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South Sudan inaugurates Egypt-funded SOMBA groundwater station at University of Juba
via Egypt Today2 min read
South Sudan officially opened the Egypt-funded SOMBA Groundwater Station at the University of Juba on July 16. This project, financed by an Egyptian grant, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation on water resources and sustainable development. The inauguration was attended by South Sudan's Minister of Water Resources, James Mawich Makuach, Egypt's Ambassador to South Sudan Hazem Mamdouh, and Shaaban Abu El-Fath, head of the Egyptian Irrigation Mission in South Sudan. Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem stated that the station will provide safe drinking water to students, staff, and nearby communities, improving public health and supporting education. This initiative is part of broader Egyptian development efforts in South Sudan, which include constructing 28 solar-powered groundwater stations, dredging the Bahr el Ghazal River, building rainwater harvesting dams, and establishing a forecasting center. These projects also feature training programs for local staff to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance, reflecting Egypt's commitment to technical support and knowledge transfer to South Sudan.
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Egypt and Turkey have concluded their joint military exercise "Golden Eagle," which involved Egypt's Paratroopers and Sa'ka Thunderbolt Forces and Turkish Special Forces. The multi-day exercises took place at combat training facilities under the command of Egypt's Paratroopers and Sa'ka Forces. The final phase included a simulated helicopter raid on a terrorist hideout in an urban setting, involving hostage rescue and the apprehension of militants. Participants also engaged in conventional and unconventional live-fire drills, close-quarters combat, room-clearing operations, and vertical assault training using an aircraft simulator. Instruction was provided on handling explosive devices, combat first aid, and life-saving procedures. The training also covered drone usage, counter-drone tactics, free-fall simulation, and operational parachute jumps. A joint "Friendship Jump" saw paratroopers descend with the national flags of both countries. Senior commanders from both armed forces and the Turkish military attach茅 in Cairo attended the closing phase.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone calls with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The discussions focused on regional developments and efforts to ease tensions. Abdelatty and Witkoff exchanged views on the Middle East's escalating military tensions, with Abdelatty reaffirming Egypt's support for resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. He welcomed the progress of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, emphasizing its importance for reducing tensions and promoting regional security. In his call with Al Busaidi, the two ministers discussed rapidly escalating tensions, their risks to regional peace, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate. They stressed the need to contain tensions, prevent broader conflict, and resume negotiations for political solutions, agreeing to maintain close coordination for regional de-escalation and stability.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos discussed strengthening bilateral relations and regional developments during a phone call. The ministers acknowledged the strong historical ties, elevated to a strategic partnership during President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's April visit to Cyprus. Abdelatty emphasized the need for continued coordination and expanded economic and trade cooperation, specifically calling for the swift implementation of the memorandum of understanding concerning the employment of Egyptian workers in Cyprus. He also highlighted the significance of the trilateral cooperation mechanism involving Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece for advancing their strategic partnership, stressing further cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and economic development. The ministers exchanged views on regional developments and de-escalation efforts. Abdelatty briefed Kombos on Egypt's diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis, advocating for political and diplomatic solutions to prevent conflict expansion and its impact on regional security, maritime navigation, global trade, and supply chains. Kombos expressed Cyprus' appreciation for Egypt's efforts to promote calm and reduce regional tensions. Both ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and consultation within their strategic partnership to support de-escalation efforts.