Egypt and Sudan's Joint Rejection of Ethiopia’s Nile Policy
The prime ministers of Egypt and Sudan, Mostafa Madbouly and Kamil Idris, held a meeting in Cairo that resulted in a joint statement rejecting what they termed Ethiopia’s "unilateral approach" on the Blue Nile. This meeting marked Prime Minister Idris's first official foreign trip since his appointment, signaling the high priority his new government places on relations with Egypt and the Nile water issue.
Context of the Rejection
The "unilateral approach" criticized by Egypt and Sudan is primarily a reference to Ethiopia's actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia, which contributes over 85% of the Nile's water, began construction on the dam in 2011 without a binding agreement with downstream countries. This move has been seen as a violation of prior agreements and a threat to the water security of Egypt and Sudan.
- Ethiopia's Stance: Ethiopia has long maintained that it has the sovereign right to use its natural resources for development and that the GERD is essential for its economic growth and providing electricity to its population. Ethiopia has also argued that the dam will not significantly harm downstream nations and can even help regulate water flow and prevent flooding.
- Egypt and Sudan's Concern: Egypt, which relies on the Nile for approximately 90% of its freshwater, views the GERD as an existential threat. Both Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns that the dam's filling and operation could disrupt their annual water supply and jeopardize their agricultural sectors and hydropower production.
The 1959 Nile Waters Agreement
The joint statement from Egypt and Sudan affirmed their coordination through the Joint Permanent Technical Commission for Nile Water. This commission was established under the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement, a key historical document that governs water allocation between the two downstream nations.
- Water Allocation: The 1959 agreement allocated a specific amount of Nile water annually, granting Egypt 55.5 billion cubic meters and Sudan 18.5 billion cubic meters. Ethiopia was not a signatory to this agreement and has rejected its validity, viewing it as a relic of the colonial era.
- Veto Power: The agreement also granted Egypt and Sudan, in practice, a form of veto power over any upstream projects that could affect their water shares. This provision is at the heart of the current dispute, as Ethiopia has proceeded with the GERD's construction without their formal approval, arguing that the 1959 treaty is not legally binding on it.
Sudan's New Leadership
The visit of Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris to Egypt holds particular significance. Appointed in May 2025 by the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Idris is a former Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a career diplomat. His appointment came amid an ongoing civil war in Sudan and was seen by some as an attempt by the military to project a more civilian-led and internationally credible image. His decision to make Cairo his first international destination underscores the priority of the Nile issue for his new government and its alignment with Egypt on this matter
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