Ethiopia ratify Nile River agreement in spite of antagonism
Date
10/17/2024 3:16:25 AM
(MENAFN) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has officially announced the implementation of a cooperative framework agreement designed to manage and develop the water resources of the Nile Basin, despite facing significant opposition from neighboring countries Egypt and Sudan. This framework, known as the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), establishes the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC), a permanent entity aimed at promoting collaboration among the region's upstream nations.
The CFA, also referred to as the Entebbe Agreement, was originally signed in 2010 by several countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi, with South Sudan joining the agreement in 2012. However, the ratification process was delayed as parliaments in at least six of these nations took time to approve the deal. South Sudan's parliament finally gave its approval in July, and in August, Ethiopia submitted the agreement to the African Union, allowing it to take effect 60 days after South Sudan's accession.
In a statement made on Sunday, Prime Minister Abiy described the entry into force of the CFA as a “historic milestone” in the collaborative efforts of the signatory countries to promote genuine cooperation within the Nile Basin. He also extended an invitation to non-signatory states to join the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective goals related to development and regional integration.
In contrast, Egypt and Sudan issued a joint statement over the weekend rejecting the CFA, labeling it an “incomplete” document that fails to adequately represent the interests of the entire Nile Basin. They called for all involved parties to avoid unilateral actions that could further deepen divisions between the nations.
The situation highlights the complexities of Nile Basin politics, where issues of water rights and resource management have long been contentious. As Ethiopia moves forward with the CFA, the responses from Egypt and Sudan will be crucial in shaping future discussions around Nile water management and regional cooperation.
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