Monday, 21 September 2026 | Author: Andrew Michael Angelo | Photo Credit: GreenPlug|
Egypt has approved South Sudan’s proposed dam project after reviewing technical studies and documents submitted by Juba, Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hany Sewilam says.
The announcement appears to ease concerns over a reported disagreement between the two Nile Basin neighbours about the project.
Mr Sewilam said the dam was among 36 water projects approved by Egypt under the Nile Basin Initiative, including four dam projects.
“Egypt actually approved the 36 projects. These 36 projects include four dams, including the dam mentioned by my South Sudanese colleague,” he said.
He said South Sudan had provided the technical studies and other documents required for assessment, which Egyptian authorities reviewed before approving the project.
Egypt also examined the possible effects of the dam and concluded that its impact could be accommodated, the minister said.
“The dam was approved as part of the 36 projects, after Egypt studied the studies submitted by South Sudan, just as it did with the other countries.”
Egypt denies fresh dispute
Mr Sewilam’s comments follow reports and social media posts suggesting that Egypt and South Sudan were at odds over the proposed dam.
The Egyptian minister rejected that interpretation, saying some statements had been taken out of context or presented in a way that could create tensions between Cairo and countries in the southern Nile Basin.
“Our relations with the southern Nile Basin countries are at their best,” he said.
He said Egypt’s policy towards South Sudan and other Nile Basin countries was based on cooperation and dialogue among states sharing the Nile.
“We do not use a language of fear” when dealing with South Sudan and other southern Nile Basin countries, Mr Sewilam said.
He also cautioned against editing or reframing statements by regional officials in ways that could fuel controversy over South Sudan’s water projects.
Nile water concerns
The proposed dam comes against the backdrop of longstanding sensitivities over Nile water management among countries that share the basin.
Egypt relies heavily on the Nile for its water needs and has closely followed major water projects upstream.
South Sudan, meanwhile, has significant water resources but has historically had limited water infrastructure.
Mr Sewilam reiterated that Egypt had no new dispute with South Sudan over the proposed dam, maintaining that Cairo’s approval followed its review of the technical studies and documents submitted by Juba.
The statement could help clarify Egypt’s position as South Sudan moves to develop infrastructure aimed at managing its water resources and supporting economic development.
