states have chosen the path of dialogue, it is deeply regrettable that a certain party is promoting belligerent rhetoric and issuing inflammatory statements with the apparent aim of undermining the unity and cooperation of the Nile Basin family. Egypt continues to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility by refraining from responding in this forum, so as to avoid dragging the NBI into such unwarranted provocations.”

He further stressed that the ongoing consultation process represents a genuine opportunity to restore inclusivity and rebuild confidence among the Nile countries, thereby paving the way for Egypt’s full return to the NBI in a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust. Such an approach, he said, would help build a shared and inclusive future that strengthens the unity and cohesion of the Nile Basin.

Sweilam added that the challenges facing the Basin today cannot be addressed through unilateral actions but only through genuine cooperation based on the sustainable management of shared water resources and full respect for international law—particularly the “do no harm” principle.

“We have already witnessed the fruits of such cooperation in NELSAP-CU, with the initial approval of 36 projects under the Nile River Basin Investment Program, based on preliminary studies assessing their downstream impacts and their compliance with established criteria,” he noted.

He affirmed that Egypt remains committed to strengthening and sustaining the NBI as a unified, effective platform that brings all Nile Basin countries together to harness the benefits of the River Nile.

The Minister also welcomed the decision adopted by the Nile-COM in November 2024 in Uganda to launch a consultative process with the four Member States that have not ratified the CFA, and praised the constructive engagement of the Special Committee.

Brief on the Egypt-Sudan-Ethiopia Conflict

Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia have been embroiled in a dispute for nearly 15 years over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The conflict began in May 2011, when Ethiopia commenced construction of the dam. Egypt has consistently expressed concern that the project could affect its annual share of Nile waters—estimated at 55.5 billion cubic meters.

Tripartite negotiations among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia began in 2014 in an effort to reach a comprehensive agreement, even as construction continued.

In 2015, the three countries signed the Declaration of Principles, which stipulates that downstream nations—Egypt and Sudan—must not be adversely affected by the dam.

However, in October 2019, Egypt accused Ethiopia of obstructing a final agreement on key technical issues and called for activating Article 10 of the Declaration of Principles, which mandates mediation if consensus cannot be reached. Despite Egypt’s objections, Ethiopia continued its unilateral practice of annually filling the reservoir without coordination with Egypt or Sudan.

On 9 September 2025, Egypt—represented by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty—submitted a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council in response to Ethiopia’s celebration marking the completion and operation of the GERD. Cairo stressed that this move represents a clear violation of international law and established norms.

Abdelatty asserted that Ethiopia’s attempts to bestow false legitimacy on the dam cannot alter the fact that it remains a unilateral action in breach of international law, adding that such actions have no legal effect on the governing framework of the Eastern Nile Basin.