Egypt, Sudan reaffirm unified stance on Ethiopia’s Nile dam, reject unilateral moves

Egypt and Sudan have reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions on Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), declaring their water security “one and indivisible”.

The position was made clear in Cairo during a “2+2” consultation meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, that brought together the foreign and irrigation ministers from both countries. In a joint statement, the ministers stressed the importance of safeguarding their rights as downstream nations under international law and the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement, while pledging closer consultation and coordination.

The two countries also underscored that the GERD dispute should remain confined to Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, rejecting efforts to involve other Nile Basin states. Urging Ethiopia to revise its stance, Cairo and Khartoum called for the restoration of cooperation within the Nile Basin Initiative to ensure inclusive benefits for all member states.

Beyond water security, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and pledged to support Sudan’s unity and stability amid ongoing internal challenges.