Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, warned against unilateral actions regarding Nile River resources during a meeting of Nile Basin ministers in Juba, South Sudan, on February 20, 2026. Sewilam emphasized that consensus, cooperation, and dialogue are essential for regional stability and equitable development, according to an official statement released by the Egyptian ministry.
Speaking at the extraordinary meeting of the Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM), Sewilam argued that the future of the Nile Basin nations depends on “unity, inclusivity and dialogue, not division or unilateral measures.” He specifically called for continued consultations to restore consensus among all basin states, particularly those that have not yet formally joined the framework agreement governing the river’s use.
The minister cautioned that any transition from the existing Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) to a more formal Nile River Basin Commission should only proceed with the full agreement of all member states. He warned that proceeding without full consensus could jeopardize regional cooperation and undermine the collaborative spirit that has characterized discussions surrounding the Nile for years.
Sewilam highlighted Egypt’s ongoing commitment to collaborative projects within the Nile Basin, noting Cairo’s participation in several initiatives over the past year designed to revitalize cooperation. He also stated that Egypt is currently evaluating ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NBI. Egypt has already approved projects in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, and is currently involved in 36 development projects in the Equatorial Lakes region along the White Nile, funded through an investment program.
Underlying Egypt’s position is a commitment to established principles of international water law, Sewilam stated. These principles include providing prior notification of any planned projects, engaging in thorough consultations, avoiding significant harm to other basin states, and ensuring the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile’s resources. He urged both Nile Basin states and international development partners to prioritize cooperation and avoid any unilateral steps that could destabilize the region.
Egypt’s focus on cooperation extends to specific development initiatives, as evidenced by a recently announced $100 million financing mechanism to support projects and studies in southern Nile Basin countries, according to reports from August 2025. These projects include providing solar-powered groundwater wells, constructing underground water storage tanks, establishing river moorings, controlling aquatic weeds, developing flood forecasting centers, improving water quality facilities, and conducting technical studies for integrated water resources management. Egypt is also investing in capacity building through the African Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA), established under the Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience (AWARe) Initiative.
Sewilam recently met with the newly appointed ambassadors to South Sudan, Kenya, and Rwanda to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation on water resources, signaling Egypt’s continued diplomatic efforts to foster collaboration within the Nile Basin. Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation also stressed Egypt’s commitment to meeting the needs of its neighbors, particularly South Sudan, according to statements released following the meetings.
