Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has described the Nile River’s flow during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday 25 September as an “existential issue that allows for no compromise” for the Egyptian people, calling for a legally binding agreement to protect the rights and interests of countries sharing the river’s waters.
“The Nile is not merely an economic resource; it is a lifeline to which the very existence and development of Egyptian society have been inextricably linked throughout history,” Madbouly said.
He said shared water resources should not be managed through unilateral measures or by imposing a “fait accompli.” Instead, he called for cooperation, good-neighbourliness, and binding agreements consistent with international law that protect the rights and interests of all countries sharing the Nile.
Madbouly also stressed that Egypt does not oppose the right of other countries to development, but said that the development of one party should not come “at the expense of others.” He argued that water security and development are not conflicting goals when there is political will, good faith, and respect for international law.
He further affirmed Egypt’s “legitimate right,” under the UN Charter and international law, to protect its water security and what he described as the existential interests of its people.
Egypt, Ethiopia and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Madbouly’s comments come amid Egypt’s longstanding dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia inaugurated on September 9, 2025, despite objections from Egypt and Sudan. The dam has been under construction on the Blue Nile since 2011.
Egypt and Sudan have called for a legally binding agreement governing the filling and operation of the dam. According to Al Ahram, Ethiopia has refused to sign such an agreement after more than a decade of negotiations with Cairo and Khartoum.
The dispute has also been raised at the UN Security Council. In a September 2025 letter to the Council, Egypt called for a mutually acceptable and binding agreement governing the filling and operation of the GERD.
The issue has remained a major part of Egypt’s recent diplomatic messaging. Earlier this week, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said Egypt would not accept another “fait accompli” in the Eastern Nile and that all options available under international law remained open to protect the country’s water security.
Egyptian officials have also continued to frame cooperation and development as compatible goals. On 1 September , Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Sewilam said Egypt’s Nile Basin policy is based on cooperation, development, shared interests, and mutual benefit, while stressing that transboundary water resources should be managed according to international law.
Madbouly Calls for Stronger International Cooperation
The Nile was one part of a broader speech in which Madbouly called for a stronger and more effective multilateral international system.
He argued that there is a growing gap between international principles and their implementation, and called for greater fairness in representation and decision-making, the application of international law, and access to development opportunities.
Madbouly also renewed Egypt’s call for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, particularly regarding what Cairo describes as the historical underrepresentation of Africa.
Palestine and Regional Security
The Egyptian prime minister also addressed the situation in Gaza, calling for the consolidation of the ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal, sustained humanitarian aid, and the beginning of reconstruction efforts.
He reiterated Egypt’s rejection of attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and called for an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the framework of a two-state solution.
Madbouly also discussed regional conflicts, emphasizing state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political solutions. He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan’s unity and state institutions amid the country’s ongoing conflict.
Comments (0)