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Egypt Independent
6 days ago
- Science
- Egypt Independent
Three scenarios for Nile water flowing to Egypt soon amid Ethiopian Dam operations: Water expert
Cairo University Geology and Water Resources Professor Abbas Sharaqi stated that there are three possibilities for Nile water to begin flowing towards Sudan and Egypt soon, following Ethiopia's closure of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's (GERD) gates. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Sharaqi explained that Ethiopia has opened the gates of the Tekeze Dam on the Atbara River, while the GERD remains closed for water storage. He noted that water from the Tekeze Dam flows towards the Upper Atbara and Setit dams, then to the Khashm al-Girba Dam in Sudan, and from there into the main Nile River, eventually reaching Lake Nasser in Egypt. The Atbara River in Ethiopia contributes approximately 11 billion cubic meters of water annually to the Nile, he said, accounting for about 13 percent of the river's total flow. He clarified that its storage capacity is roughly nine billion cubic meters. The GERD reservoir is also nearing its previous storage level of 60 billion cubic meters at an elevation of 638 meters, he said, which is expected within a few days. The current water reserve stands at approximately 58 billion cubic meters at an elevation of 637 meters. Sharaqi then outlined three scenarios that Ethiopia is likely to adopt shortly: Opening the GERD Spillway Gates: Ethiopia might begin opening the spillway gates, as it did last year, to allow water to pass towards Sudan and Egypt. Overtopping the Middle Section: The gates could remain closed to test the flow of water over the dam's middle section after the GERD reservoir is completely filled. Flow through Turbines (Least Likely): The least probable scenario is that water will pass through the power-generating turbines. Professor Sharaqi noted that the GERD reservoir requires an additional four billion cubic meters of water to reach full storage capacity. This volume could be collected within a week, given the current inflow rate of approximately 300 million cubic meters per day. He further stated: 'Water is expected to flow from the spillway gates within days, or over the middle section by the end of this month, while the operation of the turbines remains unlikely.' 'In all scenarios, water will flow towards Sudan and Egypt, and the High Dam is fully prepared for the arrival of water at any time, whether from the turbines, spillway gates, or over the middle section.' Tensions remain Earlier in July, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had announced that the GERD's construction was complete and it would be inaugurated next September after the summer rainy season subsides. He extended an invitation to Egypt and Sudan to attend the opening ceremony. In response, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated that Egypt categorically rejects Ethiopia's continued imposition of a fait accompli through unilateral actions concerning the Nile River, viewing it instead as a shared international water resource. According to a ministry statement, Ethiopia has consistently promoted the completion of the dam despite failing to reach a binding agreement with the downstream nations and the fundamental reservations expressed by both Egypt and Sudan. He added that this reflects Ethiopia's approach based on a mindset that, 'Seeks to impose water hegemony instead of embracing the principle of partnership and cooperation—something the Egyptian state will not permit.' Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated, 'Our position has not changed at all; Egypt will not allow any harm regarding the Nile River waters.' He stressed the necessity of translating Ethiopia's statements into a written document that regulates the future relationship between the two countries and guarantees the rights of future generations.
