Sudan, Egypt discuss Nile water sharing amid new treaty

November 4, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s new foreign minister discussed the Nile Basin and a controversial dam project with his Egyptian counterpart on Monday, Sudanese diplomatic sources said, as a new regional water treaty came into effect.

Foreign Minister Ali Youssef spoke with Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry by phone, the sources told Sudan Tribune.

The call followed the entry into force of a Nile Basin treaty that Egypt and Sudan have opposed. The treaty, which South Sudan joined in July, enables the establishment of a Nile River Basin Commission.

Shoukry contacted Youssef to understand Sudan’s position on the issue, the sources said.

They added that the ministers discussed the treaty and the potential formation of the commission. Youssef stressed Sudan’s commitment to coordinating with Egypt on Nile River issues.

Egypt and Sudan have criticized the treaty, saying it violates international law. They argue that the commission, which includes Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan, does not represent all Nile Basin states.

The two countries also oppose Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is nearing completion.

Several ministers from Nile Basin countries arrived in Addis Ababa on Monday to discuss the establishment of the commission. Sources said they would tour the GERD on Tuesday.