Cairo Warns: Any Threat to Our Water Share Will Be Met with a Decisive Response
Madbouly's statements indicate a potential shift in Egyptian policy towards the Renaissance Dam, which may lead to an escalation of the diplomatic situation and possibly open the door to more assertiv
October 2, 2024, 11:38 pm

Cairo Warns: Any Threat to Our Water Share Will Be Met with a Decisive Response

سد النهضة ومصر \ ليفانت نيوز

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed the possibility of Cairo adopting a different approach in dealing with the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam file, warning that any developments affecting Egypt's share of Nile water will be met with a firm response from the state.

During a meeting with a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders, attended by Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, Madbouly addressed the Renaissance Dam issue, pointing out that this project was clearly announced in April 2011, and its implementation phases began later under Egypt's circumstances known to all at that time.

The Prime Minister explained that Egypt, as a country keen on its relations with all countries, does not oppose development, but stands against any project that negatively affects it. He added that his country's government has dealt with the dam in light of these facts and constants, and has succeeded so far in limiting the damage resulting from this project.

Madbouly emphasized that the main challenge facing the government is to protect and preserve Egypt's established share of Nile water. Therefore, any developments that may affect this share will push the Egyptian state to take a completely different stance. He added: "We are moving within this framework through all diplomatic, technical, and other means."

It's worth noting that the Renaissance Dam continues to cause an escalating crisis between Egypt and Ethiopia due to Addis Ababa's rigid position in negotiations and its disregard for Egypt and Sudan's desire to reach an agreement or sign a legally binding treaty regarding filling and operation, which has led to the freezing of talks.

Days ago, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed that his country is using all its available tools regarding the Renaissance Dam file, seeking to ward off any potential risks.

Madbouly's statements come in the context of escalating tension between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Renaissance Dam issue, indicating the possibility of Cairo adopting a more assertive approach in dealing with this sensitive file.

It appears that Egypt is seeking to send a clear message that protecting its water security is a top priority, and that it is ready to take more stringent steps if necessary.

Levant-Agencies

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.