Cairo-Juba relations represent a unique model of strategic cooperation in the Nile Basin region, as the two countries share deep historical, cultural, and geographical ties that extend back to before South Sudan’s independence. Since Juba declared independence in 2011, Cairo has been keen to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual support, based on its awareness of the importance of South Sudan as a strategic depth and an important tributary to the stability of the Nile Basin. The strength of this relationship is reflected in various fields, including politics, education, health and infrastructure, opening promising prospects for a development partnership that serves the aspirations of both peoples and supports regional stability.
First: The historical roots of Egyptian-South Sudanese relations
Egypt was the second country in the world to recognize the Republic of South Sudan as an independent state, immediately after the announcement of the results of the referendum on the independence of South Sudan in 2011. It participated with a delegation in the celebrations of declaring the state in Juba on July 9, 2011. The Egyptian delegation participating in the celebrations delivered an official letter recognizing the Republic of South Sudan, stressing Egypt’s keenness to support and strengthen relations and establish diplomatic relations with it emphasizing support for the desire of the people of the South to have their own independent state separate from the North, and to reach solutions to conflicts through peaceful means to achieve stability and in a way that ensures good relations in South Sudan and the African continent, and since that date Cairo and Juba have been keen on coordination between the two countries to achieve stability in South Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the African continent[1].
Second: Dimensions of Egyptian-South Sudanese relations
1- The political and diplomatic dimension
Relations between Cairo and Juba on the political level are witnessing remarkable growth and development. Consultations and joint coordination between the leaderships of the two countries and officials continue in international forums, African Union summits, during forums, or through intensified mutual visits between the two countries. The roots of this relationship go back to Egypt’s continued support for the independence of South Sudan since it was declared an independent state in 2011.
Cairo has also been keen to establish strong diplomatic relations with South Sudan, and has actively participated in supporting the stability of the emerging country by sending the largest force of international peacekeeping forces to South Sudan, in addition to its support for development projects and infrastructure aimed at achieving peace and development in the country. These relations reflect Egypt’s desire to ensure its national security by working to reduce the chances of an effective presence of forces hostile to its interests in North and South Sudan As well as preventing racial, ethnic and religious conflicts that may threaten stability in the region, Egyptian policy towards South Sudan is characterized by keenness on continuous discussions and close diplomatic cooperation that enhances political stability, as Cairo is keen to support internal dialogue in South Sudan and encourage national consensus between the various parties, based on its regional role and its attempts to establish peace in the Horn of Africa[2].
Egypt affirms its full and unlimited support for the efforts of the Government of South Sudan to achieve peace and stability in the country. Cairo has had clear positions regarding some of the political challenges facing South Sudan, especially the disputed oil-rich Abyei case between the north and the south, whose case was referred to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to determine its borders.
Both countries continue joint cooperation on regional issues, especially the Nile Basin and Horn of Africa, in order to ensure the strengthening of African capabilities to confront the challenges facing the continent as a whole, and to emphasize the need to intensify the pace of bilateral meetings between senior officials from the two countries on a regular basis to coordinate mutually regarding the successive developments witnessed by the geographical environment of the two countries.
2- The economic and commercial dimension
South Sudan occupies about a quarter of Sudan’s area of approximately 2.5 million square kilometers. Pastures constitute 40% of South Sudan, agricultural land 30%, natural forests 23%, and water bodies 7% of the total area. Since the end of the civil war and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, most international, regional, and civil society organizations have flocked to the south to contribute to reconstruction, development, and progress activities with the participation of the private sector and Arab investors to open the main roads to connect northern Sudan with the south and neighboring countries, in addition to implementing a plan to develop river transport, Makan Kosti to Juba, and developing a railway line that facilitates the movement of goods and people.
