Egypt Says Red Sea Governance Must Be Limited to Littoral States

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Egypt’s foreign minister said governance of the Red Sea should be restricted to countries bordering it, rejecting what he described as attempts by external powers to involve themselves in managing the strategic waterway.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, on the sidelines of the African Union summit.

Abdelatty stressed Egypt’s “categorical rejection” of any attempts by non-littoral states to position themselves as partners in Red Sea governance. He said efforts are underway to activate the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to enhance cooperation, promote sustainable development, and strengthen security and stability among member states.

The minister praised coordination between Egypt and the AU Commission and reaffirmed Cairo’s support for the bloc’s conflict resolution efforts and implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development framework. He also highlighted Egypt’s intention to increase the representation of Egyptian expertise within the AU Commission to bolster joint African action.

Addressing water security, Abdelatty described water as a fundamental human right and said access to safe drinking water is indispensable. He welcomed the adoption of Africa’s Water Vision and Policy 2063 by African heads of state, saying it marked progress in safeguarding water rights and underscored adherence to international law, particularly principles of cooperation, consensus, and avoiding harm in projects on shared rivers.

In Sudan, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan and the preservation of its national institutions. He rejected attempts to divide the country or undermine its sovereignty and called for a comprehensive ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access. He also urged a reassessment of the AU’s approach to the Sudan crisis based on “African solutions to African problems”. He expressed hope that Sudan’s membership in the AU would be reinstated.

The foreign minister further voiced support for international efforts to ensure adequate and sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), particularly as Egyptian forces are expected to deploy to the mission. He emphasized continued backing for the unity and sovereignty of Somalia and rejection of parallel entities outside internationally recognized frameworks.

For his part, Youssouf asked that his greetings be conveyed to Egypt’s president and praised Cairo’s role in promoting security, stability, and development across Africa. He commended Egypt’s leadership of the AU Peace and Security Council and its contributions to post-conflict reconstruction and development, expressing a desire for continued close coordination to advance peace and security on the continent.

GAROWE ONLINE