Sisi Warns Against 'Fait Accompli' on Water Security: 'A Losing Bet' for Neighbors

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued a strong warning, stating that any attempt to impose a "fait accompli" policy on Egypt or compromise its water security would be a "losing bet." Speaking at the opening of the Ninth edition of Cairo Water Week on Sunday, President Sisi affirmed Egypt's commitment to cooperation with its neighbors, grounded in international law, good neighborliness, and the principle of not causing harm.

President Sisi highlighted Egypt's unique water challenges, stemming from its geographical location and its heavy reliance on the Nile River. As the river is shared among basin states, it provides Egypt with over 98 percent of its renewable water resources. He noted that in the face of a growing population, increasing water and food demands, and the escalating impacts of climate change, Egypt is actively pursuing strategies to enhance water-use efficiency, develop its water resources, and maximize their utilization. This is being done in parallel with efforts to foster cooperation among Nile Basin nations to achieve water security and sustainable development for all.

"Egypt supports nations in right to development – within reason," President Sisi stated, emphasizing that while Egypt respects and supports the right of all Nile Basin states to development, this right must be exercised responsibly and without harming other states or compromising their water security. He pointed out that the presence of a river's headwaters within a single state does not grant it the right to unilateral control over a resource shared by multiple peoples.

The President also shared Egypt's practical approach to cooperation, citing its work with other Nile Basin countries on energy, agriculture, and irrigation projects. He explained that this experience demonstrates that prior notification, the exchange of studies, and consultation are effective tools for mobilizing project financing, building trust, and safeguarding mutual interests, rather than serving as obstacles to development or means of imposing guardianship.

Former Assistant Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, commented that the President's remarks underscored the non-negotiable national responsibility to protect Egypt's interests, sending a clear message that respecting Egypt's water interests is paramount. Expert on African affairs, Ramy Zohdy, affirmed Egypt's influential regional role, reiterating Cairo's consistent stance: opposition to Ethiopia's right to development or resource utilization is not the issue; rather, it is the rejection of this right being used to justify unilateral control over a shared international river.