Addis Ababa: The recent ratification of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) by six Nile Basin countries represents a pivotal advancement toward a fair and sustainable approach to managing the river’s vital resources.
This agreement aims to rectify longstanding historical imbalances and promote collaboration among all nations on the Nile.
Despite the relentless attempts made to deter its implementation, CFA has now officially coming into force on October 13, 2024.
The CFA has been a central topic of discussion among Nile Basin countries for years, now backed by parliamentary ratifications in six member states.
This milestone reflects a commitment to ensuring equitable water use based on established legal principles, it was learned.
Hydro Politics scholar at the Addis Ababa University’s Department of Political Science and International Relations, Professor Ya’akob Arsanow observes that the CFA marks the end of an era that upholds the benefit of few countries from this shared water resource
as it ensures equitable water sharing among all riparian nations.
‘A fair and equitable water use system is established through agreements made between 1999 and 2010. Thirteen years later, each participating country has signed the agreement, which has been ratified by their parliaments,’ he stated.
According to Professor Yakob, ‘This Nile Agreement marks the end of an era that primarily advantages a few nations. The basic legal framework for water use is now in place, governed by law, and aims to facilitate fair water sharing among all involved countries, preventing monopolization by a select few.’
Under the agreement, the countries involved are expected to adopt a legal framework that upholds its principles, ensuring equitable sharing of water resources and diminishing the exclusive rights previously held by few nations.
Regarding Egypt and Sudan, he pointed out that these countries have historically sought to utilize the Nile’s waters exclusively through their agreements.
‘Because some parties, particu
larly Egypt and Sudan, do not accept the agreement, they may wish to continue exploiting water resources solely for themselves, arguing that the entire water wealth belongs only to them. This creates inequality among the countries and underscores the necessity for a legally sound and equitable water use system to avert conflicts.’
He said that both countries should come to their senses and join CFA as most of the members are source countries where Nile River originates.
The CFA highlights the ongoing demand for equitable sharing of water resources, emphasizing the critical need for a fair legal framework to address these challenges.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
