Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Sunday urged African nations to resolve cross-border challenges through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation, firmly restating Cairo’s opposition to external interference in the domestic affairs of African states.
Addressing the opening session of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in El Alamein, northwestern Egypt, Sisi argued that transboundary matters should be framed as areas for collaboration rather than competition.
“We emphasise here the importance of addressing cross-border issues as matters requiring cooperation rather than competition, and dialogue rather than confrontation, including the management and utilisation of natural resources and transboundary rivers,” Sisi said.
He stated that relations between African countries must be grounded in mutual respect and good neighbourliness, remaining free from what he described as “unilateral policies or narrow interests.”
“Egypt reaffirms its steadfast position rejecting any external interference in the internal affairs of African nations and calls for respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that are fundamental and indispensable to the stability of our continent,” he said.
Sisi noted that the sustainable management of shared resources, particularly water, represented a “true test” of African countries’ ability to achieve greater integration. He affirmed every country’s right to development, provided it is exercised responsibly and without causing harm to other states.
“By virtue of its location and the needs of its people, Egypt recognises the importance of the water issue,” Sisi said, adding that cooperation over transboundary rivers should be based on international law, consultation, coordination, good neighbourliness and the principle of avoiding harm.
His remarks came amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa and renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. Ethiopia has accused neighboring countries of supporting its adversaries, allegations those countries have rejected.
A diplomatic source told AFP that a separate meeting was expected in El Alamein on Sunday involving Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The anticipated meeting occurs amid tensions involving Ethiopia and neighbouring countries, including Eritrea, and Addis Ababa’s accusations that Egypt, Eritrea and the Sudanese military have supported forces fighting the Ethiopian government.
The United States also called for restraint and dialogue in the Horn of Africa, warning that escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could have wider regional consequences.
“Growing border tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could affect the entire region,” the US State Department said. “The Horn of Africa cannot afford another military conflict and humanitarian crisis.”