The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 led to increased international and regional interest in developing and advancing South Sudan, which prompted the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers to approve the opening of an Arab League office in South Sudan to coordinate Arab aid to contribute to and implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and work to support reconstruction and advancement activities in South Sudan Egypt participated with a large delegation of more than 10 companies in the investment conference held on December 4, 2013, during which a number of projects were agreed upon. However, the current crisis, which began ten days after the end of the conference, led to the cessation of all investments due to the rapid deterioration of the security situation and the weakness of the infrastructure. They still stand in the way of the optimal exploitation of South Sudan’s multiple resources[3].
There is a limited presence of Egyptian businessmen in South Sudan.
Al Qalaa Oil Company owns 225,000 acres of land in Unity State, but agriculture has only started on 5,000 acres. Tri-Ocean Oil Company operates in South Sudan among other Chinese, Malaysian and Indian oil production companies in Upper Nile State. Asec also operates in the cement sector in South Sudan Ahmed Bahjat Group owns land in Juba to build a five-star hotel. The group has completed the construction of a shopping mall in Juba, and the DREAM FM radio channel has been opened. There is also an Egyptian company for furniture manufacturing, contracting, and construction.
A number of Egyptian businessmen also frequent Juba irregularly to export basic food products. In the field of electricity, Cairo seeks to establish solar power plants with a total capacity of 5 megawatts in South Sudan as part of the projects of the Egyptian Initiative for the Development of the Nile Basin Countries. The state of Western Bahr el Ghazal (Wau) was chosen to establish the first solar power plant.
Cooperation between Egypt and South Sudan in the field of electricity is one of the important pillars of their bilateral relationship, as this relationship is witnessing a remarkable development within the framework of Cairo’s support for stability and sustainable development in South Sudan. In this context, Cairo is working to implement strategic projects to generate and transmit electrical energy to South Sudan, most notably the establishment of a 400 kilovolt electrical transmission line extending from the Ouluyo substation in Cairo to Juba, the capital of South Sudan This allows the pumping of electricity needed to support infrastructure and improve the quality of electrical services[4].
The Rumbek Power Plant in South Sudan was also rehabilitated and put into operation with Egyptian support, reflecting Egypt’s keenness to develop the energy system in the brotherly country. In addition, the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company signed agreements with the government of South Sudan to rehabilitate various power plants and implement new projects, within the framework of implementing the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to enhance the partnership between the two countries. This electrical cooperation is not limited to energy transmission only rather, it extends to supporting solar energy projects to provide sustainable and renewable solutions, and contributing to the development of electricity distribution networks within South Sudan, which contributes to improving the lives of citizens, providing job opportunities, and promoting economic development. It is worth noting that Cairo plans to export electricity to South Sudan via interconnection lines passing through Sudan, which reflects the integrated efforts between the three countries in the field of energy interconnection.
Agricultural cooperation between Cairo and Juba is a vital area that reflects the depth of the strategic relationship between the two countries, as Egypt seeks to invest its extensive agricultural expertise in supporting agricultural development in South Sudan, through several main axes. Cairo is implementing a huge agricultural project in northern Sudan that aims to cultivate one million acres within three years, starting with expanding production capabilities for crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans and rice, with the aim of enhancing food security for both countries and benefiting from the fertile lands in the region[5].
The cooperation includes the exchange of agricultural expertise, technical and technological training, and the processing of agricultural products in South Sudan, as Egypt pays attention to providing technical support to help farmers and attract investments in the agricultural sector in South Sudan. The cooperation also included agreements to increase Egyptian fertilizer exports to South Sudan and supply high-quality seeds to improve crop productivity, in addition to discussing joint projects to enhance joint food security. This cooperation is accompanied by Egyptian support in the fields of livestock and fish farming, in addition to capacity building for agricultural specialists from South Sudan, which enhances the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector. Cooperation in water resources management and irrigation is also being discussed as an integral part of developing agriculture in South Sudan, with care taken to ensure that efforts are consistent to achieve sustainable development in the agricultural field in a way that serves the interests of both countries and enhances food stability in the region.
