ADDIS ABABA – The enforcement of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) is poised to help riparian countries, including Ethiopia, prevent baseless accusations, according to a prominent water resource scholar.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Adama Science and Technology University’s Water Resource Engineering Professor Mekonnen Ayana stated that false allegations against Ethiopia and other upstream countries will diminish with the CFA’s implementation. He emphasized that the CFA is a multilateral agreement designed to ensure equitable use of the Nile’s water rather than granting supremacy to any single nation.
“Beyond promoting equity, the agreement plays a critical role in preserving water resources and fostering mutual benefits through joint projects, which will enhance cooperation among riparian nations,” he explained. With the CFA in place, Ethiopia, often the target of unfounded accusations, will be better equipped to defend itself.
The CFA’s entry into force follows years of negotiations among Nile Basin countries. Prof. Mekonnen highlighted that the principles adopted in the final framework will be vital in resolving disputes. He pointed out that the colonial-era agreements favored downstream nations have been legally invalidated by the new principles agreed upon by the majority of riparian states.
Moreover, he noted that the significance of the CFA extends beyond legal considerations. “There are over 276 trans-boundary rivers in the world that experience far fewer conflicts than the Nile. Frameworks like the CFA are essential for fostering harmonious relations among countries,” he said.
“If Egypt and Sudan continue to resist change, they signal their unwillingness to achieve sustainability, which could undermine their credibility in the international community,” he warned. The expert suggested that both Sudan and Egypt are likely to join the soon-to-be-established Nile Basin Commission, given the benefits it offers. “The Commission will help them secure their fair share of the river’s resources,” he added.
Following years of negotiations, the CFA officially came into force on October 13, 2024, marking a significant step towards collaborative water governance and reducing conflicts among the eleven Nile Basin countries.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024
