Egypt has called on Nile Basin countries to reconsider the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), which has been accepted by upstream countries but rejected by Egypt and Sudan. Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam stressed the need for inclusive discussions while emphasizing Egypt’s critical water needs, asserting that Egypt rejects any reduction in its Nile water share. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reinforced the importance of the Nile as Egypt’s primary water source, underscoring the existential nature of this issue amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Egyptian authorities have recently urged the Nile Basin countries to reevaluate the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), commonly referred to as the Entebbe Agreement. This pivotal arrangement delineates the principles, rights, and responsibilities associated with the management and development of the Nile Basin’s resources. While Egypt and Sudan have declined to endorse the agreement, several upstream nations—namely Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—have signed it. During a water event in Cairo, Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam expressed his hope for a renewed dialogue, stating, “We call on the Nile Basin countries that signed the Entebbe Agreement to review their position and return once again to discuss cooperation between countries in a way that does not harm any of the riparian countries.” He further asserted the fairness of Egypt’s stance as it aligns with internationally recognized river agreements. Sewilam emphasized the necessity for inclusive discussions, remarking that any negotiations should consider the interests of all nations involved. He highlighted a critical point regarding Egypt’s water supply, noting, “Egypt will not concede even a single cubic metre of Nile water and firmly rejects the Entebbe Agreement in its current form.” Further underlining the significance of this issue, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi remarked that safeguarding Egypt’s water resources constitutes an “existential issue,” revealing that the Nile River serves as the primary source for more than 98% of the nation’s water supply. The CFA represents the first multilateral initiative among the Nile Basin countries aimed at establishing a legal and institutional framework for the river’s use and management. The situation regarding the Nile has historically been fraught with tension, particularly between Egypt and Ethiopia. This tension has been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) along the Blue Nile, a crucial tributary. Ethiopia asserts that the dam is vital for its economic progress and assures that it will not compromise the water supplies of downstream nations. In stark contrast, Egypt perceives the GERD as a significant threat to its water allocation from the Nile and insists on a binding accord regarding the dam’s filling and operational parameters.
The Nile River is an ancient and vital waterway that has historically supported civilizations throughout northeastern Africa. The river flows through eleven countries, with Egypt and Sudan located downstream of several other nations. As a result, the management of Nile waters remains a sensitive issue, especially as various countries undertake projects to harness its resources for development. The Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) arose from the need to create a comprehensive legal framework governing the river’s resources, aiming to foster cooperation among nations while addressing the asymmetries in water utilization and management historically favoring downstream countries, especially Egypt.
In conclusion, Egypt’s appeal for a reassessment of the Cooperative Framework Agreement emphasizes its commitment to ensuring equitable management of Nile Basin resources. As the nation grapples with the looming threat to its water supply posed by developments such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the urgency for inclusive dialogues among Nile Basin states becomes paramount. Striking a balance that considers the rights and needs of all riparian nations will be crucial in ameliorating tensions and fostering cooperation in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com
