Sudan and Egypt’s foreign ministers discussed Nile water sharing following the introduction of a new treaty opposed by both nations, emphasizing their commitment to coordination and expressing concerns over Ethiopia’s dam project.
On November 4, 2024, the Foreign Minister of Sudan, Ali Youssef, engaged in telephone discussions with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, regarding the contentious issue of Nile water sharing and a new treaty that recently came into effect. This dialogue occurred concurrently with the implementation of a Nile Basin treaty opposed by both countries. The treaty, which South Sudan joined in July, aims to establish a Nile River Basin Commission. During their conversation, Shoukry sought to clarify Sudan’s stance on the treaty. Minister Youssef reaffirmed Sudan’s dedication to cooperative management of Nile River resources alongside Egypt. Notably, both nations condemned the treaty as a violation of international law, asserting that the commission does not adequately represent all states sharing the Nile Basin, given its inclusion of countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Furthermore, Egypt and Sudan have expressed significant opposition to Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is nearing completion. In a related development, several ministers from various Nile Basin countries traveled to Addis Ababa to further discussions on the commission’s establishment, which included plans to inspect the GERD shortly after their arrival.
The Nile River is a crucial water resource for several nations in East Africa, particularly Sudan and Egypt. Tensions have historically existed over water sharing agreements due to varying interests among the nations that draw from the river, particularly with regard to Ethiopia’s ambitious dam projects. The introduction of a new Nile Basin treaty, which intends to establish a cooperative commission, has escalated existing conflicts, especially given the apprehensions raised by Sudan and Egypt regarding their rights to the river’s resources under international law.
The discussions between Sudan and Egypt highlight the prevalent tensions regarding Nile water sharing amidst the new regional treaty. Both nations express their commitment to jointly addressing the concerns posed by the treaty and Ethiopia’s dam project, while remaining firm in their opposition to these developments that they perceive as detrimental to their national interests.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
