On October 21, 2026, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivered a compelling address focused on national security and public opinion at the Egypt Forum 2026. He stressed the importance of unity and resilience in navigating the various challenges facing Egypt, particularly those arising from the ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). El-Sisi called for unwavering support from the Egyptian populace to effectively counter these imminent threats.
Urgency for Solidarity and Vigilance
During his speech, El-Sisi made it clear that the threat landscape extends far beyond just the GERD issue. He emphasized the need for citizens to remain steadfast and actively support state initiatives. The key, according to him, lies in fostering a robust and unified public sentiment that can withstand external pressures and challenges. By collaborating and bolstering national pride, the Egyptian people can strengthen the country’s position.
This session was marked by the presence of high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister and the ministers of defense, interior, and foreign affairs. These leaders play a pivotal role in addressing national security concerns, signaling the government’s commitment to tackling these pressing issues head-on.
Addressing the Ethiopian Dam Challenge
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, reinforced El-Sisi’s remarks by outlining specific strategies that Egypt has adopted to mitigate risks associated with the GERD. He highlighted ongoing projects such as advanced water treatment facilities, canal-lining initiatives, and the ambitious New Delta agricultural project. Sewilam shared that Egypt currently processes and reuses 23.2 billion cubic meters of water annually, a crucial step to counteract potential unilateral actions that may affect Egypt’s water supply.
Sewilam noted the significance of the Declaration of Principles established in 2025, which aimed to showcase Egypt’s good intentions toward Ethiopia. Despite Egypt’s diplomatic efforts, tensions escalated as Ethiopia failed to comply with signed agreements. Subsequent negotiations mediated by Washington eventually stumbled, leading Egypt to rethink its approach to future talks.
Collaboration Beyond Borders
Moreover, Sewilam pointed out that the Nile Basin comprises several countries, extending beyond Ethiopia. He praised Egypt’s improved relationships with southern Nile Basin nations, a testament to the collaborative efforts promoted during El-Sisi’s administration. This cooperation has manifested in over $120 million in investments directed towards various projects, including flood protection initiatives, technical support for meteorological forecasting, and reciprocal visits.
One crucial area of potential collaboration involves creating an integrated electricity network among Nile Basin countries. Sewilam argued that addressing electricity demands could provide a technical solution that removes the pretext for further dam construction, thereby promoting regional stability and cooperation.
Water Resources and Strategic Cooperation
Sewilam further elaborated on the annual rainfall in the Nile Basin, which amounts to an impressive 7 trillion cubic meters. Much of this precipitation could be harnessed for agricultural, drinking, and industrial purposes. However, while the Nile Basin as a whole receives between 1.6 trillion and 2 trillion cubic meters of water each year, Egypt only benefits from 55.5 billion cubic meters, less than 3% of the region’s total rainfall.
Although the Nile Basin does not face a general water shortage, Egypt does contend with a critical water scarcity challenge due to its limited water resources. Sewilam emphasized that cooperative efforts among Nile Basin nations could lead to better resource management, ultimately benefiting all countries involved. By uniting their efforts, these nations can pave the way for a more sustainable and mutually beneficial future.