The foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan met in Cairo to address water security concerns and reaffirm their support for Somalia’s stability and sovereignty. The discussions focused on shared challenges and regional cooperation.
During the meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Sudanese counterpart Ali Al-Sharif stressed the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard water resources, emphasizing their shared stance as downstream nations. Both countries have ongoing disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which they fear may impact their water shares from the Nile River. Years of negotiations on the dam’s operation and filling have yet to yield a resolution.
On Somalia, the ministers underscored the importance of respecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial unity. They also pledged to support Somalia’s fight against terrorism and promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
Tensions in the region have persisted, with Somalia and Ethiopia recently navigating disputes related to Somaliland. A December agreement brokered by Türkiye was hailed as a significant step toward resolving these tensions.
Separately, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s full backing for Sudan amidst its internal conflict. He urged an immediate cease-fire and called for accelerated delivery of humanitarian aid. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has caused widespread devastation, claiming over 20,000 lives and leaving millions displaced or in urgent need of assistance.