In 1959, Egypt and Sudan signed an agreement that aimed to resolve territorial disputes and promote economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, which became known as the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement, established a framework for the joint management and utilization of the Nile River`s waters.
The agreement was signed in Cairo, Egypt, on November 8, 1959, by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Sudanese Prime Minister Ismail al-Azhari. The two leaders recognized the importance of the Nile River and the need for joint action to ensure its sustainable use.
Under the agreement, Egypt and Sudan established the Nile Waters Joint Technical Committee, which was responsible for managing and developing the Nile River`s waters. The committee was tasked with developing plans for the utilization of the Nile`s waters, including irrigation, hydroelectric power, and navigation.
The 1959 agreement also recognized Egypt`s significant dependence on the Nile River`s waters and granted the country the right to veto any new projects or initiatives that could potentially harm its water supply. This provision has remained controversial and has been a source of tension between Egypt and other Nile Basin countries, which argue that the agreement gives Egypt an unfair advantage over the river`s waters.
Despite these tensions, the 1959 agreement has remained in force for over 60 years and has proven to be a critical framework for the management and development of the Nile River`s waters. The agreement has facilitated cooperation between Egypt and Sudan, leading to the construction of several large-scale irrigation and hydroelectric projects that have benefited both nations.
In recent years, the agreement`s continued relevance has been brought into question as other Nile Basin countries, such as Ethiopia, seek to develop new projects that could affect downstream nations` water supply. Nevertheless, the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement remains a cornerstone of regional cooperation and a testament to the benefits of joint action in managing shared water resources.