Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt’s El-Sisi rejects unilateral Nile actions, urges regional cooperation
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reiterated Egypt’s firm opposition to unilateral measures concerning the management of water resources in the Eastern Nile Basin, stressing that Egypt will not concede its water rights.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at Cairo’s Presidential Palace, President El-Sisi highlighted that “those who believe Egypt will overlook its water rights are mistaken,” adding that water issues are part of broader pressures facing Egypt.
El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt consistently opposes interference in the affairs of other countries, violence, or conspiracies, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to development and cooperation. “As Africans, we have suffered enough from conflict,” he said.
The Egyptian President noted the immense quantity of water in the White and Blue Nile—amounting to approximately 1,600 billion cubic meters annually—of which only a small fraction reaches Egypt due to natural losses in swamps, evaporation, and groundwater.
Reflecting on his discussions with President Museveni, El-Sisi acknowledged the importance of water and sustainable development for all Nile Basin states. He reaffirmed that Egypt supports the development goals of its African neighbors, as long as these initiatives do not decrease the flow of water upon which Egypt relies.
“Egypt and Sudan receive only about 85 billion cubic meters of water annually from the Nile—a mere 4 percent of the river’s total flow,” El-Sisi said. “Egypt has no other significant water resources and very little rainfall. Giving up our share of Nile water would mean giving up our very lives.”
President El-Sisi further stressed that Egypt does not oppose fellow Nile countries benefiting from the river’s water for development, agriculture, or electricity generation. He expressed hope that the regional committee, currently chaired by Uganda, would reach a consensus among all Nile Basin countries.
“The people who receive ample rainfall cannot truly understand the concerns of those who do not,” El-Sisi commented, while assuring the Egyptian public of his ongoing efforts to work with African leaders to find solutions that will not compromise Egypt’s water security.
He concluded by highlighting the determination and awareness of the Egyptian people as vital to facing any potential challenges or threats.