Daily News Egypt
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Water Minister Rejects GERD Legitimacy, Warns Against 'Unilateral Actions' by Ethiopia
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam, said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) remains 'illegal and incomplete,' directly challenging recent statements by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Speaking on MBC Egypt's Yahduth Fi Masr talk show on Thursday evening, Sewilam called on the Ethiopian government to translate its pledges of no harm to downstream nations into a binding agreement. 'Egypt will not accept any tampering with its national water security,' he said, stressing Addis Ababa's repeated violations of the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Egypt Accuses Ethiopia of Violating International Norms The minister asserted that the dam was constructed outside internationally recognized legal frameworks, citing unilateral filling and operation without consensus with Egypt and Sudan. 'Each cubic meter stored behind the dam comes at Egypt's expense—this is unacceptable, both legally and ethically,' Sewilam said. Egypt has been closely monitoring developments using satellite imagery and technical analysis, according to the minister, who criticized Ethiopia's 'random and unjustified' operational decisions. He also questioned the credibility of Ethiopia's recent announcement that GERD will be inaugurated in September, pointing out that only 8 of 13 turbines have been installed, with 5–6 functioning irregularly. Continued Coordination with Sudan Sewilam reaffirmed Egypt's ongoing coordination with Sudan, noting that the downstream country may face even greater risks due to its proximity to the dam. He warned that Ethiopia's actions could threaten the structural integrity of Sudan's Roseires Dam, which lies just downstream of GERD. The minister reiterated Egypt's stance that it supports regional development, but not at the expense of its historic Nile water rights. 'We believe in cooperative solutions that respect all parties,' he said. High Dam Still Key to Egypt's Water Security Sewilam praised Egypt's Aswan High Dam as a critical buffer that has helped the country manage the impact of Ethiopia's unilateral actions. 'Without the High Dam, we would not have withstood Ethiopia's behavior,' he said, calling the dam an 'engineering masterpiece.' He also outlined Egypt's long-term water strategy, including a massive expansion in wastewater recycling. Egypt currently reuses 22 billion cubic meters annually, with a target of 85 billion by 2027. The minister emphasized that 90% of Egypt's water resources originate outside its borders, underscoring the need for regional cooperation. GERD Nearing Inauguration Amid Unresolved Disputes Despite the ongoing diplomatic deadlock, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced earlier this month that the GERD is 'completed' and will be officially inaugurated in September. The dam, under construction since 2011, has remained a flashpoint in relations between Ethiopia and its downstream neighbors. Talks over a binding agreement on dam operation and water allocation have repeatedly stalled, with no final deal in sight. While Ethiopia maintains that GERD is essential for its development, Egypt views the project as an existential threat to its water security.
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Rwandan embassy in Cairo marks 31st Liberation Day - Foreign Affairs
The Rwandan Embassy in Egypt—also accredited to Algeria, Libya, and Oman—hosted a reception in Cairo on 11 July to commemorate the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation Day, Kwibohora. The event drew Egyptian government officials, diplomats, business figures, academics, media representatives, and friends of Rwanda for an evening of reflection and celebration. Liberation Day marks 4 July 1994, when the Rwandan Patriotic Army, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, brought an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi and began rebuilding a nation torn apart by violence. The anniversary is both a remembrance and a reaffirmation of Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. In his address, Rwanda's Ambassador to Egypt, Dan Munyuza, underscored the deeper meaning of Liberation Day, framing it as the beginning of a long-term vision rather than simply a military triumph. 'Liberation was not merely the end of a war,' said Munyuza. He described it as the beginning of a new vision—a commitment to never return to tribal divisions, hatred, and despair. It was a promise to create a nation where all Rwandans, regardless of background, could live in dignity, peace, and mutual respect. He thanked Egypt for what he described as its ongoing support for Rwanda's development efforts. Reflecting on the country's trajectory since 1994, Munyuza pointed to institutional rebuilding, investments in health and education, gender equality, and an expanding innovation-led economy. Rwanda, he said, has averaged 7–8 percent economic growth over three decades and consistently ranks among Africa's most business-friendly nations. He also touched on regional instability, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), welcoming a recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed in Washington, D.C. He reiterated Rwanda's commitment to peace in the Great Lakes region. 'Let this 31st Liberation Day commemoration be a reminder that even from the greatest pain, renewal is possible,' he said. 'That with visionary and hardworking leadership, unity and purpose, a nation can rise from tragedy to prosperity.' The reception featured Rwandan cultural performances and showcased the country's tourism and investment offerings. Guests were invited to explore Rwanda's natural attractions, from mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to Big Five safaris in Akagera. The evening concluded with remarks from Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, who praised Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. 'Rwanda's extraordinary progress over the past thirty years is a true reflection of visionary leadership, national healing, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth and development,' Sewilam stated. He pointed to expanding cooperation between the two countries, including an upcoming memorandum of understanding on water management in Rwanda. The initiative will focus on catchment protection, groundwater development, rainwater harvesting, and training, aiming to improve water access and climate resilience. Sewilam also highlighted Rwanda's participation in regional water diplomacy through the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), commending its role in fostering dialogue and consensus. 'We strongly rely on Rwanda's constructive role... to enhance cooperation between [Nile Basin] states and maintain the sustainability of the Nile River—this vital common water resource,' he said. He added that Egypt has committed $100 million through a Regional Pooled Financing Mechanism to support water projects in the Nile Basin. Both countries reiterated the importance of regional cooperation in tackling shared challenges and advancing Africa's development agenda. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Irrigation Min Stresses Importance Of Technical Cooperation Among African Countries in Water Field
