El-Sisi urges prudent management of transboundary rivers at Africa Day celebration

CAIRO – 23 May 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for respecting international law governing transboundary during 63rd Africa Day celebration, held at Cairo University on Saturday.

El-Sisi stressed the need for ensuring prudent management of these shared waterways and adopting an approach anchored in the governance of African rivers.

This approach, El-Sisi said, must serve mutual interests, yield shared benefits, and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals, in addition to fostering an environment of peace.

He underscored the need for this approach to also “preserve peace and security and advance integration, away from tensions and conflicts,” all within the framework of ongoing efforts to solidify the principles of African partnership and solidarity.

El-Sisi highlighted the African Union’s choice of water security as this year’s theme, describing it as a key pillar for sustaining life, preserving the resources of African peoples, and achieving regional integration.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivers a speech marking Egypt’s celebration of Africa Day at Cairo University, 23 May 2026. Presidency

Meanwhile, the president said escalating tensions and successive crises across the world are having negative repercussions on navigation through vital waterways, international trade, global supply chains, and the energy and food security of African countries.

He stressed the need for African nations to strengthen their collective ability to confront growing challenges and crises, safeguard peoples’ resources, ensure freedom of navigation, and secure vital maritime routes.

He added that these objectives aim to achieve stability and protect shared interests in line with international law.

Africa Day, observed every year on May 25, marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) on May 25, 1963.

The president extended his heartfelt congratulations to the peoples of Africa on this occasion, wishing the venerable continent enduring progress, peace, and prosperity.

“As we celebrate Africa Day, we reaffirm our commitment to sustaining our joint efforts and to fostering the bonds of cooperation and integration among the nations of our continent, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of our peoples for a more progressive and prosperous future,” El-Sisi said.