Egypt Urges Nile Basin Cooperation, Warns Against Unilateral Action
JUBA, South Sudan – Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, has cautioned against any single nation taking independent action regarding the Nile River, emphasizing that collaborative dialogue is crucial for regional stability and shared development. Sewilam delivered his message at an extraordinary meeting of the Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) in Juba on February 20, 2026.
The call for unity comes as Nile Basin countries navigate complex issues surrounding water resource management, a challenge impacting over 250 million people across eleven nations. Egypt, heavily reliant on the Nile for its water supply, has consistently advocated for a cooperative approach.
Sewilam stressed that the future of the region “lies in unity, inclusivity and dialogue, not division or unilateral measures.” He specifically called for continued consultations to build consensus, particularly with nations that haven’t yet joined the framework agreement governing the river’s use.
Any transition towards a Nile River Basin Commission, he argued, must be a unanimous decision among all member states. He warned that moving forward without full agreement risks undermining years of regional cooperation.
Egypt has demonstrated its commitment to collaboration through participation in various initiatives aimed at revitalizing cooperation within the Nile Basin Initiative. Cairo is currently exploring ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative, according to the minister’s statement.
Beyond dialogue, Egypt is actively supporting development projects throughout the basin. This includes 36 projects in the Equatorial Lakes region, along the White Nile, funded through an investment program. Egypt has also approved projects proposed by Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Sewilam reiterated Egypt’s adherence to established principles of international water law, including prior notification, consultation, avoiding significant harm, and ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile’s resources. He urged both Nile Basin states and international development partners to prioritize cooperation and avoid actions that could destabilize the region.
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