Accra:A senior researcher has claimed that Egypt is attempting to prolong the ongoing conflict in Sudan to benefit from its water resources. Abdulshakur Abdulsamad, from the Center for Strategic Studies and Regional Integration Initiative, suggests that the war enables Egypt to access a larger-than-usual share of water that Sudan cannot currently utilize.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Abdulsamad noted that Egypt gains economically and in terms of water resources from the situation in Sudan, which he described as well-known. He pointed out that the conflict, now in its fourth year, has limited Sudan's ability to develop its resources, potentially increasing Egypt's access to water.
The researcher referenced statements from Egyptian water experts, including Dr. Mohamed Hafez and former Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Dr. Nasser Allam. These experts have expressed concerns not about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's impact on Egypt, but rather that it might allow Sudan to increase agricultural production, thus raising its water consumption.
Abdulsamad argued that these concerns highlight Egypt's traditional stance towards the Nile Basin, where it views Sudan and other upstream nations within its influence, particularly regarding water issues. He criticized Egypt's adherence to the 1959 Nile colonial waters agreement, saying it restricts Sudan's ability to independently manage its water resources.
He also mentioned Sudan's potential accession to the Entebbe Agreement, which aims to provide a fairer distribution of Nile Basin water usage, as a step towards strengthening its control over its resources. He emphasized that Egypt's opposition to this should not allow it to dictate Sudan's decisions.
Abdulsamad concluded by asserting that Egypt lacks the authority to govern Sudan's affairs and emphasized that the Sudanese people have the necessary expertise and capacity to manage their own development policies.
