Sudan’s transitional Prime Minister Kamil al-Taib Idris made his first foreign visit since taking office to Cairo on Thursday, where he was received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and held joint talks with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The visit underscored the historic and strategic ties between the two nations, especially as both face mounting challenges over Nile River water rights and Sudan’s ongoing civil war. At a joint briefing, Idris emphasized that there was “agreement” and “consensus” on the matters discussed, signaling a united front on regional concerns.
Central to the talks was the long-standing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile. Egypt and Sudan have consistently opposed Ethiopia’s unilateral actions regarding the dam’s filling and operation, arguing that they threaten water security and violate international norms. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for over 90% of its water supply, fears significant reductions in its share, while Sudan worries about the impact on its own dams and water infrastructure. Prime Minister Madbouly reiterated Egypt’s “complete rejection” of Ethiopia’s approach and called for a binding agreement that respects the rights and interests of all Nile Basin countries.
The meeting also addressed the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan, where civil war has ravaged the country since April 2023. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced more than 14 million people, making it one of the world’s largest displacement emergencies. Khartoum, once a bustling capital, has been largely destroyed, including the presidential palace and airport. Yet signs of resilience are emerging as residents slowly return and markets begin to reopen, even as electricity and basic services remain unreliable.
Egypt has played a crucial role in supporting Sudanese civilians during the crisis, hosting over 1.5 million refugees who fled across the border. President el-Sissi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty and stability, pledging continued humanitarian aid and support for reconstruction. The leaders also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional security, including activating joint committees and exploring investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Idris’s visit to Cairo not only reinforced the enduring bond between Egypt and Sudan but also signaled a renewed diplomatic effort to address shared challenges. As both nations navigate complex regional dynamics—from water rights to war recovery—their partnership remains a cornerstone of stability in Northeast Africa.