Doctoral Dissertation

Doctoral Dissertation

Title: The Effects of the Entebbe Agreement on Egypt’s Rights in the Nile Waters in Accordance with the Rules of International Law

Degree: Very Good

Institution: Mansoura University

Year: 2026

Abstract

This study, entitled “The Effects of the Entebbe Agreement on Egypt’s Rights in the Nile Waters in Accordance with the Rules of International Law” aims to analyze the Entebbe Agreement and its potential effects on Egypt’s historical water rights. The study finds that the Entebbe Agreement was signed in 2010 by several upstream Nile Basin states without the consent of Egypt and Sudan, amid demands by upstream states to redistribute water allocations and their rejection of the principle of historical rights upheld by the two downstream states. The study indicates that Egypt receives an annual water share of approximately 55.5 billion cubic meters per year, representing nearly 95% of its total water needs, whereas other water sources provide no more than 5%. The rules of international water law emphasize the necessity of adhering to the principles of no significant harm, equitable and reasonable utilization, which makes the Entebbe Agreement a legally contentious framework, as a result of its adoption without comprehensive consensus between upstream and downstream states. The study comprises a preliminary chapter on the Nile River as an international watercourse, followed by two main chapters: the first addresses the Entebbe Agreement in light of Egypt’s water rights, while the second addresses the Effects of the Entebbe Agreement on Egypt’s rights in the Nile waters. The study analyzes relevant legal texts and principles of international law, and concludes with several findings and recommendations, which the researcher recommends aimed at enhancing cooperation among Nile Basin states and protecting Egypt’s rights in the Nile waters.