Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has reiterated its full support for efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in South Sudan, underscoring Cairo’s commitment to deepening political coordination and development cooperation with one of the youngest nations in the Nile Basin.
During talks in Cairo on Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty received his South Sudanese counterpart Monday Semaya Kumba to discuss bilateral relations and avenues for expanding joint cooperation. The meeting reflected a steady diplomatic engagement between the two countries, which have sought to strengthen ties amid evolving regional dynamics in East Africa and the Nile Basin.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of building on the outcomes of Kumba’s visit to Cairo in December 2025, as well as their recent discussions on the sidelines of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. Officials from both sides described the exchanges as part of a broader effort to intensify coordination and consultation on political, economic and regional issues.
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s “full support” for initiatives aimed at consolidating peace and stability in South Sudan, which continues to navigate a fragile transitional period following years of internal conflict. Cairo has in recent years expanded its engagement with Juba through infrastructure projects, technical assistance and capacity-building programs, positioning itself as a development partner while reinforcing historical ties dating back to the pre-independence era.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after decades of war with Sudan, but internal political rivalries soon plunged the country into civil conflict. Although a revitalized peace agreement has reduced large-scale fighting, sporadic violence and political uncertainty persist. Regional actors, including Egypt, have expressed interest in supporting the full implementation of transitional arrangements and state-building efforts.
Nile cooperation at the forefront
The discussions also addressed Nile water cooperation, a central strategic priority for Egypt. Abdelatty stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration among Nile Basin countries in accordance with international law principles, particularly prior notification, consultation, the obligation not to cause significant harm and the rejection of unilateral measures.
Egypt has consistently advocated for basin-wide frameworks that balance equitable utilization with safeguards for downstream states. Cairo also reiterated its support for the Nile Basin Initiative and for the consultative process underway within the framework to restore inclusivity among member states.
The Nile remains a lifeline for Egypt, which depends on it for the vast majority of its freshwater resources. South Sudan, located upstream along the White Nile, occupies a strategically significant position in basin hydropolitics. Projects such as the long-discussed Jonglei Canal, originally designed to reduce water loss in the Sudd wetlands — have historically highlighted both the potential and the sensitivities surrounding water management cooperation between Cairo and Juba.
Analysts note that Egypt’s outreach to South Sudan reflects a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at reinforcing partnerships across the Nile Basin at a time of continued tensions over major upstream projects, including Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. While the Cairo-Juba talks did not publicly reference specific disputes, the emphasis on consultation and non-unilateral action aligns with Egypt’s longstanding legal and political arguments in basin negotiations.
Shared development agenda
Beyond water security, the meeting signaled a shared interest in expanding economic and technical cooperation. Egypt has provided training programs for South Sudanese officials, medical assistance and support in sectors such as irrigation, electricity and education. For Juba, diversifying partnerships and attracting regional investment remain key priorities as it works to stabilize its economy and strengthen governance institutions.
Diplomatic observers suggest that the intensification of coordination between the two countries also reflects a wider recalibration of alliances across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, where political transitions, security concerns and competition over natural resources continue to reshape regional relations.
For Egypt, engagement with South Sudan serves multiple objectives: supporting stability in a neighboring African state, reinforcing its presence in sub-Saharan Africa and consolidating cooperative frameworks around the Nile. For South Sudan, closer ties with Cairo offer diplomatic backing and technical expertise during a delicate nation-building phase.
As both ministers concluded their talks, the message was one of continuity a reaffirmation that security, sustainable water management and development cooperation remain shared pillars of the bilateral relationship, even as the broader regional landscape continues to evolve.