– Water relations between Egypt and South Sudan
Water relations between Cairo and Juba represent a vital strategic aspect characterized by complexity due to the great importance that the Nile River waters occupy for both countries. Egypt and Sudan are linked by important agreements to regulate the use of the Nile waters, most notably the 1929 Agreement and the 1959 Agreement, which granted Egypt and Sudan specific historical shares of the Nile waters, as Egypt receives about 55.5 billion cubic meters annually, and Sudan about 18.5 billion cubic meters These agreements formed a legal and technical framework for water distribution and optimal use, including the High Dam and Roseires Reservoir projects on the Blue Nile, with joint cooperation to exploit water lost in the mountain seas, Sudd swamps, Bahr al-Ghazal, Bahr al-Jebel nd the White Nile Basin.
With South Sudan’s independence in 2011 and its emergence as a new state with special water demands, South Sudan officially expressed its objection to the old agreements (1929 and 1959), and joined the Nile Basin Initiative, which includes upstream countries, in an attempt to restructure water distribution more equitably to meet the needs of upstream countries. This has led to diplomatic tensions with Egypt and Sudan, which refuse to amend historical agreements in which they view acquired rights that cannot be relinquished, especially since these agreements guarantee Egypt water security, which it considers an existential issue.
Consequently, the relations between Cairo and Juba in the water field are still dealing with major challenges related to legal and political debates, but at the same time they are witnessing practical steps that reflect the desire of both sides to cooperate jointly to develop water resources through joint projects in irrigation and water management, within the framework of continuous exchange of dialogue and coordination to avoid escalation and achieve balanced interests that serve water security and stability in the Nile Basin as a whole[6].
On the other hand, in January 2024, Cairo launched the process of implementing (8) groundwater drinking water stations powered by solar energy in the states of Central Equatoria and Jonglei. Implementation has already begun in the Lubonok district of Central Equatoria State to establish (3) stations in the district The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of South Sudan also sent a joint working team from the Egyptian and South Sudanese sides to visit Yoror District in Jonglei State to begin implementation procedures for (2) stations scheduled to be established to serve the district to provide safe and clean drinking water to citizens, which will be reflected in improving their quality of life and reducing health risks associated with water.
The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in cooperation with its counterpart in South Sudan, has implemented 20 groundwater drinking water stations over the past years to provide drinking water to nearly 100,000 South Sudanese citizens. These wells are equipped with solar energy to reduce operating costs in remote areas and to achieve sustainable operation. The ministry is also implementing projects to reduce rain risks and dams to harvest rain to benefit from it in times of drought for South Sudanese citizens[7].
3- The educational and cultural dimension
The educational and cultural dimension represents one of the important and advanced aspects of cooperation between the two countries, and reflects the depth of the historical and social ties between their peoples. In the educational field, Egypt provides extensive scholarships to the people of South Sudan to study in its public and private universities in various specializations, as the number of scholarships reaches thousands of students annually, including undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in addition to technical and vocational training programs These relationships are also reflected in agreements and initiatives aimed at exchanging expertise and scientific research, and organizing mutual visits between educational and academic staff, which contributes to the transfer of modern expertise and technologies to South Sudan.
The Egyptian government has signed a number of cooperation agreements with the South Sudan. The latest fruit of this cooperation was the provision by the Cairo Regional Training Center for Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa of an efficiency and training program for the southern government. The program includes 1,350 training opportunities over 3 years in the fields of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, negotiation and crisis management.
Cairo and Juba also signed many bilateral memoranda of understanding and cooperation within the framework of educational fields, as Egypt participated in developing projects and supporting development in the country of the South, so it laid the foundation stone for Alexandria University in the South, and South Sudanese students the sons of the South continue to be granted annual scholarships in Egyptian universities Experience has proven that Cairo is capable of helping achieve their development goals. In addition, there are 18 ministers in the Sudanese government who received their education in Egypt, in addition to the Vice President of the Republic.
