Sudan and Egypt have discussed Nile water-sharing issues amid a new treaty that allows the establishment of a Nile River Basin Commission, opposed by both countries. Sudan’s Foreign Minister emphasized coordination with Egypt while criticizing the treaty’s validity, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is nearing completion.
On November 4, 2024, discussions regarding the Nile River’s water-sharing arrangements took place between Sudan and Egypt amidst the recent implementation of a contentious regional treaty. Sudan’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, engaged in a telephone conversation with Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, as reported by Sudanese diplomatic sources. This dialogue followed the enactment of a treaty aimed at forming a Nile Basin Commission, which has faced opposition from both Egypt and Sudan since it was joined by South Sudan in July 2024.
The Nile River holds paramount importance for the countries it traverses, particularly Sudan and Egypt, which rely heavily on its waters for agriculture, drinking, and livelihoods. The recent treaty facilitates the establishment of a Nile Basin Commission that includes multiple nations such as Ethiopia and South Sudan. However, Egypt and Sudan have voiced significant concerns that this treaty contravenes international law and poses risks regarding equitable water distribution among all Nile Basin states, leading to regional tensions, especially over Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
In conclusion, the dialogue between the foreign ministers of Sudan and Egypt underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding the Nile water-sharing treaty amid regional concerns. As both nations continue to assert their positions against the treaty, the situation remains fluid, with the GERD looming large over negotiations. A collaborative approach to future water management is imperative to ensure equitable access for all Nile Basin countries.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
