Egypt and Sudan Reject Entebbe Agreement Amid Nile Tensions
The Nile Basin Initiative has officially announced the entry into force of the Nile Basin Framework Agreement, commonly known as the Entebbe Agreement. While Ethiopia celebrates this milestone as a historic success for cooperation among Nile Basin countries, Egypt and Sudan have firmly rejected the agreement, asserting that it violates international law. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the Nile River's critical importance, stating that preserving this vital resource is an existential issue for Egypt.
Egypt and Sudan have expressed their concerns through a joint statement, asserting that the six-country commission stemming from the Entebbe Agreement does not adequately represent the interests of the Nile Basin. They reiterated their commitment to work with other Nile Basin countries to restore unity and avoid unilateral actions that could exacerbate divisions between upstream and downstream nations.
The Significance of the Nile River
During a speech at the seventh Cairo Water Week, President el-Sisi highlighted that over 98% of Egypt's water supply comes from the Nile, making it a matter of survival for the Egyptian people. He called on the international community to support African nations in managing water resources effectively and urged for increased funding and technology to ensure water security across the continent.
As tensions mount over Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Egypt has raised alarms regarding the potential negative impacts on its water supply. In a recent letter to the UN Security Council, Egypt outlined its concerns over Ethiopia's policies and their implications for downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Implications
The long-standing dispute over the dam has seen stalled negotiations, with Egypt insisting on a legally binding agreement regarding the filling and operation of the dam, especially during drought periods. Ethiopia, on the other hand, views the dam as crucial for its development and energy generation, denying that it poses a threat to other countries' water rights.
The situation remains tense as both nations navigate their water security concerns, with the annual filling of the dam since 2020 being a point of contention. Cairo has previously sought intervention from the UN Security Council to address these issues, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a comprehensive agreement that respects the rights of all Nile Basin countries.
