Press Release
The Weak and Lenient Positions of Egypt and Sudan's Rulers Are Wasting the Ummah's Rights to Nile Waters. Only the Khailfah (Caliphate) on the Method of the Prophethood Can Protect Them
(Translated)

In a joint statement following the meeting of the Permanent Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters between Egypt and Sudan, the Ministers of Irrigation from both countries affirmed on Saturday, October 12, 2024, that the framework agreement of the Nile Basin countries is not binding on either of them, not only because they have not joined it, but also because it contradicts principles of customary and contractual international law.

This statement comes after South Sudan ratified the Nile Basin framework agreement, known as the Entebbe Agreement, more than two months ago, specifically on July 13, 2024. Five countries—Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi—had signed the agreement in 2010. One clause of the agreement stipulates that it must be ratified by the parliaments of at least six countries for it to be implemented, which was completed with the signature of South Sudan.

These countries that signed the agreement are all client states of the West, acting under its direction to pressure Egypt and Sudan regarding the Nile waters, which are the lifeblood of the Nile Valley. The agreement imposes a redistribution of water resources and ends the concept of historical water rights for Egypt and Sudan. It also permits the construction of water projects without the consent of downstream countries.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the commencement of the implementation of the Nile Basin framework agreement, describing it as a historic moment.

In response to the weak stances of the rulers of Sudan and Egypt, we in Hizb ut Tahrir / Wilayah Sudan affirm the following:

First: These agent states would not dare to infringe upon our legitimate water rights if we had a principled state based on Islam. However, the leniency of Egypt's and Sudan's rulers has emboldened these states to act against us.

Second: Muslims, from the time of the Prophet (saw) until today, have always understood that great rivers such as the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile are public property. No one has the right to exclusive ownership or benefit from them. Therefore, upstream countries have no right to control the Nile waters in a way that harms the interests of Egypt and Sudan.

Third: The collusion of Egypt and Sudan's rulers in allowing the construction of the Renaissance Dam (An-Nahda Dam) is a betrayal of the Ummah's interests, as it gives kufar control over the natural flow of water. This concession increases the dominance of kufar over us, which is prohibited. Allah the Almighty says:

[وَلَنْ يَجْعَلَ اللهُ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ سَبِيلاً]

“and never will Allah give the disbelievers over the believers a way [to overcome them].” [An-Nisa:141].

In conclusion: The only solution that will restore the Ummah’s dignity, honor, and stolen rights is the re-establishment of the second Khilafah Rashidah (rightly guided Caliphate) upon the method of the Prophethood. It alone will protect the interests of the Ummah and will not allow its resources to be tampered with, even if it means using military force. Every Muslim is obligated to work with those striving to establish it, for a good life in obedience to Allah Almighty.

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ]

“O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.” [Al-Anfal:24]

Ibrahim Othman (Abu Khalil)
Official Spokesman of Hizb ut Tahrir in Wilayah Sudan