Ethiopia Seeks 'Historic Breakthrough' at Upcoming Nile Basin Summit, Advocates for Equitable Water Use

Optimism Surrounding the Summit

As the highly anticipated Nile Basin Summit approaches, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, has expressed optimism for a "historic breakthrough." The summit, to be held in Uganda, is seen as a potential turning point in the long-standing discussions over the equitable use of the Nile River’s resources. Atske-Selassie emphasized that this gathering could lead to a significant resolution, finally enabling the implementation of the Nile Cooperation Framework, a comprehensive agreement aimed at fostering sustainable water resource management among the countries that share the Nile basin.

The Importance of the Nile Basin for Ethiopia and Other Nations

The Nile River, the world’s longest river, holds immense importance for the countries along its basin. Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Uganda, and several other nations depend heavily on its waters for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water. However, the allocation of water resources has been a source of tension for decades. Historically, colonial-era agreements have favored Egypt and Sudan, leaving upstream nations, including Ethiopia, with less access to the Nile’s water.

The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile has heightened the significance of the water-sharing debate. Ethiopia has long argued that the dam is crucial for its energy development and economic growth, while downstream nations, particularly Egypt, have raised concerns about its potential impact on water availability.

Ethiopia’s Push for the Nile Cooperation Framework

At the heart of Ethiopia’s position is the Nile Cooperation Framework Agreement (CFA), a proposed treaty that seeks to establish equitable water-sharing arrangements among all Nile Basin countries. The CFA is rooted in the principles of fairness, sustainability, and the recognition of the legitimate water needs of all nations in the basin. Ethiopia has been a strong advocate for the framework, arguing that it offers a long-term solution to the region’s water disputes by promoting cooperation over competition.

For Ethiopia, the upcoming summit represents a pivotal moment to move forward with the CFA. If a resolution is reached, it could unlock pathways for multilateral cooperation, including joint projects for water management, irrigation, and hydropower development.

Diplomatic Challenges and Potential Outcomes

Despite the optimism expressed by Ethiopia, significant diplomatic challenges remain. Egypt and Sudan have historically opposed the CFA, citing concerns over the reallocation of water resources that could threaten their existing supplies. Egypt, in particular, has been firm in its stance that the GERD should not reduce the flow of the Nile into its borders. Both nations are likely to approach the summit cautiously, seeking assurances that any agreement will protect their water rights.

Nevertheless, Ethiopia hopes that the summit will facilitate constructive dialogue and create a platform for all parties to reach a consensus. By framing the issue around shared benefits and mutual development, Ethiopia aims to secure an agreement that not only addresses the current disputes but also sets a precedent for future cooperation in managing the Nile’s resources.

The Way Forward: Equitable Use and Regional Stability

A successful resolution at the summit could mark a significant shift in the Nile Basin’s water diplomacy. By emphasizing equitable use, Ethiopia and other upstream nations seek to challenge the status quo, advocating for a system that reflects the modern realities of the region. Such an agreement could enhance regional stability, reduce the risk of conflict over water resources, and promote sustainable development for all Nile Basin countries.

If the Nile Cooperation Framework is implemented, it could pave the way for collaborative projects, particularly in agriculture, hydropower, and climate change mitigation. The equitable management of the Nile is critical for addressing the growing challenges posed by population growth, environmental degradation, and climate variability across the region.

As Ethiopia heads into the Nile Basin Summit, it does so with hope for a historic breakthrough that could reshape the dynamics of water use in the region. The success of the summit could unlock new opportunities for cooperation, development, and peace. However, much will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and embrace a vision of shared prosperity based on the fair and sustainable use of the Nile’s precious resources.

Original article:

#Ethiopia seeks 'historic breakthrough' at upcoming #Nile Basin Summit, advocates for equitable water use Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, expressed optimism that the upcoming Nile Basin Summit in Uganda will “pass a historic resolution” enabling the implementation of the Nile Cooperation Framework Agreement (#CFA) and ensuring “equitable use” of the Nile’s waters. During a meeting with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Ambassador … Більше

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