Sudan and Egypt discuss Nile water sharing as controversial new treaty led by Ethiopia takes effect

Sudan’s new Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, held a call with Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry Monday, to address concerns over Nile River water sharing and Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), according to the Sudan Tribune, citing Sudanese diplomatic sources. The discussion followed the activation of a controversial Nile Basin treaty, recently joined by South Sudan, that enables the formation of a Nile River Basin Commission—a development opposed by both Egypt and Sudan.

Egypt and Sudan argue that the treaty violates international law and does not represent all Nile Basin states. Both nations remain concerned that GERD, which is nearing completion, could impact water flows crucial to their agriculture and water supply.

Meanwhile, several ministers from several Nile Basin contries- including arrived in Addis Ababa to discuss the new commission and are expected to tour the GERD. This development underscores regional tensions around water security and resource management in the Nile Basin.