El-Sisi urges African solidarity to secure vital waterways, overcome crises

CAIRO – 23 May 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday called for enhanced African solidarity and cooperation amid mounting regional and international crises impacting maritime navigation and food and energy security across the continent.

El-Sisi made the remarks in a speech marking Egypt’s celebration of the 63rd Africa Day at Cairo University. The day, observed every year on May 25, marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) on May 25, 1963.

“Since its establishment, this organization has embodied the will of African peoples for liberation and unity and laid the foundations for joint African action,” the president said.

Meanwhile, El-Sisi highlighted the longstanding role of Cairo University in spreading knowledge and helping shape generations of Arab and African scholars and intellectuals since its establishment in 1908.

The president extended his heartfelt congratulations to the peoples of Africa on this occasion, wishing the venerable continent enduring progress, peace, and prosperity.

“As we celebrate Africa Day, we reaffirm our commitment to sustaining our joint efforts and to fostering the bonds of cooperation and integration among the nations of our continent, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of our peoples for a more progressive and prosperous future,” El-Sisi said.

‘Solidarity Amid Challenges’

During his speech, El-Sisi said escalating tensions and successive crises across the world are having negative repercussions on navigation through vital waterways, international trade, global supply chains, and the energy and food security of African countries.

He stressed the need for African nations to strengthen their collective ability to confront growing challenges and crises, safeguard peoples’ resources, ensure freedom of navigation, and secure vital maritime routes.

He added that these objectives aim to achieve stability and protect shared interests in line with international law.

Water Security, Shared Rivers

The president also highlighted the African Union’s choice of water security as this year’s theme, describing it as a key pillar for sustaining life, preserving the resources of African peoples, and achieving regional integration.

He stressed the importance of respecting international law governing transboundary rivers and ensuring their sound management, while adopting an approach anchored in the governance of African rivers.

This approach, El-Sisi said, must serve mutual interests, yield shared benefits, and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals, in addition to fostering an environment of peace.

He underscored the need for this approach to “preserve peace and security and advance integration, away from tensions and conflicts,” all within the framework of ongoing efforts to solidify the principles of African partnership and solidarity.

‘Egypt Committed to African Unity’

Egypt remains committed to preserving the unity and territorial integrity of African states and protecting their national institutions, El-Sisi said, describing this as a cornerstone for confronting the continent’s interconnected challenges and reinforcing peace and security.

He added that Egypt will continue supporting development and construction efforts across Africa through sharing expertise, implementing projects, and being open to cooperation with international partners on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.

In this context, Egypt welcomes hosting the Eighth African Union Coordination Summit in June 2026, El-Sisi said.

He underscored that the summit will serve as “a prime opportunity for deliberations on the state of regional integration across the continent and on efforts toward implementing the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063.”

This would be achieved through the concerted efforts of both governments and African business sectors, he added.