Egypt Invites Rwanda to Join AWARe Initiative for Nile Basin Cooperation

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

In a move to enhance mutual cooperation within the Nile Basin, Egypt has extended an invitation to Rwanda to join its AWARe initiative.

The AWARe initiative was launched in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on November 14th during COP27 by Egypt’s presidency, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

AWARe, which stands for Action on Water Adaptation or Resilience, aims to foster inclusive cooperation to tackle water-related challenges and develop solutions for climate change adaptation through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and technical expertise, ensuring the collective benefits of Nile Basin countries.

Speaking at Rwanda’s Liberation Day event on July 21st, 2024, hosted by the Rwandan Embassy in Cairo, Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam emphasized Egypt’s dedication to bolstering bilateral ties. The event celebrated Rwanda’s 30th Liberation Day (Kwibohora), bringing together the Rwandan community in Egypt and their friends.

Minister Sewilam conveyed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s congratulations to Rwandan President Paul Kagame on his re-election. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to nurturing its brotherly relationships within the Nile Basin, fostering cooperation to achieve mutual benefits without causing harm to any party.

“Egypt is committed to its brotherly relationship with the Nile Basin countries, fostering cooperation on all levels to achieve mutual benefits and avoid causing harm to any party,” Sewilam stated.

Rwanda’s Liberation Day marks the nation’s transition from an oppressive regime to a democratic state, highlighting the efforts of the Rwandan Patriotic Front in ending the tragic 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The minister highlighted the extensive cooperation between Egypt and Rwanda across political, economic, cultural, and development spheres. Both countries are active members of regional organizations, including the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and the African Union.

Sewilam also discussed the proposed navigation link between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea, a project involving Rwanda. Egypt recently sent a delegation to explore connecting the Akagera River to this initiative.

The Egyptian ministries of transport and international cooperation have secured funding from the African Development Bank for a feasibility study on the link, which aims to enhance regional integration, trade, and global market access for landlocked countries.

In his invitation to Rwanda to join the AWARe initiative, Sewilam underscored the project’s focus on addressing water-related challenges through collaborative efforts.

The initiative is supported by international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the World Meteorological Organization.

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