Hani Sewilam praised the decision to consult with seven Nile Basin nations to advance consensus on water management. He emphasized the Nile’s crucial role for Egypt’s population and called for sustainable practices. Sewilam expressed concerns over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s unilateral filling and operations, urging dialogue and cooperation to prevent regional tensions.
Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, expressed support for a recent decision to initiate consultations among seven Nile Basin nations. The countries involved are Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This decision was highlighted during the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa on February 21, 2025, ahead of Nile Day celebrations.
During the meeting, Sewilam addressed the importance of the Nile River, stating it directly impacts the lives and cultures of its 107 million citizens. He emphasized that sustainable management of this shared resource is crucial for long-term prosperity and security among the Nile Basin countries.
Sewilam reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to regional cooperation and acknowledged its historical contributions to establishing the NBI in 1999. However, he noted that Egypt’s involvement in technical activities was halted in 2010 due to changes that undermined consensus-based decision-making.
He also mentioned the controversy surrounding the Cooperative Framework Agreement, which lacking unanimous support led to increased tensions in the region. Sewilam expressed hope that the ongoing consultative process would lead to a unified vision, allowing Egypt to re-engage technically with the NBI.
Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Sewilam reiterated Egypt’s objections to including site visits in the Nile Day celebrations. He asserted that the dam’s unilateral operations contravene international law and the 2015 Declaration of Principles Agreement.
Furthermore, Sewilam emphasized Egypt’s approach to the GERD conflict as a trilateral issue with Sudan and Ethiopia, urging Ethiopia not to escalate tensions through such visits. He warned that this could undermine regional unity and cooperation among Nile Basin states.
Sewilam called for hosts to choose between promoting unity or risking the integrity of the gathering. He further stressed that maintaining the principle of consensus is vital for the NBI’s sustainability and benefitting all member states.
In summary, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, highlighted the importance of collaborative discussions among Nile Basin countries while addressing ongoing concerns regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. His remarks underscored the necessity of sustainable resource management, the risks of unilateral decisions, and the significance of consensus as a foundational principle in regional cooperation.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
