The Egyptian – Sudanese integration scheme: an appraisal

Abstract

periods to the present. Thus, this most recent agreement is the latest in a long line of bilateral, and a few multilateral, attempts at closer political, military and economic ties between the two countries.' The pull to integration by both countries seems to arise more from political harmony, the common language and culture, and the same lifeline they share - the Nile - rather than from perceived compelling economic benefits. Many of the bilateral attempts at economic co-operation seem to be little more than mere affirmation of solidarity between the two countries. The most serious and comprehensive attempt to strengthen the close relation between Egypt and the Sudan occurred in November 1982, with the Economic Integration Charter. The charter established three institutions to handle the mechanism to achieve the rather ambitious goal of total economic, social, political and military integration between the two countries. The Supreme Council for Integration represents the executive branch and is the prime authority in supervising the ultimate goal of an economic union. The council passes all laws of operation after they have been studied and submitted by the Nile parliament. For the legislation to become law, it must be passed by two-thirds of the council members. The council is composed of the presidents of both countries and four appointed members from each of the two countries. The parliament of the Nile Valley is the legislative branch of the council. The parliament is composed of 120 members drawn equally from