Egypt’s El-Sisi Warns Museveni: Nile Water Access is “Life or Death,” Threatens Conflict Over Development Projects
Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has issued a stark warning to Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, declaring that Egypt will fiercely oppose any Nile Basin development projects that threaten its historic share of the river’s waters, calling the issue a matter of national survival.
The strong remarks came during a joint press conference in Cairo yesterday, where El-Sisi emphasized that while Egypt supports regional development, it will not tolerate actions that jeopardize its water security. “The Nile is a matter of life or death for Egypt,” he stated. “Any project that reduces our share of the water could lead to severe consequences—this is a red line.”
A Tense Exchange Over Nile Rights
The Nile River, a critical water source for Egypt, has long been a point of contention between downstream nations (Egypt and Sudan) and upstream countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and others. Egypt relies on the Nile for over 90% of its freshwater, and previous disputes—particularly over Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—have raised fears of potential conflict.
Though President Museveni did not directly respond to El-Sisi’s warning during the press conference, Uganda has previously defended its right to pursue hydroelectric and irrigation projects along the Nile. The two leaders had met to discuss bilateral relations, but the underlying tensions over water rights dominated the discourse.
Implications for Uganda’s Development Plans
Uganda, which hosts the Nile’s source at Lake Victoria, has been exploring energy and agricultural projects that could increase its water usage. However, Egypt’s uncompromising stance suggests that any perceived threat to its water allocation could trigger diplomatic—or even military—repercussions.
El-Sisi’s reference to a “total war” underscores the high stakes, echoing past Egyptian threats over Nile water disputes. Analysts warn that Uganda and other Nile Basin nations may face increasing pressure as Egypt seeks to safeguard its interests amid climate change and growing water scarcity.
Regional Stability at Risk?
The Nile Basin Initiative, a cooperative framework among riparian states, has struggled to resolve competing claims over the river’s resources. With Ethiopia’s GERD still a flashpoint and Uganda now in Egypt’s crosshairs, fears of a broader regional conflict are resurfacing.
Will diplomatic channels prevail, or will Egypt’s hardline stance escalate tensions further? As Nile-dependent nations push for development, the balance between sovereignty and shared resources remains precarious.
More details to follow as reactions emerge from Kampala and other Nile Basin capitals.
