East Africa seeks more Nile water from Egypt

The Nile is vital for many different reasons

Four East African states have signed an agreement to seek more water from the River Nile - a move strongly opposed by Egypt and Sudan.

Under colonial-era accords, the two countries get 90% of the river's water. Upstream countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia say it is unfair and want a new deal but nothing has been agreed in 13 years of talks.

A further three countries were represented at the meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, and may sign up later.  They have a lot of rain - Here in Sudan we need water

BBC East Africa correspondent Will Ross says there is a danger that the split could hamper any further efforts for all nine countries involved to negotiate how the waters should be shared.

The BBC's Wyre Davies in Cairo says that for Egypt, water is a matter of national security.