The Nile basin nations have launched a water-sharing agreement despite Egypt’s significant opposition. The African Union confirmed the treaty’s legal status following South Sudan’s signing, although Egypt and Sudan have not ratified it. The agreement aims for fair usage of the Nile River resources while tensions remain due to Ethiopia’s dam construction affecting downstream water flow.
A coalition of ten nations within the Nile basin has announced the implementation of a water-sharing agreement, despite the notable absence of support from Egypt. This treaty concerning the fair utilization of Nile River resources was officially recognized by the African Union following the accession of South Sudan to the accord, as revealed in a statement from the Nile Basin Initiative this past Sunday. Countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania have all ratified the agreement, whereas Egypt and Sudan have chosen not to sign it, with Congo abstaining from participation. Kenya is yet to finalize its ratification process with the African Union. The agreement, which officially went into effect on Sunday, represents a unified commitment to responsibly and sustainably utilize the Nile River, ensuring that its resources benefit future generations. The Nile Basin Initiative expressed gratitude, stating that this milestone is a cause for celebration among governments, citizens, and partners within the Nile riparian states who have demonstrated patience and perseverance in their pursuit of equitable water management. However, the rejection of the treaty by Egypt and Sudan—nations heavily reliant on the Nile for water—poses significant challenges. Concerns have escalated, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s ongoing construction of a substantial dam on the Blue Nile, which could significantly impact the water supply and agricultural practices downstream in Egypt. While Ethiopia aims to utilize this dam for electricity generation, Egypt fears negative repercussions stemming from inadequate consideration of their water requirements. The agreement includes a clause that mandates that all member states procure water resources from the Nile in an equitable and reasonable manner, yet the absence of Egypt and Sudan’s endorsement signifies likely contention. In light of these disputes, Egypt appears to be bolstering its alliances in the Horn of Africa by pledging security partnerships with Somalia, actively opposing Ethiopia’s endeavors to secure access to the sea. Recent agreements could allow Egyptian forces to participate in peacekeeping missions in Somalia once current African Union peacekeepers’ mandates are concluded at the end of 2024. Egypt, a founding member of the Nile Basin Initiative, has historically maintained claims to a substantial share of Nile water based on a colonial-era agreement established between Egypt and the United Kingdom. This document, originally signed in 1929, allocated 55.5 billion cubic meters to Egypt and 18.5 billion cubic meters to Sudan, neglecting the rights of other upstream nations that are advocating for a modern, equitable framework for water distribution.
The Nile River, recognized as the longest river globally, stretches 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles). Its two main tributaries include the White Nile, originating in South Sudan, and the Blue Nile, sourced in Ethiopia. The historical framework concerning the distribution of Nile water resources, particularly the colonial-era agreement, has often been the focal point of contention among the Nile basin countries, most notably between the downstream nations of Egypt and Sudan and the upstream nations like Ethiopia and Uganda. The newly implemented accord seeks to address these longstanding inequities and promote cooperative management of shared water resources.
In conclusion, the recent establishment of a water-sharing agreement among Nile basin countries represents a significant step toward greater equity and sustainability in the utilization of the Nile River’s resources. However, the ongoing tensions, primarily rooted in Egypt’s historical claims and Ethiopia’s development projects, signify that the path towards cooperation will likely involve additional negotiations and adjustments.
Original Source: apnews.com
