Egypt Emphasizes Nile Basin Cooperation, Warns Against Unilateral Actions

Juba, South Sudan – Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, has reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts among Nile Basin countries, cautioning against any unilateral actions that could jeopardize regional stability. Sewilam delivered these remarks at the extraordinary meeting of the Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) held in Juba, South Sudan, on February 20, 2026.

Call for Inclusive Dialogue

Sewilam stressed that the future of the Nile Basin hinges on unity, inclusivity, and dialogue, rather than division or unilateral measures. He called for continued consultations to restore consensus among all basin states, particularly those that have not yet joined the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), also known as the Entebbe Agreement ¹.

Transition to Nile River Basin Commission

The Egyptian Minister emphasized that any institutional transition from the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) to a Nile River Basin Commission should only proceed with the full consensus of all member states. He warned that non-inclusive steps could undermine regional cooperation and weaken the spirit of partnership that has characterized dialogue within the basin for years ¹.

Egypt’s Ongoing Commitment to Cooperation

Sewilam highlighted Egypt’s active participation in various NBI activities over the past year, aimed at revitalizing cooperation. He also stated that Cairo is currently exploring options to ensure the sustainability of the initiative. Egypt has provided support for development projects in other basin countries, including 36 projects in the Equatorial Lakes region along the White Nile under an investment program ¹. Egypt has granted approvals for projects in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

Adherence to International Water Law

Sewilam affirmed that Egypt’s water policy is guided by established principles of international water law, including prior notification, consultation, the avoidance of significant harm, and equitable and reasonable utilization. He urged all Nile Basin states and development partners to prioritize cooperation and refrain from unilateral actions that could affect the unity and stability of the basin ¹, ⁴.

Nile Basin Countries

The Nile River is shared by eleven countries: Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers ¹.

Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi signed the Entebbe Agreement in 2010, with South Sudan joining in July 2024, despite continued opposition from Egypt and Sudan ¹.