Ethiopia once again reiterated its firm position on the equitable and fair utilization of the Abay River in the ongoing UN Assembly. Ethiopia, although contributing a hefty share of the common resource has been taking the lead to spur Regional Corporation and undo age-old misuse and unfair monopolies keeping possible growth at bay. Yet since the onset of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) and later the Abay Dam, Ethiopia has been the front runner to rally riparian nations on board and come up with a common mechanism to manage the shared precious resource.
The country’s leadership has been corroborated by practical measures. Being among the first signatories of the CFA, the country also signed the Declarations of Principle and the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding with Sudan and Egypt. Now that CFA has been ratified by the number of required countries, there is an increased call on downstream nations to join upstream nations and work for common socioeconomic development. At the heart of regional cooperation is Ethiopia. Paradoxically, while the major contributor of the river follows the path of negotiation and cooperation, downstream countries which contribute nothing have been fixated on maintaining a colonial monopoly.
Last week, Ethiopia, in the UN General Assembly, encouraged Egypt to ratify the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) on the Nile River that would return the country to peaceful conduct of its relations with the riparian states.
Ethiopia also urged the downstream country to choose the path of negotiation and international law as well as reorient its colonial-based policy on the Abay (Nile River).
Ethiopian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations delivered his country’s first right of reply to the unfounded accusation of Egypt against Ethiopia in its policy statement at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79.)
The diplomat emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and development in managing the shared water resource, local media reported. Egypt is thus encouraged to ratify the CFA and play a constructive role in regional development, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye stated.
“Egypt has the golden opportunity to return to the peaceful conduct of its relations with the Nile River riparian states. Egypt is thus encouraged to ratify the CFA and play a constructive role in regional development,” he underlined.
Contrary to Ethiopia’s bold position, Egypt has continued to make baseless accusations and unfounded claims. But such efforts are doomed to fail. Egypt should no longer waste time on futile deeds but needs to make up its mind and ratify the agreement.
As the basin stands at a critical juncture, it is imperative that downstream countries consider ratifying the CFA and engaging in meaningful cooperation with their upstream neighbors. The agreement is soon to be signed into law under the auspicious of the African Union.
The African Union serves as a vital mediator in the ongoing dialogue over Nile water rights. Its emphasis on continental unity and cooperation aligns perfectly with the objectives of the CFA.
Egypt and Sudan must recognize that cooperation, rather than confrontation, is the key to sustainable resource management. The CFA represents a pivotal opportunity to establish a shared vision for the Nile that respects the rights and needs of all countries involved.
In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges and dwindling resources, it is essential for all Nile Basin countries to come together. It is time for Egypt and Sudan to seize this opportunity, engage with Ethiopia in a spirit of partnership, and commit to a future where the Nile continues to nourish and sustain all its riparian states.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER 2024
