Sisi says Egypt's Nile water share is a non-negotiable right, amid Ethiopia tensions

Centre · 2Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said Egypt's share of Nile waters is an established historical and legal right that admits of no compromise or infringement. 1 2 Centre · 2According to a presidential statement cited by Anadolu Agency, he spoke on Monday while chairing a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, as part of celebrations of the 53rd anniversary of the October 1973 war; The National described the remarks as a televised address to the nation. 1 2 Centre · 2Sisi said Egypt remains committed to cooperation and joint development with fellow Nile Basin countries but will not tolerate any action touching its water security, and will keep defending its rights by all means provided under international law. 1 2

Centre · 2Egypt and Sudan, the downstream countries, are in a dispute with upstream Ethiopia over its Blue Nile dam and the lack of a binding agreement on its filling and operation. Cairo fears effects on its annual allocation of 55.5 billion cubic metres, set under a 1959 agreement with Sudan that Ethiopia dismisses as invalid and outdated. 1 2 Centre · 1The National reported that filling the reservoir had little impact on Egypt thanks to plentiful Ethiopian rain, but that Egypt fears a reduced share in a prolonged drought. It said a decade of talks has failed because Addis Ababa rejects a legally binding deal giving Egypt and Sudan a say in the dam's operation, calling it an infringement on its sovereignty. 2 Centre · 1The National said relations have deteriorated sharply in recent days, with Ethiopia accusing Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea of aiding an anti-government rebellion, a charge the three deny. It said the speech followed hours after an Ethiopian foreign ministry statement reasserting control of the Blue Nile and a "legitimate" right to Red Sea access, apparently answering a Sunday statement by the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan that Red Sea governance should stay with littoral states. 2

Centre · 1Anadolu reported that Sisi also rejected attempts to displace Palestinians and called for full implementation of US President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan. He backed an independent Palestinian state and pointed to Egypt's peace with Israel as proof that conflicts can end. 1 Centre · 1He also said the security of the Arab Gulf states is inseparable from Egypt's national security, condemned attacks on Arab countries, stressed freedom of navigation, and said the armed forces stand ready to defend the country at all times. 1