Egypt’s Parliament has approved a water border agreement with Saudi Arabia. It divides the Red Sea region between the two countries, transferring the contested islands to Saudi Arabia.
The two islands of Tiran and Sanafir are once again a concern for Egyptians — despite a final court verdict confirming the islands should remain under Egyptian sovereignty.
On Wednesday, Parliament voted to accept the agreement putting the judicial and legislative authorities in contradicting positions.
Controversy re-emerged when the parliament’s legislative committee said it has the constitutional right to overlook the court’s verdict and take its own decision regarding the Red Sea water border agreement signed between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, last year.
Dozens of lawyers and journalists protested against the Parliament’s decision. Among them were the politicians who filed and won the administrative court case against the government.
Police forces quickly intervened and dispersed the protest.
The Defence and National Security committee took over the file and after reviewing the agreement and verifying the government’s evidence that the islands are Saudi, the committee accepted to transfer the islands to Saudi Arabia.
Right after its decision, the agreement was voted upon and the entire Parliament approved.
Most of the Egyptian MPs are supporters of President EL Sisi and his Cabinet.
That’s why many were expecting the water border deal with Saudi Arabia will pass.
Last year thousands protested against President Sisi after he witnessed the signature of the agreement with King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.
It was the first sign of popular defiance against a decision the president took. Another wave of protests could emerge now after Wednesday’s vote.
