EGYPT REFUSES TO GIVE UP NILE WATER HISTORIC RIGHTS

Egypt is refusing to give up a drop of what it claims are its historical rights over the Nile river flow, despite demands from other riparian countries for a more equitable water sharing agreement to increase food and power production.

Seven upstream Nile countries -Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi – are expected to sign on Friday a new water-sharing deal to replace the 80-year old agreement imposed by the colonial powers that gives Egypt and Sudan majority control of the water flow.

Egypt and Sudan were entitled to use 87 percent of the Nile flow by an agreement signed in 1959.

Egypt and Sudan had also the right to veto any project related with the Nile flow in upstream countries.

Egypt says it has historical right on the river which provides its 80 million people with 90 percent of water needs.