Egypt calls on Nile Basin states to refrain from supporting any unilateral measures

CAIRO – 21 February 2026: Dr. Hani Sweilem, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Nile Basin Initiative (Nile-COM) Council of Ministers, held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. He called on development partners and basin states to refrain from supporting any unilateral measures.

At the outset of his remarks, Sweilem congratulated Burundi on assuming the presidency of the Nile Basin Initiative and expressed his deep appreciation to the government and people of South Sudan for the warm hospitality extended to the Egyptian delegation.

He noted that the meeting carries special significance as it coincides with the celebration of “Nile Day,” which commemorates the establishment of the Initiative as an inclusive platform that has brought together all basin countries on the basis of consensus and cooperation for more than 25 years.

Sweilem reaffirmed Egypt’s firm belief that strengthening regional stability and achieving mutual benefit require pursuing a path of unity and inclusiveness, far removed from policies of division, fragmentation, or unilateral actions.

In this context, he reviewed Egypt’s recent efforts to revitalize joint cooperation, stating that Cairo is currently studying a range of practical options to support the Initiative, ensure its sustainability, and enhance its capacity to effectively fulfill its mandate.

Taking into Account Legitimate Interests

Sweilem explained that the constructive way forward lies in strengthening the ongoing consultative process to address the concerns of countries that have not yet joined the Framework Agreement. He stressed that taking into account the legitimate interests of these countries is the fundamental guarantee for preserving basin unity and advancing together toward a brighter future.

He also welcomed the progress report issued by the committee tasked with examining the concerns of non-signatory countries, praising its characterization of the Framework Agreement as a flexible and effective instrument that allows for gradual amendment and development in accordance with Articles 35, 36, and 37.

The minister affirmed Egypt’s aspiration to continue its active participation in the consultative process in order to reach an updated Framework Agreement that meets the development aspirations of all countries. He further called on development partners and basin states to refrain from supporting any unilateral measures or institutional transitions—including the transition to a “Nile Basin Commission”—unless they are based on the full consensus of all ten basin countries.

Sweilem concluded by reaffirming Egypt’s unwavering commitment to supporting its Nile Basin neighbors in accordance with the principles of international law, foremost among them the obligation of prior notification and the duty to avoid causing harm.

He noted that this commitment has been demonstrated through Egypt’s support for 36 projects in the Equatorial Plateau region and the issuance of no-objection letters for projects in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

The minister reiterated his call to work “as one family” to ensure that no one is left behind, guaranteeing sustainable and inclusive progress that benefits all peoples of the Nile Basin.