Within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, especially in the fields of advocacy and teaching the Arabic language, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the delegation of the Horizons for Development and Humanitarian Aid Organization in South Sudan, headed by “Joseph Marial”, discussed ways of technical support from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to the organization in the fields of advocacy and teaching the Arabic language. During the meeting, the Undersecretary of Al-Azhar confirmed the directives of the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, to provide all support to Muslims around the world Stressing full readiness to provide all support to the Muslims of South Sudan, and to direct a number of scholarships to their children to study at Al-Azhar, as well as to provide them with preachers and teachers, in addition to the possibility of establishing a center for teaching the Arabic language in accordance with the official procedures followed in this regard.
In the same context, Dr. John Gai Yeo, Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of South Sudan, held talks in 2014 with Dr. Wael El-Degwy, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The two parties emphasized the need to link Egyptian universities with their South Sudanese counterparts and exchange expertise. It was agreed to prepare the executive program for the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries on cultural cooperation, higher education and scientific research.
On the cultural level, we find that the cultural relations between Cairo and Juba are rooted in a long history of communication and interaction across many generations, as the two countries carry a common legacy in various fields such as language, religion, social customs, and arts. The Nile River plays a symbolic role as a lifeline that brings peoples together and provides them with cultural and social ties that extend for thousands of years. Arabic, an official language in Egypt and South Sudan (along with English in South Sudan), is a key unifying factor. It is the language of education, religion, and cultural communication among the people. This interconnectedness is evident in the similar dialects and literary and artistic heritage that reflect the cross-fertilization of cultures between the two countries. Similarities also appear in social practices such as celebrations, customs, and traditions[8].
On the other hand, Egyptian educational and cultural institutions, such as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, have contributed to building religious and scientific commonalities that have strengthened this relationship. Music and literature have also played an important role in forming a common cultural identity, as South Sudanese music has been influenced by some Egyptian maqams, and songs and compositions by Egyptian artists have spread in South Sudan. Intellectuals and writers from Egypt and South Sudan have also participated in enriching the intellectual and artistic lives of both countries, and building a true bridge of understanding and cultural rapprochement.
Egypt encourages the promotion of cultural and artistic exchange between the two countries through various events and joint programs that develop mutual understanding and strengthen popular ties, in addition to Egypt’s support for capacity building projects and human development programs in South Sudan, which include training youth and encouraging joint work in the fields of culture, youth and sports. Egypt also contributes to supporting educational programs related to sustainable development, such as agricultural, health and environmental specializations. In a way that serves South Sudan’s aspirations to build a knowledge base and develop human resources, this educational and cultural cooperation strengthens the bonds of friendship between Egypt and South Sudan, and contributes to building a long-term strategic partnership that serves the interests of both parties at the popular and official levels, while emphasizing Egypt’s continued support for South Sudan in various development and educational sectors.
4- The health dimension
The health dimension represents a vital and integrated aspect within the framework of comprehensive cooperation that Egypt seeks to enhance development and stability in South Sudan. Egypt works to support the health care system in South Sudan by providing medical and pharmaceutical assistance, and organizing medical convoys that include doctors and specialized experts who provide specialized medical and surgical services to our brothers in South Sudan. It also contributes to developing the health infrastructure there by opening medical units and health centers with Egyptian support Cooperation efforts also include combating epidemics and endemic diseases through the exchange of expertise between the two countries’ ministries of health and strengthening health emergency response capacities, which comes within the framework of addressing health challenges facing South Sudan, such as infectious diseases and malnutrition[9]
Egypt and South Sudan have signed cooperation protocols in the health sector that regulate mutual relations and the provision of the best medical and pharmaceutical services, in addition to training and qualification programs for medical personnel from South Sudan inside Egypt. Egypt has also provided assistance including Infant formula, oxygen and other medical supplies in direct support to families and children in South Sudan, which reflects the depth of humanitarian ties between the two countries and Egypt’s commitment to supporting our brothers in the health fields Agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed between the ministries of health in the two countries to enhance cooperation in combating epidemics such as hepatitis, and to develop joint programs to exchange medical expertise.
