Saturday December 7, 2024
Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Abdullahi Bidan (left), and Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam (right), discuss final details of a landmark water resource management agreement.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Egypt and Somalia are set to formalize a critical memorandum of understanding (MoU) on water resource management, marking a pivotal step in their bilateral relations. The agreement, which addresses climate resilience, technical cooperation, and capacity building, reflects both nations' efforts to tackle water insecurity and environmental challenges head-on.
In a meeting on Friday, Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, and Somalia's Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Abdullahi Bidan, outlined the MoU's ambitions. Sewilam described the Initiative as a "blueprint for cooperation," emphasizing Egypt's commitment to bolstering ties with African nations through shared expertise and mutual benefits.
The MoU will target key areas of water management:
- Technical Support: Conducting water resource assessments and rehabilitating irrigation facilities.
- Climate Adaptation: Developing early warning systems and rainwater harvesting strategies using advanced forecasting tools.
- Capacity Building: Providing training for Somali professionals on modern irrigation systems and water management practices.
Somalia has already reaped the benefits of Egypt's African Training Center for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA). The center, established under the AWARe Initiative, has trained Somali professionals in addressing the twin crises of climate change and water scarcity. "This partnership is not just symbolic but practical, equipping our teams with the skills to secure our future," Bidan remarked.
The bilateral deal's significance extends beyond Egypt and Somalia. The Horn of Africa faces severe water challenges exacerbated by erratic rainfall and climate shifts. Sewilam highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation, urging Somalia to submit funding proposals under the AWARe Initiative. "Collective action is the only way forward in addressing our shared environmental challenges," he said.
This agreement signals Egypt's wider strategy to assert leadership in African environmental policy, particularly as it grapples with its own Nile water management issues. The MoU represents a lifeline for Somalia as it rebuilds infrastructure and governance following decades of instability.
While the MoU signals progress, its success will depend on execution. Both nations face significant hurdles, from funding constraints to political instability. Critics have noted that similar regional agreements have floundered due to a lack of follow-through, raising questions about whether this pact will translate into tangible results.