Preserving Nile River existential matter to Egypt: El-Sisi at Cairo Water Week

Ahram Online , Sunday 13 Oct 2024

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Sunday that safeguarding the Nile River is an existential issue for Egypt.

Sisi
In his speech at the opening of the seventh edition of Cairo Water Week

 

Speaking at the opening of the seventh Cairo Water Week (CWW), El-Sisi said water is a top priority for Egypt and requires “unwavering political dedication, diplomatic engagement, and collaboration with other African nations.”

The Nile River provides over 98 percent of Egypt's water supply, making it indispensable to the life and survival of the Egyptian people, El-Sisi added.

Cairo Water Week 2024, which kicked off on Sunday, is being held under the theme “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities.” It serves as a vital platform in the Middle East and Africa facilitating constructive dialogue on pressing water issues.

El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt was determined to organize this event on schedule despite the significant global challenges, highlighting the importance of discussing water resource management and development, particularly amid the rising water scarcity crisis.

The Egyptian president also said that the event comes at a crucial moment as mega projects on international rivers do not consider the safety and sustainability of these resources, stressing the need to adhere to principles of international water law.

Egypt and Ethiopia have been locked in a dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Addis Ababa has been building on the Blue Nile – one of the Nile’s two main tributaries – since 2011.

Addis Ababa has refused to sign any legally binding agreement on the dam’s filing and operation rules, a step that would protect downstream countries Egypt and Sudan's water rights and needs.

Ethiopia has unilaterally completed the filling of the GERD's reservoir without coordination with downstream countries.

In his speech, El-Sisi highlighted that Cairo has embraced numerous continental initiatives and programs related to water, noting that Egypt's current presidency of the African Ministers' Council on Water reaffirms this commitment.

He also noted that through this role, Egypt aims to enhance regional cooperation in the water sector and support member states in achieving water-related sustainable development goals.

Additionally, he urged the international community to enhance its support for African countries' water management efforts providing the necessary funding and technology to implement projects and programs aimed at achieving water security, development, and peace across the continent.

“Water is the secret of life and the foundation of all progress and growth. Today, we are appealing to the entire world from Egypt—a gift of the great Nile— to recognize water as a fundamental right for every human being and to elevate its significance on the international agenda,” El-Sisi added.

Egypt faces significant water scarcity issues that have been exacerbated by the construction of the Ethiopian dam.

Cairo has reiterated that it is not a “helpless nation” and has a clear vision and mechanisms to deal with any negative repercussions of the Ethiopian dam on the country.

Egypt is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with an annual water share of just 500 cubic meters per person, whereas the UN defines water scarcity as occurring at twice that amount.

Addressing the event’s opening, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the close connection between water and climate change, highlighting their role in exacerbating water scarcity.

He also underlined Sudan's current drinking water crisis, affirming Egypt's support to the neighbouring nation.

Madbouly also reiterated Egypt's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Nile Basin countries, despite the challenges related to border crossings.

For his side, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's strong rejection of any unilateral actions that violate international law regarding water management, dismissing claims of control over the Nile's waters by any party.

He urged for international and regional cooperation in freshwater management to promote development for all, particularly as most water sources are transboundary rivers.

Abdelatty said that Egypt has always supported development and prosperity in Nile Basin countries, expressing Cairo's endorsement of any projects that receive consensus among all parties.

Cairo Water Week 2024, running until October 17 is held under the sponsorship of President El-Sisi and organized by the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources.

This year’s event aims to explore the intricate relationship between water and climate, emphasizing their collective impact on community resilience.

The week-long event serves as a crucial platform where experts, policymakers, and stakeholders come together to explore innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives, according to CWW's official website.

CWW solidified itself as a key water event in the Middle East and worldwide, drawing attention from stakeholders who recognize water’s vital role in life.

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