The Nile : Water Tensions and Egypt’s Intimidation Diplomacy in East Africa
By: Alfred Camus Djasnan, CEO of Charilogone Media International
& Editor-in-Chief of Charilogone Magazine – Charilogone Editorial Team
For several years, the sharing of Nile waters has sparked intense tensions among riparian countries. Egypt, historically favored by the colonial-era agreements of 1929 and 1959, is now striving to protect its vital interests through an aggressive diplomacy marked by pressure, threats, and intimidation tactics—particularly toward Uganda. These agreements, signed under British oversight, allocated 55.5 billion m³ of water annually to Egypt and 18.5 billion m³ to Sudan, accounting for nearly 87% of the river’s total flow, without consulting other basin countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, or the DRC.
In response to this perceived injustice, several upstream states initiated the Entebbe Agreement in 2010, signed in Uganda. This treaty aims to establish a Nile Basin Commission to study equitable water resource distribution among the eleven concerned countries. It rejects colonial-era entitlements and proposes collective governance of the river. Egypt and Sudan, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, refused to join this new framework, citing historical rights and their vital dependence on the Nile—Egypt draws 97% of its drinking water from the river.
The signatories of the Entebbe Agreement argue against the colonial accords, asserting their sovereignty over natural resources and emphasizing their development needs through irrigation, hydropower, and access to clean water. Egypt and Sudan, on the other hand, highlight their water vulnerability, national security, and acquired rights. Egypt, in particular, has launched an aggressive diplomatic campaign to influence Uganda and stall the treaty’s implementation, using political and economic pressure.
This diplomatic standoff reflects growing tensions over water—a strategic and vital resource. Implementation of the Entebbe Agreement remains partial due to a lack of regional consensus. Only sincere and balanced cross-border cooperation can prevent water disputes from escalating into open conflict.
It is crucial for the international community and African regional organizations to seriously address the issue of Nile water sharing. This persistent tension cannot be ignored, as no country should accept colonial treaties dictating the future of its natural resources. Egypt continues to exert constant pressure—blending intimidation and threats—on Nile Basin states to align with its vision and uphold outdated British-era agreements.
How can it be justified that, at a time when African nations aspire to full sovereignty and independence in managing their resources, countries like Egypt and Sudan cling to colonial-era accords?
This stance contradicts principles of equity, regional cooperation, and historical justice. It is time to acknowledge that geopolitical and environmental realities have changed, and only an inclusive and fair approach can ensure peace and prosperity in the Nile region.
Egyptian Diplomacy in Action: Museveni’s Visit to Cairo
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni paid an official visit to Egypt at the invitation of his counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, marking a strategic shift in bilateral relations. During their joint press conference held on August 13, 2025, at the presidential palace in Al-Ittihadiya, both leaders expressed a shared commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic cooperation, while addressing the sensitive issue of Nile water sharing.
President Al-Sissi stated, “Uganda is a key partner in the southern Nile Basin,” adding, “Egypt will not tolerate any threat to its water security.” These remarks echo ongoing tensions between Egypt, Ethiopia, and other Nile riparian states, particularly surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. By investing heavily in Uganda, Cairo seeks to consolidate its regional influence and promote coordinated water resource management—while deploying intimidation diplomacy to deter unilateral initiatives.
The visit included the signing of several memorandums of understanding, covering dam construction, groundwater collection, vaccine and pharmaceutical development, mechanized irrigation, solar energy production, and the establishment of a Ugandan diplomatic institute. Both countries also agreed to reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of official passports. These agreements followed the Egypt-Uganda business forum held in Cairo on August 12 and the signing of a new cooperation framework in Kampala on August 5.
President Museveni, while welcoming Egypt’s commitment, expressed interest in deepening cooperation in economic and water-related sectors. Trade between the two nations, which reached USD 139 million in 2024, is expected to grow significantly under these new partnerships.
This diplomatic and economic rapprochement illustrates Egypt’s strategy to pressure Uganda into adopting its vision for Nile water sharing, particularly amid rivalry with Ethiopia. By placing investment at the heart of its regional diplomacy, Egypt aims to build a united front with Sudan and Uganda to defend its water interests—while resorting to pressure and threats to impose its position.
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