A Sudanese bid to erect dams on the Nile River is causing tension with Egypt, according to a Wednesday report by Egypt's parliament. Sudan has adopted a stance similar to other Nile Basin countries in asserting its right to share and redistribute Nile resources, despite its declared support for Egypt, said the report released by the People's Assembly's Defense and National Security Committee. Three of the dams are being established on the Nile's main stream, while two others are being built on the Atbara tributary. The report said the change in Sudan's position was evidenced by recent statements from Sudanese officials and recent efforts by Khartoum to achieve rapprochement with Nile Basin countries. Ethiopia is pushing Sudan to become aligned with upstream states in exchange for help with security including border issues between the two countries, the report said. Observers believe that the border constitutes a channel for delivering arms to rebel groups in South Sudan. The occurrence of South Sudan's secession vote this week is making northerners believe that Egypt no longer supports Sudan's unity, which, the report said, might prompt Khartoum to adopt measures against Cairo's interests. South Sudan's donors, especially the UK and France, refuse to mediate the water sharing dispute directly between the basin countries, the report said. The report also warned of rising interest from the US and the waning Arab support for Egypt over the issue. In May 2010, Egypt and Sudan entered into a dispute with upstream Nile Basin countries after five of the latter signed an agreement in Entebbe, Uganda calling for the redistribution of historical quotas that grant most Nile water rights to Egypt. Under a 1959 water-sharing treaty, Egypt is allotted 51 billion cubic meters of Nile water annually--the lion's share--while Sudan is entitled to 18 billion cubic meters. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
