El-Sisi warns Egypt to not yield on Nile rights

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Aug 2025 16:41
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Egypt's El-Sisi urges cooperation among Nile Basin nations, warning that Egypt’s limited water share is vital for its survival and regional stability.

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi arrives in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has firmly rejected any unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin, warning that “those who believe Egypt will overlook its water rights are mistaken.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at Cairo’s Ittihadiya Palace on Tuesday, el-Sisi said the water issue “forms part of a broader campaign to pressure Egypt in pursuit of other objectives.”

He stressed that Egypt has consistently opposed interference in other nations’ internal affairs, as well as acts of destruction or conspiracies, stating, “We seek construction, development, and progress. As Africans, we have already endured enough conflict.”

Highlighting the basin’s water resources, el-Sisi noted that the White and Blue Nile together produce around 1,600 billion cubic meters of water annually, much of which is lost to forests, swamps, evaporation, and underground seepage, leaving only a fraction to reach the river.

El-Sisi said the Nile water issue was discussed in depth with Museveni, emphasizing the crucial link between “water and development for all Nile Basin countries.” He noted that Egypt and Sudan’s combined annual share, around 85 billion cubic meters, represents just 4% of the river’s total flow, stressing, “We want cooperation to secure stability for our nations. Egypt has no alternative water sources and receives little rainfall. Giving up this share would mean giving up our very existence.”

Reaffirming Egypt’s support for equitable use of the Nile, el-Sisi said Cairo does not oppose its neighbors’ use of the river for development, farming, or electricity generation. He expressed confidence in the work of the seven-nation committee, chaired by Uganda, to help broker an agreement among all Nile Basin states.

Ethiopian Water Minister: Renaissance Dam a blessing for all

In a related context, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water, Habtamu Itefa, had described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Sunday as “a blessing for everyone,” asserting that “on-the-ground data clearly prove the benefits of this vital regional project.”

In a Facebook post Itefa stated that “during the dry season, the Blue Nile’s flow has increased by more than three times on average, while floods have significantly diminished and their onset has been delayed by over a month,” adding that “our daily flow records confirm this in practice.”

He noted that the GERD has not only “greatly expanded irrigated farmland in countries along the Blue Nile, but has also safeguarded lives and property from the devastating floods that once threatened the region.”

Wider context

Egypt is facing an escalating water crisis fueled by rapid population growth, climate change, and upstream developments along the Nile, its primary water source. With over 95% of its freshwater supply coming from the river, the country remains highly vulnerable to any reduction in flow, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and surging demand for agricultural and industrial needs are placing unprecedented strain on already limited resources.

Experts warn that without major reforms in water management, expansion of desalination capacity, and strengthened regional cooperation, Egypt could face severe shortages within the next decade, threatening food security, economic stability, and public health.

Egypt vows to defend water interests under international law

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned on Monday that “Egypt stands ready to take any measures to safeguard its water interests, in line with international law.”

Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Ivorian Foreign Minister Léon Kacou Adom, held as part of the third round of political consultations between Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire, Abdelatty said the talks addressed development challenges facing the Sahel and West Africa.

He added that cooperation in counterterrorism was also discussed, commending Côte d’Ivoire for its efforts in this field.

Abdelatty stressed that “Egypt attaches great importance to achieving security and stability in the Sahel and West Africa,” highlighting the impact of instability in these regions on neighboring states and on Egypt’s national security.

According to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the two ministers also reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea, and explored ways to promote peace, security, and stability across the African continent.

The statement noted that both sides agreed to maintain coordination and consultation at bilateral and multilateral levels and to exchange endorsements in regional and international organizations.

For his part, the Ivorian foreign minister praised “Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting and building the capacities of countries in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as its determined efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinian people.”