Nile basin nations have initiated a cooperative water-sharing agreement despite Egypt’s refusal to participate. This accord aims to promote equitable use of the Nile’s resources and has been ratified by several countries including Ethiopia and Uganda. Tensions remain high due to Egypt’s fears about water allocation and the impact of Ethiopia’s dam on the Blue Nile.
A coalition of Nile basin countries has officially implemented a new agreement for equitable water resource management of the Nile River, despite the absence of support from Egypt. This development was marked by the formal acknowledgment of the agreement by the African Union following the inclusion of South Sudan among the signatories, as stated by the Nile Basin Initiative on Sunday. The accord has received ratifications from Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, while Egypt and Sudan have refrained from signing, with Congo choosing to abstain, and Kenya yet to submit its ratification documents to the African Union. The Nile Basin Initiative underscored that this agreement represents a unified commitment to optimize the utilization of the Nile River, ensuring fairness and sustainability for future generations. “This is a moment to congratulate the governments and people of the Nile riparian countries, and all partners and stakeholders, for their patience, resolve, and dedication to this cause,” stated the Initiative. However, the non-participation of Egypt and Sudan—both arid nations alarmed by potential reductions in their water allocations—casts a shadow over the accord’s future. Tensions have escalated, primarily due to Ethiopia’s ambitious $4 billion dam project on the Blue Nile, which Egypt fears could severely impact downstream water availability. In response, Ethiopia intends to use this dam as a source of vital electricity. The rights clause embedded in the accord stipulates that Nile basin nations are required to utilize the river’s resources in a manner characterized by equity and reasonableness. The Nile stretches across 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles), recognized as the longest river globally, with two significant tributaries: the Blue Nile originating in Ethiopia and the White Nile commencing in South Sudan. In light of the ongoing tensions with Ethiopia, Egypt appears to be solidifying its influence in the Horn of Africa by enhancing security cooperation with Somalia, which resists Ethiopia’s ambitions for maritime access via Somaliland. Under a recently concluded agreement, Egypt may deploy peacekeepers to Somalia when the African Union’s current peacekeeping mandate concludes at the end of 2024. Currently, Egypt’s position regarding the newly enacted Nile accord is not clear, as no immediate comments were forthcoming from the Egyptian authorities. Historically, Egypt has maintained claims over Nile resources based on a colonial-era agreement established with the United Kingdom, which allocated 55.5 billion cubic meters of the river’s water to Egypt and 18.5 billion cubic meters to Sudan, disregarding upstream nations that have long sought a more balanced arrangement.
The Nile River, renowned as the longest river in the world, plays a crucial role in the lives of millions in its basin countries. Disputes over water rights have been pronounced, particularly between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. A colonial-era agreement originally granted significant privileges to Egypt and Sudan, which has resulted in growing tensions as upstream nations seek a more equitable distribution of these vital water resources. The new cooperative framework established by the Nile Basin countries aims to address these long-standing disparities and promote sustainable use of the river, although it has been met with resistance from Egypt.
In conclusion, the establishment of a water-sharing agreement among Nile basin nations signifies a pivotal moment in regional cooperation, despite Egypt’s significant opposition. This impasse highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Nile water usage, particularly the varying interests of upstream and downstream nations. Furthermore, as tensions escalate over Ethiopia’s dam projects, the need for dialogue and compromise becomes increasingly imperative to ensure the equitable and sustainable management of the Nile’s invaluable water resources.
Original Source: apnews.com
