Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has emphasised that safeguarding Egypt’s water resources is an existential issue for the country. His comments were made due to ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, which Egypt sees as a significant threat to its water supply, Anadolu reports.
For years, Egypt and Ethiopia have been in conflict over the dam, with Cairo arguing that it endangers Egypt’s share of Nile water, while Addis Ababa insists the project is crucial for its development. Negotiations between the two countries have yet to yield an agreement on the dam’s filling and operation.
Speaking at a water management event in Cairo, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s prioritisation of water security. The president highlighted that the Nile accounts for over 98% of Egypt’s water supply, making its preservation vital for the nation’s survival.
Sisi noted that addressing this challenge requires sustained political commitment, diplomatic efforts, and cooperation with neighbouring countries to achieve shared objectives. He also outlined Egypt’s efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on water management projects with several African nations, particularly those in the Nile Basin.
The Egyptian president urged the international community to support African countries in managing water resources, calling for increased funding and technology to implement projects that ensure water security, development, and peace across the continent.