Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam called for renewed inclusivity and trust-building within the Nile Basin Initiative as the only path to sustainable cooperation. Speaking at the 33rd Nile-COM ministerial meeting in Bujumbura, Burundi's capital, he stressed that Nile Basin challenges cannot be resolved through unilateral measures. He praised the NBI as the sole comprehensive platform uniting basin countries for over 25 years.
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Minister Hani Sewilam emphasized that Egypt sees the consultative process launched by the ministerial council in November 2024 as "a genuine opportunity to restore inclusivity and rebuild trust." He added that this mechanism could pave the way for Egypt's full return to the Nile Basin Initiative "in a spirit of cooperation and mutual confidence."
Sewilam praised the NBI as "the only comprehensive platform" that has successfully united Nile Basin countries for more than 25 years. He urged development partners to support ongoing consultations technically and financially, while avoiding actions that might deepen regional divisions. He noted that while most basin countries have chosen dialogue, "it is regrettable that one particular party continues to promote hostile rhetoric and provocative statements aimed at undermining unity."
The minister stressed that Egypt would continue exercising "maximum restraint" and refrain from responding in the forum to prevent derailing the initiative. He reiterated that sustainable management of shared waters must adhere to international legal principles, particularly the obligation not to cause significant harm. Sewilam highlighted successful cooperation under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme (NELSAP), where 36 investment projects were endorsed after impact assessments and consensus-building among member states.
He reaffirmed Egypt's support for "no-harm development," aiming to replicate southern basin achievements in the Eastern Nile through transparency, robust impact studies, and compliance with agreed standards. He cited Egypt's recent approvals of development projects in Uganda and Tanzania as evidence of its constructive engagement. Sewilam also underscored Egypt's leadership of the African Water Facility for 2025–2027, during which Cairo plans to accelerate seven water and sanitation projects under the basin investment programme, working closely with international partners to mobilize funding.
Sewilam concluded by reaffirming Egypt's unwavering commitment to a unified Nile Basin Initiative, stating: "Together we can move stronger; divided we will be weaker. Let us advance toward a sustainable and prosperous future for all Nile Basin peoples."