The Egyptian side plans to establish an integrated hospital with the latest equipment in the city of Bor in South Sudan, with the aim of providing comprehensive medical services to the residents of the region and ensuring the sustainability of health care provision. The Egyptian clinic was also opened in Juba, which provides health care to the residents of the capital, and includes Egyptian medical cadres to help raise the level of health services. This joint health cooperation enhances the goal of building a strong and sustainable health system in South Sudan It is one of the most important aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical ties between them[10].
5- The military security dimension
Military and security cooperation between Egypt and South Sudan is one of the pillars of strategic relations between the two countries. It is characterized by coordination and continuous development to confront common security challenges in the Nile Basin and the Horn of Africa. As an influential regional power, Egypt attaches special importance to strengthening security and military capabilities in South Sudan through several main axes, including training and qualifying South Sudanese officers and forces inside Egyptian military facilities, and transferring modern military expertise and technologies. January 2024, Egypt and South Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance military cooperation between the two parties, after the visit of the South Sudanese Minister of Defense to Cairo, where a joint committee for military cooperation was established with the aim of coordinating efforts and holding joint exercises to confront various security threats.
This partnership includes joint training on border security, counter-terrorism, and strengthening naval capabilities. The Egyptian and southern armed forces have carried out various exercises in border areas and in the field of maritime security.
Egypt focuses on supporting the political and security stability of South Sudan, which requires close, multifaceted coordination that includes exchanging intelligence information, strengthening security and military capabilities, and joint work to combat terrorism and organized crime that threaten the security of the two countries and the entire region. Egypt contributes to training and qualifying the security forces in South Sudan, whether by sending officers and experts for training inside Egypt or through training missions in Juba, with a focus on areas such as combating terrorism Securing borders and protecting vital facilities.
Cairo also plays an active role in supporting efforts to build a unified national army in South Sudan, with the aim of creating a unified security force that preserves the unity and stability of the country. Cooperation also includes participation in peacekeeping efforts and support for peacekeeping forces deployed in conflict areas within South Sudan, which reflects positively on regional stability and supports the Egyptian vision for East African security. In addition, coordination is taking place on water security issues Which is an existential issue for Egypt, as Cairo works with Juba to ensure the protection of its water interests, by supporting dialogue and consensus between the Nile Basin countries to allocate water resources in a fair and sustainable manner.
Egypt is taking practical steps to enhance security cooperation by signing memoranda of understanding and security agreements with South Sudan, which will help establish clear mechanisms for cooperation and coordination in various sensitive security files. Regional files and security arrangements are also being discussed to confront multiple challenges, such as maritime security and protecting strategic roads and corridors in the Red Sea. In addition, Cairo and Juba are linked by intertwined strategic interests related to water security and Egyptian national security This gives military and security cooperation a strategic character that prompts Egypt to work independently to protect its interests in the region[11].
6- The media dimension
Media relations between Egypt and South Sudan are based on organized strategies to enhance communication and understanding between peoples through various media outlets. Since the beginning of the relationship between the two countries, Egypt has been keen to build strong media relations by supporting southern media outlets and activating media exchange between press, radio and television institutions, with the aim of employing the media to enhance the positive image of Egypt in South Sudan, and vice versa.
Among the most important aspects of cooperation in the media field are the establishment and development of joint media facilities, and the exchange of expertise and training between journalists and media professionals from both countries, with the aim of raising the level of media work and enhancing their skills in news, press coverage, and talk shows. Media programs and platforms have also been established for the southern public in Arabic and English, focusing on conveying messages of peace, development, and joint projects, adopting the promotion of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, and social fields, and achieving understanding between the two peoples.
