Sudan rejects Egyptian drafts on Renaissance Dam

The Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported that Sudan had reservations about a draft resolution reached by the council of Arab Foreign Ministers, affirming the Arab League’s solidarity with the position of Egypt and Sudan regarding the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as downstream countries.

MENA quoted sources saying that during the meeting of the council of Arab Foreign Ministers on Wednesday Egypt submitted a draft resolution issued by the Arab League expressing solidarity with Egypt and Sudan regarding the Renaissance Dam, taking into account the interests of the downstream countries. The Sudanese side was informed in advance of the draft decision to consult on it while confirming that this decision supports the position of the downstream states of Egypt and Sudan, and reflects Arab support for the water rights of both countries.

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The sources said that Sudan asked not to include their name in the decision, and added that the decision is not in Sudan’s interest, nor is permissible to include the Arab League. They also expressed concerns over a possible confrontation between Ethiopia and Arab countries as a result of this decision.

According to the sources, most Arab delegations stated that supporting Egypt and Sudan is not aimed at confronting other parties, but rather it is an obligation that must be performed in connection with a file that threatens Arab national security.

The sources pointed out that the Arab delegations were surprised that Sudan maintained its conservative position even after the name of Sudan was deleted from the draft resolution, as it was limited to protecting the water interests of Egypt. The Sudanese side sought to empty the draft of its content, while the other Arab parties emphasised the feasibility and importance of this decision.

At the end of the session, the draft resolution was adopted without amendment, with Sudan formally withdrawing from it.