Egypt and Sudan have formally rejected the newly ratified Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) that came into effect on October 13. They argue it undermines existing treaties and does not represent the interests of the entire Nile Basin. Their call for an inclusive approach emphasizes the need for cooperative management of the river’s resources amid rising tensions with upstream nations now bound by the CFA.
On October 13, the newly ratified Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) officially came into effect, despite the rejection by Egypt and Sudan. This rejection follows a meeting of the Egyptian-Sudanese Permanent Joint Technical Commission for the Nile Waters (PJTC) on October 11-12 in Cairo, where both nations expressed their concerns and called for the preservation of the integrity of the longstanding 1999 Nile Basin Initiative. They urged all Nile Basin countries to refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions between upstream and downstream nations. In their joint statement, Egypt and Sudan emphasized that the six-state commission formed under the CFA draft inadequately represents the interests of the entire Nile Basin. They reiterated their stance against the CFA, asserting it infringes upon the 1929 and 1959 Nile River Agreements and highlighted the importance of adhering to international law regarding water rights and agreements, referencing the 1989 International Court of Justice ruling which affirmed the immutability of existing water treaties. Egypt and Sudan have historically advocated for an inclusive and collaborative approach among Nile Basin countries, emphasizing the necessity for prior notification, consultations, and scientific assessments regarding water-related projects. However, they noted that their calls for constructive dialogue have not been met with favorable responses. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation with all Nile Basin nations, stressing the need for a comprehensive framework that protects the interests of all parties involved. The CFA recently came into force after ratifications by six upstream countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. The agreement seeks to establish the Nile River Basin Commission (RNBC) to assume the rights and responsibilities of the earlier Nile Basin Initiative, initially formed in 1999. However, tensions arose when the second summit of Nile Basin heads of state, scheduled for October 17 in Kampala, was canceled, highlighting the fragile state of cooperation among the involved nations. The management of the Nile’s waters has long been governed by two main treaties, established in 1929 and 1959, which favor Egypt and Sudan in terms of water allocation. Despite numerous initiatives to reformulate these agreements since the 1959 treaty, Egypt’s and Sudan’s longstanding privileges remain a point of contention, necessitating ongoing discussions about equitable resource management among Nile riparian states.
The Nile River, the longest river in the world, is a vital water source for several countries in East Africa, particularly Egypt and Sudan, which rely heavily on its water for agriculture and drinking. Historically, the management of the Nile’s waters has been governed by treaties signed in 1929 and 1959, which have granted Egypt significant control over the river’s resources. In response to growing demands from upstream nations for a more equitable distribution of water, the Nile Basin Initiative was launched in 1999, followed by the CFA drafted in 2010. However, tensions have persisted, especially as upstream countries sought to assert their rights to the river’s waters, often leading to confrontations with Egypt and Sudan. The recent ratification of the CFA marks a significant development in this ongoing dispute, setting the stage for potential conflicts over water management in the Nile basin.
In summary, the rejection of the newly ratified Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement by Egypt and Sudan underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding the management of the Nile’s waters. The two nations assert that the CFA violates historical treaties that have governed water rights for decades and argue for a more inclusive approach to cooperation among all Nile Basin countries. As the CFA enters into force, the potential for increased conflict remains, particularly in the absence of dialogue and compromise among the riparian states.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