Egyptian media institutions are also active in covering news and events that reflect the development of relations between the two sides, and adopting awareness and educational programs that enhance interaction between peoples and contribute to correcting stereotypes, by providing media content that reflects the history of long-standing relations, common goals, and sustainable development initiatives. The Egyptian media works to highlight Egypt’s continued support for South Sudan, especially in the areas of development, infrastructure, health, education and the environment, with the aim of building a positive and sustainable image that reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the two peoples and countries. Media relations between Egypt and South Sudan include a wide range of programs and projects that aim to enhance media cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two countries, and enhance the image of fraternal cooperation between the two peoples One of the most prominent initiatives that were agreed upon is the launch of joint media initiatives between Egypt and South Sudan that focus on promoting positive media dialogue and building media projects that serve the interests of the peoples of both countries[12].
It was also agreed to activate the Nile Valley Radio, which is a joint media platform that contributes to publishing news, cultural and social programs, and reflects what is happening in the two countries in an objective manner that enhances media justice. Periodic visits are organized by Egyptian media delegations to South Sudan to learn about the developments taking place there, and to convey the real situation to the Egyptian public, in addition to receiving media professionals from South Sudan in Egypt to train them and develop their skills in journalism, television and radio media These initiatives include training programs and courses in television and media preparation and presentation skills, with the aim of raising the efficiency of South Sudanese media cadres to be able to convey a balanced and objective picture of their country’s events[13].
Mutual media efforts also include supporting Egypt’s development projects in South Sudan through comprehensive media coverage that reflects Egypt’s contribution to various sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and infrastructure. The media plays a role in correcting stereotypes and promoting cultural and social tolerance among peoples, by highlighting similarities and ongoing cooperation The Egyptian media also reflects Egypt’s support for peace and stability in South Sudan by covering the political negotiations and agreements taking place between the southern parties, which contributes to enhancing awareness and popular support for Egypt’s efforts to support peace and development in the region.
Third: Common challenges and hopes between Egypt and South Sudan
Developing relations between Egypt and South Sudan faces many deep political and security challenges that hinder the progress of cooperation and the establishment of stability in the region in general. These challenges come in the context of the turbulent regional situation, and the repercussions of the Sudanese conflicts continue to directly affect relations between Cairo and Juba, as the challenges are characterized by extreme seriousness, especially in light of the deteriorating conditions in Sudan, which are considered the “strategic depth” for both sister neighboring countries.
Perhaps one of the most prominent security challenges is South Sudan’s lack of complete political stability due to the armed ethnic and political conflicts that the nascent state is experiencing. Internal tensions and conflicts continue to hinder the process of building state institutions and achieving security and control over the entire territory. This weakens the possibility of implementing joint development projects and increases the complexity of coordination with Cairo at the security and political levels The continued support of some regional and international powers for armed groups inside South Sudan hinders peace efforts and threatens the security of the southern Egyptian border, which prompts Egypt to strengthen its military and logistical capabilities on its southern border, and makes it move cautiously to contain any potential threat[14].
At the political level, relations also face challenges stemming from the complexities of the positions of some political factions and parties in South Sudan, which may not always adopt official policies for cooperation with Egypt, in addition to the sensitivities associated with some water agreements and the historical sharing of the Nile River resources, which raise ongoing disputes over Egypt’s basic water rights. These disputes affect the dynamics of the political dialogue between the two parties and embarrass the efforts made to find comprehensive solutions. On the economic side, the challenges of weak infrastructure, lack of technical expertise, and financing in South Sudan play a role in slowing down the implementation of joint development projects, which hinders the desired benefits and prevents the establishment of strong and stable economic relations between the two countries.
With all these challenges, Egypt and South Sudan hold high hopes for overcoming these obstacles by embodying a clear strategic vision based on a long history of fraternal relations and cultural and geographical ties that bind the people of the two countries. Both sides hold high expectations for achieving comprehensive and fruitful cooperation in various fields that touch the lives of citizens and support economic, social, and political development.
