Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam announced on September 21, 2026, that Egypt has agreed to South Sudan's planned Fula dam project. This comes after Sewilam reviewed studies on the project, which is one of 36 projects submitted under the Nile Basin Initiative. The initiative aims to promote cooperation among Nile Basin countries. Sewilam's statement sought to clarify comments made by South Sudan's Energy and Dams Minister Agok Makur.
Minister Makur had stated that South Sudan was ready to proceed with plans to develop dams, including Fula, and had no reason to fear opposition from downstream countries such as Egypt. Makur emphasized that South Sudan is part of the Nile Basin and has the right to develop its resources. His remarks drew attention in Egypt due to Cairo's longstanding concerns over projects on the Nile that could affect its water security.
The Nile Basin Council of Ministers had approved 34 projects, including dams, with Egypt being one of the countries involved in the approval process. Minister Makur noted that there is no fear of opposition because countries passing these projects include Egypt. The proposed Fula hydropower project is located on the White Nile near Nimule in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State.
Minister Sewilam clarified that Egypt did not oppose the Fula project, contrary to some media reports. He stated that the projects submitted through the Nile Basin framework were accompanied by designs, studies, and documentation, which Egypt reviewed before reaching its decision. Sewilam emphasized that Egypt found the effects of the projects to be tolerable.
Egypt's position on Fula differs from its stance on Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo opposes in its current form. Sewilam stressed that Egypt's relations with South Sudan and other countries in the southern Nile Basin are based on cooperation. He rejected suggestions that the Fula project represents a new dispute between Cairo and Juba.
Minister Makur had briefed President Salva Kiir Mayardit on preparations for dam construction, and investors and foreign diplomats had expressed interest in the projects. The Fula dam project is part of South Sudan's plans to expand electricity generation through hydropower development. The project is expected to contribute to the country's energy needs.
The agreement on the Fula dam project highlights the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and South Sudan within the Nile Basin Initiative. Both countries are working together to promote cooperation over the shared river system. The initiative brings together Nile Basin countries to manage and utilize the Nile's resources sustainably.
Key points
- Egypt agrees to South Sudan's planned Fula dam project after reviewing studies.
- The Fula dam project is part of South Sudan's plans to expand electricity generation.
- Egypt's position on Fula differs from its stance on Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