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam reaffirmed Egypt's continued commitment to strengthening African unity, fostering cooperation and exchanging technical expertise among African nations in the field of water resources management. During a meeting with a delegation from the Committee on Agriculture and Environment of Namibia's National Council, led by Paulus N. Mbangu, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chair of the Committee, the minister said, all efforts contribute to the advancement of Africa's Agenda 2063, under the vision of 'The Africa We Want'. The meeting was also attended by Abdel-Salam al-Gebaly, Chairman of the Agriculture and Irrigation Committee of the Egyptian Senate, the committee's deputy chairman Mohamed el-Sebaey and Noha Zaki, Secretary of the Senate's Energy, Environment and Manpower Committee, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Sewilam reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Namibia under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in November 2023, which focusing on sustainable management and development of water resources. Meantime, the minister underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to develop joint projects aligned with the shared priorities of both countries, particularly in the areas of groundwater management and coastal protection. He also underlined the opportunities available for Namibia to benefit from capacity-building programs and training courses provided by the Pan-African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA). The minister outlined principal challenges facing Egypt's water sector, including limited water availability, rapid population growth and the detrimental effects of climate change. In response to these challenges, Egypt has accelerated its initiatives to treat and reuse wastewater for agricultural purposes, adopting this as a strategic approach to narrow the gap between constrained water resources and increasing demand, he further noted. Egypt has expanded reliance on treatment and reuse of agricultural drainage water to reduce the gap between available water resources and demand, as well as to import agricultural crops from abroad equivalent to 33.5 billion cubic meters of water annually, said the minister. He also pointed out to the necessity of shifting to modern irrigation systems due to their role in rationalizing water consumption, increasing crop productivity, and improving quality, while the ministry continues to monitor farmers' compliance with using modern irrigation systems in sandy lands. Sewilam underscored the essential role of transitioning to modern irrigation systems, emphasizing their significant contribution to water conservation, boosting crop productivity, and enhancing the quality of agricultural output. He said his ministry is actively monitoring farmers' compliance with modern irrigation practices, especially in sandy and reclaimed lands, to ensure the efficient use of water resources. The minister highlighted the critical role of scientific research, innovation, and advanced technology in effective water management, stressing the need to strengthen collaboration between Egypt's National Water Research Center (NWRC) and relevant research institutions in Namibia. It is noteworthy that the Namibian delegation is visiting Egypt to draw upon its pioneering expertise in water management and agricultural development. During their visit, the delegation toured the NWRC, the Irrigation Museum and the Water Science Cultural Center in Qanater al-Khayriya, as well as an exemplary modern irrigation project along the Mansouriya Canal in Giza governorate. The visit also included a meeting with local water users' associations in the region.
Daily News Egypt
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt accelerates coastal protection projects amid rising climate threats
Egypt is stepping up efforts to safeguard its Mediterranean coastline—particularly in the historic city of Alexandria—in response to the growing threat of climate change, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam announced on Sunday. During a meeting to assess ongoing projects, Sewilam underscored the urgent need for clear policies and practical measures to address the escalating impacts of climate change. He called for stronger coordination between executive bodies and scientific institutions, both within and beyond the ministry, to develop data-driven, systematic responses. The minister instructed key agencies—including the Shore Protection Authority, the National Water Research Center, and the Planning Sector—to maintain close monitoring of climate trends and extreme weather patterns affecting Egypt's northern coastal zones and the Nile Delta, to enable timely preventive action. According to a statement from the ministry, the first phase of the Alexandria Coast Protection Project is currently underway. It covers a 2-kilometre stretch from Bi'r Masoud to El-Mahrousa. The second phase, which spans 600 metres, is designed to reinforce the Corniche wall and roadway in the Loran district, while also restoring the adjacent sandy beach. Other initiatives include the construction of wave breakers in front of the naval forces' facility in Ras El Bar, located in Damietta Governorate, and the continuation of coastal protection works on Al-Obayed beach in Matrouh as part of a second-phase intervention. In addition, the ministry confirmed the completion of the tendering process for four new coastal protection projects targeting low-lying areas in the governorates of Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, and Damietta—regions considered especially vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