In the development field, Egypt seeks to support South Sudan in an integrated manner by implementing broad development projects focused on improving infrastructure, such as establishing groundwater drinking water stations, projects to improve water resource management and rainwater harvesting, and disinfecting waterways, in addition to initiatives aimed at enhancing agriculture, livestock, and fishing, and providing job opportunities for South Sudan’s youth, thus contributing to their economic and social stability. Development services also include the establishment of flood forecasting and early warning centers, which will enhance South Sudan’s ability to cope with climate change and natural disasters, and build local capacities in sustainable water management.
In the educational and health fields, Egypt provides scholarships to South Sudanese students and trains medical and technical personnel. It also establishes branches of its universities and technical schools in South Sudan, which enhances the development of qualified individuals and provides a source of expertise that contributes to the development of the southern state. Egypt also provides continuous medical support, including specialized medical units, medical supplies, and urgent medical aid.
On the political and security front, there is a mutual commitment to enhancing security and stability through continued cooperation and coordination in combating terrorism and organized crime, and training the armed and security forces in South Sudan, with an emphasis on continuing dialogue and consultation efforts to address regional challenges and work toward peace and development.
The great hope lies in the fact that this multidimensional cooperation will constitute a successful model for partnerships between African countries, enhance regional integration, and support water security, political stability, and economic development, in the interest of the peoples of the two countries and the entire region. The two parties also aspire to overcome historical differences and conflicting interests through dialogue and understanding, and move towards implementing development agreements and projects that serve their interests in the long term, while ensuring respect for rights and sovereignty and building a bright common future.
Conclusion
Relations between Egypt and South Sudan are characterized by strategic and dynamic importance in the heart of the African continent, extending back to the years before South Sudan’s independence. This relationship is not only the result of common political and economic interests, but also the result of a future vision that hopes to achieve regional integration that grows with time. Egypt, through its continuous support for South Sudan in all fields, starting from education and health to security and economic cooperation, affirms its commitment to supporting stability and sustainable development in Egypt–South Sudan relations are not tied to Southern Africa.
With the many challenges facing South Sudan, such as security crises, political divisions, and weak infrastructure, Egypt remains a key partner seeking to promote peace, security, and development, by supporting capacity building efforts, providing technical expertise and financial assistance, in addition to actively contributing to international peacekeeping forces. This partnership also enhances the stability of water security, which is an existential issue for Egypt It relies on diplomatic dialogue and joint cooperation for greater ambition to achieve food security, energy and environmental development. Accordingly, the future of relations between the two countries holds great opportunities for growth and integration, as it establishes a comprehensive strategy based on economic, social and political integration, which drives the wheel of development and achieves prosperity for the people of Egypt and South Sudan, and contributes to the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Nile Basin in general.
References:
[1] مارلين نبيل حلمى، العلاقات الدولية بين مصر و جنوب السودان “2011-2016″، المركز الديمقراطي العربي، مصر، 2016م، متاح على: https://democraticac.de/?p=34589
[2] إيهاب إبراهيم أبو عيش، مصالح استراتيجية: تفعيل العلاقات المصرية مع دولة جنوب السودان، المركز العربي للبحوث والدراسات، مصر، 2014م، متاح على: https://www.acrseg.org/16372
[8] محمد صبحى، وزير التعليم العالي يلتقى نظيره بجنوب السودان لبحث التعاون و400 منحة للطلاب بالجامعات، اليوم السابع، 2025م، متاح على: https://linksshortcut.com/wbHzL
ناصر السيد،القاهرة: مصر وجنوب السودان يبحثان تعزيز التعاون في القطاع الصحي، صدى البلد، مصر، 2025م، متاح على: https://www.elbalad.news/6163528 [10]
[11] علي صالح، مصر وجنوب السودان تؤكدان تعزيز التعاون الثنائي ودعم الاستقرار الإقليمي، صدى البلد، 2025م، متاح على: https://www.elbalad.news/6626935
[12] وسام عبد العليم، مصر وجنوب السودان.. تاريخ طويل ومواقف مصرية واضحة إزاء التحديات السياسية ومساندة جهود التنمية، بوابة الأهرام، 2019م، متاح على: https://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/2098529.aspx
